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#bruce wayne had been batman for longer that my dad was alive
blinkys · 2 years
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Batman's cowl
I cannot sleep so it is time for y'all to suffer through my rant again (the again are for those who suffered them, either on whatsapp or discord).
For people who unluckily met me, you know I deeply believe that Batman should rot when someone'll buy common sense for Bruce and make him RETIRE. He's old. I know his joints crack the second he tries to sit up from a chair.
Anyway.
Dick would hate to take over. Minus 99 on 100, would not try again. He had his taste of the cowl and it was bitter. And he was never designed for it; Robin was always meant to be what Batman cannot be.
He was the light in the darkness, the laughter despite Gotham's protector's violence. I do not mean that there isn't something lurking in Dick's eyes- he's made of anger, of strong emotions, after all. But he represents hope in such a blatant, painful way that shoving him into Batman's black armor would be just like snuffing a candlelight.
Nightwing is more than what Bruce could ever imagine, and I will fight anyone who does not see his importance in the DCU. I will die on this hill, you cannot change my mind.
I had a rant on Jason, but there are new points I want to target. I think he has the ambiguous luck of being both in the middle of things, and then got away far enough that he could see the horrifying cycle of Gotham, feeding on Batman's and his rogues' neverending battle and understanding what it means. He is right that, in killing those villains, he is saving far more innocents than Batman ever will. It is true that, if he were to take the cowl, we could see improvements in Gotham. He would be breaking the cycle.
But would he be doing it as Batman, or as the Red Hood with new silly little bat ears? After you take away Batman's reason of being (Bruce's trauma, duty to the name Wayne and need to do, to be, good), after you take away his ethics ("Batman does not kill"), what is left? An empty husk, with a tarnished history.
Jason rose up from what was made of him. From the street rat, from Robin's replacement, from the Joker's victim. He will not be restrained again to the whims and definitions of others.
Tim... is the hardest for me. Because he would make a good Batman. An efficient one. And that's where the danger lies. It has been shown, again and again, that Tim's drawn a line in the sand. And while he keeps strictly to it, sand shifts, as time goes by.
Tim's whole thing is being what is needed, at that time. He became Robin, part admiration, but mostly because "Batman needs a Robin". He losts Robin, but still did what he deemed as necessary, when Bruce was lost to time - even going as far as starting an alliance with Ra's fucking al Ghul. Tim is driven by need. And confronted unceasingly by Gotham's merry-go-round of weirdoes, it wouldn't be too strange if he felt that an accident or two was needed.
Tim, more than anyone in his family, requires a support structure. Not one like Batman who, despite it all, is still quite a solitary figure, but a whole Team like the Titans- if only for the well-being of his enemies, if not his own. Tim needs people who push him to be the best he could be, people who need him to be their moral compass.
Damian, at the contrary of Tim, is one of the easiest one for me. He may had been raised with the idea of being Heir to the Bat, but he was always fairly independent, in ways his brothers weren't when they first meet Bruce; Dick needed support after his tragedy, Jason wanted a father who would treat him as a desired son, Tim was seeking anyone who could give him any positive form of attention.
Damian needed stability. And it sure wasn't Bruce who gave him that; it was Dick. So he never developped those strong feelings and bonds (he still has a strong relationship with his father, don't get me wrong) that anchored his brothers to Bruce's shore. Even as a Robin, the only thing tying him up with his predecessors is the weight of the mantle.
He has learnt that being the result of his bloodline does not mean that he was to be restrained by it. I like to think of Damian's story as one of learning; he's not Ra's al Ghul's heir, he is not Batman's heir. He is Damian al Ghul Wayne and he'll grown up to be something great all on his own.
And while his adventure still has a long way to go, I deeply believe that, at the end of it, he'd rather seek an identity for himself rather than take on his Father's.
Now, Cassandra. Either be it ethics, morals or just narrative interest, she'd be a great Batman. Just like Bruce, her inability to kill comes from trauma; from her taking life for the first time and swearing she'd never do that again. Her line is drawn in blood, and that means that she'll keep to it much more stubbornly.
At this point, the only reason why I don't think she should take over Batman is that I just believe all legacy heroes deserve more than taking over their mentor unfinished business. I' sorry I'm totally being blinded by this image of a perfect Cassandra who will succeed in everything she does.
I don't even need to talk about Signal. He's already so different from that whole Batman and Robin thing, don't lower him like That.
Specials mentions for Spoiler, who would shout "Fuck Batman!" with middle fingers raised. She had been a replacement Robin once, she's not looking to repeat the experience and she has learnt that she's much better than what Bruce deserves.
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morgansunflower · 2 months
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My Sweet Boy 2/2
Requested by @fanfiction-24824
Bruce Wayne X Wife! Kryptonian! Kent! Reader
Warnings:suggestive content, explicit language and angst
Words:1315
Arthur's notes! Part 2 of my sweet boy! Conner is a clone of Batman and Y/N. Early! Adopted Tim. Jason didn't die by Joker but was severely injured. Third P. O. V
Reader and Clark recover from Doomsday's attack.. During which Jason continues to struggle to feel he is not a burden and decides it's best he leaves the only family he's ever loved
Conner was now living on his own and married to M'gann. Dick was no longer in Gotham as he was in Bludhaven. A little boy boldly tried to steal Batman's tires which led to the Wayne's adopting him. Only a year after that did they adopt Tim after Jason befriended him and discovered the poor child was being neglected. Then soon thereafter Y/N was pregnant and had her first child Damian.
Jason had only recovered physically from the bombing and Joker's brutality.. He tried to be strong but felt fragile. He wants to fall apart and be held by his parents.. Though he buries his fears down once a threat arrives to hurt those whom he loves.
When Dooms-day came to earth and the mad monster finally fell to the ground. Bruce along side his family search through in the debris from the brutal altercation. They were looking for both Kent siblings. Deep inside Bruce's heart was in agony with a similar fear he did when he searched for his son.
.....
"Clark" she cried seeing her brother laying there only a few feet away, just as battered as she was.
Both the Kryptonians suits were torn and they both had been deeply bruised. The broken bones of the two siblings nearly mirror each other. She cries in pain, crawling to him and then tried scooting closer to him. He turned his head to her.
"Y/N" he gasps overcome with relief
He began to crawl to her wincing as he breathes heavily. They finally made it to each other as the twins both softly smile to each other.. Tears fall down both of their faces. He holds her hand listening the first heartbeat he ever heard.
"MOM!! UNCLE CLARK!!" Conner cried "DAD THERE OVER HERE!!" he shouts to Bruce
"LOIS THEY'RE HERE!!" Bruce shouts to his sister-in-law
Bruce began running to the Kryptonians along with Lois who was running behind him
.....
Inside Wayne Manor upstairs in the bedroom of Mr and Mrs. Wayne. On the large bed, Bruce's eyes begin to slowly open. The sunlight shun through the windows to their bed, to his wife's sleeping face. He looked to his wife who laid sleeping by him.
Her knuckles were bandaged from the thin layer of skin that had been damaged from repeatedly punching the tough skin of Doomsday.
Had it not been for both Kryptonians one of the the Kent siblings would have not made it out alive.
Back at the Kent farm Clark was recovering just as his sister is, from their near death experience. Lois doted to him in any way she could.
After checking on his mom which of course led to his hair being pulled by his baby brother. Tim carried a cup of hot chocolate for Jason, while walking to his big brother's room. He knocks on Jason's door.
"hey Jay. I got you some hot chocolate.." Tim waits.. "Jason?!"
He knew Jason would be furious if he just opened the door and let himself in.. Though what if he's having another panic attack? What if he's not ok? What if he needs help?
Tim accepted that angering his brother was worth it, just to ensure he's OK. He opened the door. He's not in his bed, not in his chair and he's not in his bathroom. He's not out on the balcony. He takes a deep breath and puts the mug of chocolate on his brothers nightstand.
Tim calls Jason.. Repeatedly as it continues going to voice mail. OK he can panic now. Tim runs to his parents room
"mom! Dad! Alfred!" he yelled
The door opens as both Bruce, Y/N and Alfred whom was holding Damian. Hurry to their loved one.
"son what's wrong?" Bruce asked him directly
"J-Jason's gone and he won't answer my phone calls" Tim blurted out his throat shaking
Y/N gasps "Tim don't panic baby we will find him" Y/N promised "he probably went out to get some fresh air" she ensures Tim, unable to even believe her own words.
She began to try to listen for his heartbeat that wasn't near her. She listened more carefully but unfortunately it caused her mind to race and her head aching to a harsh throb. The pain caused the injured Kryptonian to wince. Bruce looks to her face, studying her clenched jaw and weakened breath.
"you're in pain"
"...no I'm not...." she lied
"you are going back to bed to rest. We will find Jason without you overexerting yourself"
"dammit!" she cursed furious that he was right "please find my baby" she begged now in tears
Bruce gives her a sweet kiss and then bolts to the Bat-cave. Bruce called both his oldest sons. Dick quickly went to Gotham but not quite as quickly as Conner.
Conner knew his brothers well enough that he knew their Heartbeats individually. So finding his brother wasn't too difficult. He touches his intercom telling the family, that he found him. He sits next to his little brother. He needs to get him back home, but first they need to talk.
"you don't have to be strong all the time Jason.. I don't know if you're going to fully ever be OK.. But you can't let the fear run you or trick you into believing running is the right thing to do. You gotta let people in. You have let your family in.."
"I know.. I just hate being scared all the fucking time" Jason cried "I feel so small Conner. Like I'm back in that--" he sighed heavily Conner gently rubbed his back to comfort him "I know there trying to be there for me and I want to be OK but--" he lightly shakes his head "but I don't want to burden them or mom and I just want it to be over... She almost died Conner... How can I tell them how damaged I feel, when she is in pain to"
He softly sighed "it's OK that you're not OK and they will understand. Just so you know.. I know how you feel"
"it's hard to sleep.." he admits and then stammered by his, statement. He used his hand to dry his runny nose from his emotions "what are you talking about?" he looks to his older brother seeing his past reflection of trauma.. He, truly understands.
Conner takes a deep breath in and out preparing to express his pain "well back in.. Cadmus.. When I messed up or didn't do well enough in their eyes. They weren't exactly kind or understanding with my results. I still struggle with feeling like I'm back in that pod sometimes.. It helps to think about things that calm you down and when that, doesn't work listening to music.. And if even that doesn't work you can lean on Mom or Dad" he shrugged "or anyone of us. We're family we gotta stick together especially when we've been through so much. You are never ever going to be a burden to any of us. We, love you Jason don't forget that"
"I know I just thought if I left.. It'd be easier on everyone.. I'm sorry you go through this to.. I knew you went through shit but I didn't.. I didn't really get it"
"it's not your fault you didn't know Buddy..." Conner rubs his forehead and stands, offering his hand to Jason "c'mon let's go home everyone is worried about you especially Mom"
"oh no!!!" Jason exclaimed in guilt, he was so worried about burdening them, he didn't think of how much he worried them "I'm in such deep shit"
Jason takes Conner's hand standing onto his feet with his brother.
"it's alright and cool it down with the cussing kid" Conner said ruffling his hair as Jason snickered.
"thanks Conner" Jason softly said
"what are big brothers for?" he smiled hugging his little brother.
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talzane · 2 years
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So I recently saw a post on here advocating for Danny being a Wayne-Kyle rather than a al Ghul-Wayne, and since we are listing potential mothers of Danny, Diana Prince, Lois Lane, and Black Canary would also make sense.
Stereotypically in Batpham stories, Talia al Ghul (I very much prefer al'Ghul, but whatever) is the mother of twins Damian and Danyal, but older brother Danny has *so* much potential as well for both Danny--suddenly thrust into being older sibling--and Damian--no longer the only blood son. Alongside those virtues for the story, she's a pretty terrible mother who still loves her children...sometimes, which opens up a whole can of worms for once she finds out Danny is still alive.
Selina Kyle as Danny's mother has potential in multiple ways: if, like the Gotham TV series, Bruce and Selina knew each other before he left to learn to be Batman (which took ~8-10 years in that timeline. Though according to B:Year One, he spent a year in surveillance, ten years in training, and another year doing...something), then Danny would get his powers during the early days of Batman, he'd be significantly older than Damian, a blood son, and Selina's lost kitten. Selina being mad at Bruce for leaving her pregnant, not coming home when she (literally) lost their child, and then talking to her like nothing happened would also be an interesting dynamic. Considering her globe trotting exploits, her attempting to rob the Egyptian exhibit for Pharaoh Duulaman of its cat-like gems would make sense and enable her to meet Danny, at least in Phantom form. If you throw in a ghost fight that takes him down to human form or an Egyptian relic that temporarily disables Danny, she'd find her lost kitten. I just think it has a lot of potential.
Then there's Wonder Woman, who I've already made a post about due to her almost relationship with Batman in the Justice League cartoons. She could have very easily had a falling out with Bruce, or been taken to Paradise Island to give birth and had her son given away to Hephaestus.
Lois Lane is an interesting situation especially considering whether or not Danny would also be Clark's kid. There's always the, "Bruce Wayne can sleep with anybody he wants," situation to still make it Batpham with Superman problems, but Danny just being the result of a mistake in college for Lois would be interesting too. Her dad is a general for the US Army with connections, so he could potentially have Danny disappeared since he'd be bad for Lois' burgeoning career/college years. Either way, it would be an interesting dynamic especially if Lois wanted to find her kid at one point, perhaps before agreeing to marry Clark since she might think she needed closure before potentially becoming a mother again, and that lead her to Amity Park, site of a massive government cover up, a portal to another dimension, and a continuous, ghost invasion that's only stymied by some dead teenager.
I also say Black Canary because of Danny's Wail. It would be mildly interesting if she had a lost child and then Danny turned up on the JLU radar due to his scream, which would have manifested naturally, but due to ectoplasm became...enhanced.
Anyways, that's my two cents.
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simpforfandoms · 1 year
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Would they be a soldier, poet, or king?
masterlist
no one asked for this but I need to get this out of my head this is just the 4 most popular batboys but trust me when I say I got love for Duke, Luke, Cullen, etc. too.
Dick Grayson: probably a unpopular opinion but I think Dick would be soldier. The way I see it a soldier is someone who is filled with rage but not necessarily consumed by it. A soldier is someone who will continue fighting not because they want to, but because it’s all they’ve ever known. They crave that familiarity. There are many times in canon where we can see Dick’s anger but he doesn’t let it consume him. Yes there’s times where all he can feel is anger but he uses that to fight. Dick has been Robin since he was like 10. It’s all he really knows. He’s been a vigilante longer than he knew his parents. He knows he can stop at any time, but he doesn’t. He might not want to, but he feels that obligation. No matter how much he wants to stop he won’t. He dreams of a life where he can settle down, but he knows that will never happen. Dick will never stop fighting, and that’s what makes him a soldier.
Damian Wayne: A king is someone who has had their destiny written long before they were alive. A king is someone who was told to do things and they did. A king is someone who often wonders who they would be if they didn’t have all those responsibilities. Damian fits this perfectly. His fate was decided at a very young age. He was to be the heir of the Al Ghul throne. However, when he met Bruce his fate changed. He was now expected to be the next Batman. To be the perfect little robin. A little part of Damian expected it of himself to. Which is the saddest part. He feels that he’ll always have to be responsible for something because he doesn’t know who he is without it. The ideology that if he wasn’t fulfilling something for someone he wasn’t worth anything was installed to him at a very young age. He carried that thought with him everywhere. He is nothing without duty. So he continues his life trying to live up to everyone’s expectations never once trying to live for him. He only knows how to exist when he is needed. Damian Wayne is a king.
Jason Todd: Probably another unpopular opinion but Jason Todd is a poet. If we think in it in a more literal sense, his pain is literally for others entertainment. I mean poets often use their pain to create entertainment. Jason Todd’s death was and is still used as a punchline and entertainment. In a more metaphorical sense, Jason Todd needs his pain to mean something. He needs it to make a difference, because if it doesn’t what was it all for? That’s why he’s Red Hood. That’s why he doesn’t agree with Batman’s no kill rule. While all the pain and hurt are eating him up from the inside, Jason doesn’t want it to go away. Truth is, he loves the pain. He wants to live it. He wants to be reminded of all the trauma so he has a reason to do what he does. Because he has to have the pain mean something. He convinces himself that his pain is beautiful meaningful art. Which maybe it is.
Tim Drake: Maybe yet another unpopular opinion, but Tim is a soldier. He’s filled of rage. No one really knows why, but if I had to guess a large factor is probably due to his dads death. But the fury had been around since he was child. He does a good job of hiding it though. He burries it deep inside. He decided that his anger needed to be his biggest weapon. Anger is hideous if it righteous, so he used it to fight. He’s been fighting for as long as he can remember. He fought to become robin. He fought to be taken seriously. He fought his own voices in his head. Tim Drake is fighter. Like Dick, he wants to stop fighting but he can’t. It’s almost like it’s an addiction. It’s like he’s dependent on the fight. He won’t stop fighting til all his rage is released. Which lets be for real, might be a while.
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uncpanda · 3 years
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Glasses
AN: I saw this and had to write something about it. I don’t think I did it justice, but I still like this a lot!!! 
Pairing: Bruce Wayne x Fem!Reader 
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Your elbow is resting on the table, and your chin is resting on the palm of your hand, while you stare at your husband. You’ve never seen someone glare so hard at an inanimate object. You sigh, “They’re not going to bite you Bruce.” 
“They’re insulting.” 
“You need them Bruce, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Plenty of people wear glasses.” 
His eyes snap to you, “I’m the Batman. I shouldn’t need glasses.” 
You huff and straighten. You take a second to stretch your arms over your head and loosen the muscles in your back and neck. You smile a little cheekily at him, “Maybe you need them because you're Batman?” 
He shifts his glare to you, “Way to kick me while I’m down. You’re my wife. You should be encouraging me, treating me kindly in my time of need.” 
You smile, “Bruce. This is not a time of need. You have had many times of need over the years: broken bones, burns, fights, alien attacks, and so on and so on. Having to wear glasses so you don’t squint in board meetings or at computer screens is just part of getting older.” You lean forward and run your fingers through the sides of his hair. “It’s not a bad thing Bruce. Getting older means you’re alive and that you’re living your life.” 
He leans into your touch, “I don’t like it. It’s starting to take me longer and longer to recover. I’m moving slower. I don’t . . . I don’t think I have much time left before I can’t do the job any longer.” 
The admission takes you by surprise. You’ve both known it was coming, he’s fifty one now after all. You’ve both skirted around the topic, and you’ve both seen how the damage has increased. 
“You’ve done good Bruce. When it’s time . . . well you’ve done what you can.” 
“It’s not enough.” 
You shrug, as shouts, jeers, and talking sounds through the house as the front door opens and closes. You lean back in your chair, withdrawing your hand and Bruce’s head follows after your hand for the slightest second before he straightens. 
Your kids fall into the dining room in a mass group. Calls of “Hey mom” and “Hey dad” are shouted out as bickering ensues. Dick’s in his senior year now, Jason is a sophmore, Tim is in eighth grade, and Damian is in fifth, Cass is in second and your baby Zara is in first. The older boys Dick and Jason have been trained and participating in the “family business” since they were ten. Tim is still in training and Damain has just started. The girls are still blissfully unaware. 
“What are those?” Jason’s question is said with a grin, and a teasing glint in his eyes. 
You bite your lip as the rest of the kids crowd in. Dick lets out a sigh, “FINALLY!” he turns to Bruce, “You’ve been squinting at the computer screens for months now.” 
Tim coughs, “Two years.” 
“Guys.” Your tone is full of warning, “Your dad is feeling a little self conscious about wearing glasses.” 
Tim’s brow furrows, “Why? I wear glasses. Mom always says I look very handsome.” 
“You do baby. And so will your dad once he actually puts them on.” 
Damian looks at them, “I don’t think they’ll go with the bat suit.” 
Dick clamps a hand over Damian’s mouth, and Jason rolls his eyes, “Ignore the demon spawn. He’s been a pain since he was an infant.” 
Damian breaks through, “I had colic! It wasn’t my fault!!!” 
“No baby. It wasn’t. And you were a great baby, after the three months of constant crying was done.” 
Cass is the one who picks the glasses up, and opens them. She puts them on her face and Bruce smiles. “You look beautiful Cass.” 
She nods, “Your turn.” 
Zara pats his leg, “You can do it daddy.” 
You watch as Bruce gives in. Those girls have him wrapped around their little fingers. You smile as Cass slides the glasses onto Bruce’s face. Everyone crowds in to take a look. 
You smile at the sight. 
Jason groans, “They don’t make you look any different. It isn’t like Clark and his magic glasses.” 
There are murmurs of agreement as the kids clear out and move to get snacks and start on their homework. Once they’re gone you slide out of your seat and onto Bruce’s lap. Your arms snake around his shoulders as his arms encircle your waist. 
“I think the glasses make you look even more handsome.” 
He raises an eyebrow, “Oh really?” 
“Mhmm.” 
“Getting older doesn’t have to be bad Bruce. And if you step back from some of your duties we can spend more time together.” 
He grins, “An upside to a bad situation.” 
You lean down and kiss him, before saying, “And if you really hate them, there’s always contacts.” 
He leans back in his seay and groans, “I forgot about contacts.” 
You wink, “It’s  the reason you keep me around.” 
He leans up and brushes his lips against the corner of your mouth, “One of the many reasons.” 
There’s a crash and some yelling; accusations fly and you sigh before standing up. “Time to put the new glasses to use and see who did what.” 
He stands, adjusts the frames, and holds out his hand, “Let’s go.” 
And together, like everything, you move towards the future together. 
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Batman and Robin (2011) and Robin:Son of Batman.
Okay, but let me present the best version of Damian Wayne.
I think it's important to talk about these both comic books and their impact into Damian's character and development.
Batman and Robin (2011)
This comic book series make an introspectation in Bruce and Damian relationship and their development.
They are not perfect, they made mistakes more than you can realize, but both of them are really trying to improve, as a father and son.
Bruce's progression to become a better version of himself, not only to be a better dad but also moving on and being able to hold a family is probably one of my favorite versions of his character.
So human and protective, but also full of love to his beloved son but mainly, he is not perfect, he made mistakes but also realize and improve himself.
And even that his dynamic with Damian is not as good as Dick and Damian's dynamic, it was always been a pleasure to see a Batdad in action.
For othr part we have Damian, who is definetly the star of the show.
He is so alive and sweet in all the moments and if you have any doubt about how you see Damian, this comic books scream to you to see him as your son.
He's baby. Confused, scared but at the same time innocent throught all the bs he had went.
He also made mistakes, but as the same as Bruce, he is really trying to improve himself all the time and become the better version of himself.
We explore completely their relationship and bond, since the beginning when they have arguments and troubles, to the climax, then resolution.
But also we could see their darkest time in their lives, dealing with the grief and pain and having one of the most emotional issues with no words that I've ever read.
We have some great issues with an exceptional art and great stories.
9.8/10
Robin: Son of Batman.
The reason why I put SOB in the same place that B&R (2011) it's because I've always feel like an spin-off.
An excellent spin-off dedicated to develop and had an introspectation of Damian's character.
Talking about his traumas, fears, innocence, relationships and childhood.
Son of Batman make an excellent path to the redemption and self-forgiving.
SOB is probably one of my favorite or my favorite Damian Wayne introspectation of his character.
Explores so much his character in all the dimensions and density that this can have and also his relationships.
We have Maya, one of the best friends and a big sister figure to him, she is a great character, having the enough density to collaborate with Damian and being easily recognize.
Her design is beautiful and memorable and her story is also great and make contrast with Damian. She actually has a character arc that talk about forgiveness and moving out.
We also have Goliath, I already talked about this beautiful being, but it's so important to Damian and his development to the story.
Ravi, I think it was great including Ravi as a good teacher and maybe some kind of grandpa figure that cares about Damian, but also as a symbol that somethings can't never be change no matter what.
Then Talia, who was also make a good impression here, denying GM version of her, she is humanize and Gleason actually make her justice, not putting her as a good nor bad person.
Damian's path is determinated by pain, traumas and regrets and will not be easy to moving on, but Damian will always be compromised to do it.
It involved child abuse, but it's not too graphic.
We also have a ton of moments of Damian being a total chaotic child and it's incredible.
He's baby.
It's a great series, but one of my little tiny complain is that it could have been longer, having a little more adventures returning objects of the year of blood and expanding more Damian and Maya's friendship, it's still great tho
Another thing it's that after first 6 issues the quality just went a little down but it was still good, this was mostly because the theme was already finished, so it was more like extra adventures.
Not mentioning that the art was stunning and beautiful, Patrick Gleason's art is so beautiful playing with the sky and shadows that we really need him more.
9.7/10
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ectonurites · 2 years
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listen ok mayb i just have way too many thoughts on fathers and thats like a me problem but like. i think we should get more tim feeling conflicted abt jack like. after the man is dead. ykno. like of course it was traumatic for him and like. it was just one thing after the other back then but like. idk. i dont think all his issues with jack shld just never be brought up again. like he wasnt terrible awful no good very bad but like. he wasnt a saint either. i just want to hear more of tim's thoughts abt his parents and like. how their deaths made his thoughts and feelings even More complicated. and also bruce wayne vs jack drake who is more dad to tim.
Yeah Tim’s relationships with Jack and Bruce are very complex things that like… they do come up sometimes but a lot of his problems with Jack do stop coming up once Jack’s dead.
Earlier on while Jack is alive I think Tim goes a decent amount into his frustrations with him, thinking especially about that issue of Batman that has Tim writing a letter to Jack about how be doesn’t actually know him (that Tim ultimately throws in the fire at the end rather than giving him).
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(Batman #480)
But I think because Jack and Tim had kinda gotten to a place where maybe things were gonna get better between them (because Robin was no longer a secret) right before Jack died, Tim gets really stuck in those ‘what could have been’ thoughts rather than really… analyzing deeply the many problems in their relationship. At the end of the day while Jack & him had many problems and miscommunications, Tim did still love his dad and Jack loved him, and so when he’s gone that loss of the bond is definitely what Tim dwells on (among his other losses)
Then Tim’s whole… thing with the two fathers is complicated. Tim was already 16 when Jack passed and Bruce then adopted him about a year later, but Bruce had already been acting as a father figure/mentor since he was 13. It makes it this weird transition between ‘Bruce is kinda like a father to me -> Bruce is my father.’ and it doesn’t help that Bruce ‘dies’ not all that long after.
Thinking especially about Tim’s story in the halloween special, about him trying to deal with Bruce being gone by relating it to what he and Bruce had done after Jack passed. Tim definitely embraced Bruce as his parent despite the complicated relationship, and it just made the loss hit all that much harder, but Jack’s presence still lingers.
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(DCU Halloween Special 2009)
The ‘for someone’s approval’ here as he’s at his parents’ grave always stands out to me. Even though he doesn’t go all that deeply into his problems with Jack once he’s dead, I think this bit of it/idea does come up- that Tim feels like he continually had to be searching for his approval. I think there’s traces of that all the way back in Robin III in his fight with Jack about being sent boarding school to boarding school/feeling he’s only valued on the basis of accomplishment. I think this is probably as close to criticizing his dad as he really gets post-Jack’s death tbh. Even though he’s framing it in a ‘this is what i’m doing- looking for approval’ sort of way, I think it’s in part Tim being aware of the fact that the way his parents were with him made him feel the need to push so hard to try to earn it.
idk there’s… there’s a lot there to go into and I agree it’d have been nice to see it explored more on page. But I get why a lot of it wasn’t, because so much shit was happening non-stop for him there wasn’t really space to go into it all that deeply. Focusing just on the angst of the loss itself rather than the complex emotions that come from losing a parent you had a difficult relationship with is definitely… the easier thing to fit in when Tim’s also going through a ton of other losses too. (and then I mean, reboot happened and it became moot, and even tho the reboot stuff is now undone it’s like… been so long and it’s so unclear exactly how much is the same as before that the opportunity to explore it has kinda passed unless we get a good in-universe reason to establish why he’d be re-examining that stuff now)
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ragingbookdragon · 3 years
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And I Will Still Be Here Stargazing PT. 2
A Batsis x Batfamily Story!
Word Count: 1.4K Warnings: Explicit Language, Mentions of Past Assault
Author's Note: Gotta start it slow and get into it! Hope y'all are enjoying so far! -Thorne
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You’ve been missing for an entire week.
That entire statement had her ushered into a side room of GCPD while Gordon called her family, and all she could to was let the officers poke and prod at her whilst asking her questions about what happened to her all week. Expect she had no idea how to respond. She hadn’t been missing for a week, at least that’s what she believed.
When the officer checking her out showed her their phone, she was flabbergasted at the fact that sure enough, an entire week had passed between that night and now. She couldn’t wrap her head around it and she could tell some of the officers were getting annoyed with her lack of explanation.
“Probably out getting bent in a high riser all week. We should test her for cocaine and ecstasy.”
Her head shot up and she glowered at the two officers snickering just outside the door. “I wasn’t doing drugs, you assholes.” They stopped laughing and gaped at her, and suddenly she realized that she’d heard their whispering from that far. Her cheeks warmed and she looked back down to avoid their stares.
“Miss (Y/N), we should get you to the hospital to do a rape kit.”
She glanced at the officer beside her. “I wasn’t assaulted, ma’am.”
“You never know,” she explained. “It’s always better to be safe than—”
(Y/N) reached out and put her hand on her arm. “I wasn’t assaulted. I don’t know what—” something flashed across her mind, a memory, or a nightmare rather, the same officer before her, drowsy and helpless, locked in a room with a coworker. She yanked her hand away, understanding why; swallowing thickly, she murmured, “I’m fine. I just need to talk to my family.”
“Are you sure?” the officer asked, concern evident all over her face. “There’s no shame in asking for help.”
“Yeah, I’m fi—”
“(Y/N)!”
She looked up, seeing her family running towards her; (Y/N) was on her feet in seconds, colliding with her dad, arms wrapping around his waist as he placed one on the back of her head, holding her close. Her brothers and sister crowded around her, all holding tight to their missing sister.
“Oh, sweetheart,” he whispered harshly, unshed tears in his voice. “We’ve been so worried about you.”
Tears gathered in her eyes at the fear in his voice and she swallowed thickly. “I don’t know what’s going on, dad. I’ve been missing for a week?”
“You don’t remember?” Dick questioned lowly in her ear so no one could hear, and she shook her head.
“No. All I remember is seeing the comet that night and then…I was waking up the next morning.” She turned her head so she could see her eldest brother’s face. “A week has apparently passed but I don’t know how.”
Bruce hummed, pulling away from her and he took her face in his hands, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “We’ll talk about it at home,” he assured and stood back, glancing at Gordon. “Thank you for finding her, Commissioner.”
Gordon huffed and ran a hand through his hair. “We didn’t. She found us.”
(Y/N) smiled awkwardly. “Am I free to go home, Commissioner Gordon?”
“You were never not allowed, Miss (Y/N).” He stepped close and rested a hand on her shoulder as he murmured, “But I do think you should go to the hospital.”
“But I’m not—”
“We’ll have Doctor Leslie come to the manor for a personal check up.” Bruce interrupted and she internally thanked her father.
“Of course, Mister Wayne.” Gordon said. “Drive safely.”
Bruce rested his hand on her shoulders and ushered her out of the building and into the car.
***
What was she missing? Obviously, the entire week between then and now, but God, what was it? What had happened between then and now? Had she slept through an entire week? It wasn’t possible. Her family would’ve found her and brought her back. So, what really happened to her? Maybe she had been abducted or something? But her dad would’ve known the second something had entered Gotham. He always did. So, what—
“(Y/N).”
The firm call of her name shook her from her thoughts and she jerked up, looking at the rear-view mirror and into her dad’s eyes. “Yes sir?”
“We’re home.”
(Y/N) took a moment to gaze at her surroundings, and sure enough, the car was parked in the garage. It was just her and him, so the others must’ve gone inside. “Oh…I guess we are.”
“Come up here a minute.” He said and she crawled into the front seat, resting back against the cushions, eyes directed to the wall before her. “Are you alright? And I mean really alright?”
She didn’t even know at that point; she was so stunned trying to process everything, and she gestured vaguely. “I don’t know, dad.” (Y/N) glanced at him. “I’m not lying to you when I say that I have no idea what happened.”
“What do you remember?” he asked, eyes narrowed in that way that told her he was calculating every word for every scenario possible; that it wasn’t her dad looking for answers, but Batman instead. When she opened her mouth, nothing came out and he reached over, placing a hand over hers, squeezing tightly. “Close your eyes. Start from the very beginning. From the last thing you remember to now.”
(Y/N) nodded and took a deep breath, shutting her eyes. “I remember Alfred dropping me off in the field around seven. The sun was still out, and I had enough time to set up the telescope on the tripod.”
“Keep going. You’re doing good. What did it smell and sound like around you?”
She made a face. “Like a farm. But fresher air. I could hear the cicadas and crickets around. The occasional tractor equipment.” (Y/N)’s eyes shifted beneath her eyelids. “I got bored waiting, so I got on my phone until the sun went down. When the stars came out, I went between looking at the sky through the scope and out of it.”
“Then I called you. Do you remember that?”
“I do,” she nodded. “I talked to you and then I saw the comet.” That’s when things started to fall apart, and she shook her head. “I remember pulling away from the lens but then…the next thing I remember is coming to in the field.” (Y/N) opened her eyes and gazed at her hands. “I must’ve fallen asleep, but I don’t remember getting into my sleeping bag. And I certainly don’t remember sleeping for a week straight.”
Bruce merely stared at her, sighing, “We’ll give it time. Maybe something will come to you the longer you’re awake.”
She shrugged and reached for the door-handle, but when she grabbed it, it curled under her grip, and she froze.
“What was that?” he questioned, and her eyes went wide as she hurriedly bent the handle back.
“Nothing!” (Y/N) clambered out of the car and didn’t even close the car door behind her, running up the steps and into the kitchen where she was met by her siblings who pulled her into another hug that she was helpless to escape from. And she was fairly sure that Dick was sobbing on her shoulder.
***
Leslie frowned at the young woman across the room, gesturing for Bruce to follow her into the kitchen. “You’re not going to like the news.”
“What happened?”
She shook her head. “Nothing. Blood and urinalysis are both clean. So is the assault kit.” Leslie stared at him. “It’s almost like she really slept for an entire week.”
“It’s not possible,” Bruce argued. “We scoured that field and all of Gotham with help from every superhero alive.” He sighed. “Something happened to her. She dropped completely off the grid and suddenly reappeared back on.”
Leslie shrugged. “I don’t know what to tell you, Bruce. I don’t have an explanation for this. She’s healthy as a horse.” She placed a hand on his arm. “But if anything changes, give me a call and I’ll come back.”
He nodded, seeing her out. “Thank you, Leslie.” Bruce closed the door and wandered back into the living room, and though he felt such an inner turmoil over his daughter, the sight of her asleep and sandwiched between all her siblings, being protected by them, made him smile.
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sun-moon-stars-jedi · 3 years
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So, I have this idea for a Batfam time travel fanfic that starts when Jason, Tim and Damian are somehow teamed up for a mission (the disaster is practically inevitable from the beginning, but everyone else was either busy or injured, so Bruce had to begrudgingly send them out together) and just as you would expect, something goes terribly wrong.
Later Jason will say it was Tim’s fault because his cape got in the way and tripped Jason up, Tim will say Damian pushed him into Jason’s path so it was really Damian’s fault, and Damian will say that it was a reflection from Jason’s dumb helmet that blinded him and made him stumble into Tim, but regardless of what really happened, they somehow land right in the path of the strange ray gun their villain-of-the-week is wielding and are all hit by something that looks and sounds and feels like a bolt of lightning.
When they wake up, miraculously still alive and only a little bit sore, the warehouse around them is empty, their comms are dead, and once they make their way outside they quickly realize they’re in a Gotham years before their time.
Now, there are of course some very strict rules regarding time-travel and interacting with people they know in the past, but as their luck would have it, their entrance wasn’t exactly subtle (even in Gotham people notice lightning and thunder whithout a thunderstorm), and before they can even make it a block away from the warehouse Batman and Robin swing down from the rooftops and confront them.
Batman of course does his whole “Who are you and what do you want in my city” thing, complete with the growly voice and intimidating loom, but it’s not like that can faze any of his kids after all this time.
No, what gets to them, particularly Tim and Damian, is the teeny version of Dick standing next to Bruce. He can’t be any older than 11 or 12, and while Tim and Damian had both seen pictures and heard the stories, seeing their older brother standing as tall as he can (which isn’t all that tall even compared to them) in his bright yellow cape and the short pants next to Batman...well, can anyone really blame them for bursting out laughing?
That’s of course not the reaction Batman and Robin expect, and for a few seconds they just seem to freeze up in the face of these new costumed...cosplayers?? criminals?? vigilantes?? who are just laughing their asses off when faced with the dynamic duo.
Jason is the only one who doesn’t fall into hysterics (he can’t start laughing; he wore the short pants too and would only open himself up to even more ridicule in the future than he would already undoubtedly get from the two little twerps), and he’s also not stunned with surprise, because he knows exactly what’s going on here.
So, as the only capable person around (what else is new) he barks at Tim and Damian to cut it out and behave professionally. They’re on a mission after all, and they don’t want to antagonize Batman and Robin, do they?
Surprisingly they listen, Tim even mumbles somewhat of an apology at Robin, who still looks kind of sulky, but accepts it after a nudge from Batman.
Then there’s an awkward silence where both sides just look each other over, though it’s not as hostile as it was before, and with some quick mental math on how much he can tell Bruce Jason starts to explain that they’re also a vigilante team like them and don’t want any trouble, they had only made their way into Gotham because they’d tracked a lead.
Jason keeps everything deliberately vague and doesn’t mention the time-travel (he’s not even sure if Bruce and Dick had encountered something like it at this point and he absolutely doesn’t want to get thrown into Arkham because they think he’s delusional), but apparently his answers satisfy Bruce, because he loosens his stance and nods in approval.
Bruce asks if they need any help, what kind of case they’re working on, what their code-names are - they all have to come up with something fast here, because obviously Red Hood, Red Robin and Robin are precisely the worst names they could give Bruce and Dick in this time, so Jason calls himself Arsenal, Tim says Drake (still the worst name Jason has ever heard) and Damian says Flamebird, which is pretty cute Jason has to admit, though he will still definetly tease his brother about his choice once they’re back home.
It’s only when Bruce asks “And how long are you and your sons planning to stay in the city?” that Jason realizes Bruce thinks they’re a father/son(s) crime-fighting team the same as him and Dick and before he can think better of it he says “Not long.” in answer and leaves the other part of the question uncorrected, even though he can practically feel two pairs of eyes burning into his back with indignation.
The conversation moves on and somehow there never seems to be a good opportunity to rectify that, and so they eventually part ways with Bruce and Dick, planning to meet again the next night to exchange information.
Jason, the chaotic older brother that he is, can’t resist a “Come along now, sons” just as they leave - Tim and Damian are pissed, Jason isn’t their dad, he can’t tell them what to do, and once they’re out of Batman and Robin’s earshot they make their opinion on that very clear, but it’s too late now - for as long as they’re in this time they’ll have to pretend in front of Bruce and Dick.
As it turns out getting back home takes a little longer than Jason, Tim and Damian had initially hoped for, so they spend at least a week or two in this time, during which they meet Dick and Bruce pretty much every night and even begin to help out a little when something more dangerous goes down (though compared to what they’re used to, this version of Gotham is pretty tame).
Because Jason can’t resist annoying his brothers he fully lays into the dad role, calling them “son” or “sport” whenever he can and delighting in the furious glares he receives in return.
At some point it also becomes clear how much more experience the three of them have compared to Bruce and Dick, who have only been vigilantes for a couple of years at this point, and when this young Bruce openly asks Jason for advice on how to be a good vigilante dad because Jason obviously seems to have more experience than him, Jason doesn’t know if he should laugh or cry.
This young Bruce is still Bruce Wayne with all his faults of course, but he’s also a lot less jaded and world-weary and sad, so Jason gladly gives him some advice that he hopes makes some things better without breaking the entire time-line.
Meanwhile Tim and Damian learn first hand what a menace young Dick Grayson was - he disobeys orders, pulls dangerous stunts, fights in freaking short pants, but gets away with everything because of his puppy-dog-eyes and because Bruce was even more of a pushover back then than he is in their time.
Obviously Bruce and Dick never learn the true identities of their visitors or their connections to them in this time - one day the three of them just don’t show up anymore and when they investigate they find a post-it note in the warehouse where they’d first met them that just says “Gone home. See you some time in the future.” with the three names Arsenal, Drake and Flamebird signed underneath.
“It was pretty fun having other kids to talk to about all of this,” Dick says, sounding subdued as he looks at the note and Bruce knows he will probably regret this, but he just can’t stand to see his son sad.
“I heard Green Arrow has a side-kick now,” Bruce says, trying to sound casual, but the way Dick looks at him with tentative hope just makes his heart melt instantly. He would give this kid the world if he asked for it. “Maybe it would be a good idea to meet them.”
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dccomicsimagines · 4 years
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What’s Lost is Found - Batfamily Imagine - Part Nine
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Warning - Depressive Thoughts, Angst Content
Part One  Part Two  Part Three Part Four  Part Five  Part Six  Part Six.Five  Part Seven  Part Eight   Part Ten  Part Eleven
Requested by Anon -  I really love the batdad concept,it's so cute! I was just wondering,are we going to have some flashbacks of Bruce being a dad to (y/n) in What's Lost is Found?
***
“We’re here,” Jon whispered as he dropped out of the clouds to fly low. Your heart skipped a beat when you took your face out of his neck to see the manor again. A wave of joy and relief washed over you. Home.
“You know the secret entrance to the cave, right?” You pointed down at a rock by the lake. 
Jon hummed, flying toward it. “Yeah, it’s how I met Damian back when we used to hang out.” You tightened your arms around his neck as he hit the rock at full speed. The two of you went through it and flew down a dark tunnel. “I remember when Damian first told me about the holographic rock. I didn’t believe him.” 
“Oh, I know.” You laughed despite everything. “We made fun of you through the camera as you poked at it before you toppled down the tunnel.” 
Jon smiled for the first time since you left prom. “I figured.” He sobered once he got to the end of the tunnel and flew into the cave. Much to your surprise, the lights were on. The batcomputer running data. Someone sat in the batcomputer’s chair. Your heart went into your throat, thinking it was your dad for a moment before you told yourself it wasn’t. 
The person in the chair turned when Jon landed behind them. “Oh, Mx. Wayne,” Lucius said, blinking in surprise. He frowned at Jon. You tried to get out of Jon’s arms, but he wouldn’t let you go.
“Jon, it’s Lucius. It’s fine,” you whispered in his ear. He relaxed and set you on your feet. “Hi, Lucius. What’s happening?” You went over to the computer, frowning at the footage from across the city. 
Lucius turned back to the computer. “Well, the city is under siege.” He brought up security video from Wayne Tower. A figure you knew led in a group of mercenaries. Your heart stopped at the sight. 
“Is that Bane?” Jon caught you before your knees gave out. 
“We’re not sure. Batgirl is working to get a confirmation.” Lucius gave you a look of concern. “I was under the impression you were retired, Mx. Wayne.” 
“Not now.” You swallowed hard. “Did you call in the Justice League?” 
Lucius pursed his lips. “No, there appears to be a number of disasters around the world. The Justice League has their hands full.” You pulled away from Jon and went to the computer. 
“This was set up.” You frowned, accessing the second keyboard on the batcomputer. “There is no way all this could happen at once.” 
Jon pressed close to your back, hovering rather protectively. “You don’t know that.” 
You glared at him to back off, but he stayed where he was. “There was a breakout at Stryker's Island and Blackgate. An earthquake in Peru and Japan. Plus there is a terrorist attack in Atlantis. All this on top of Gotham under siege. This is not a coincidence.”
Lucius hummed. “You are very much like your father, Mx. Wayne.” He frowned at the computer, bringing up footage of Gotham General Hospital. A tank-like batmobile crashed through the soldiers’ blockade around the hospital. Damian jumped out of one of the hospital’s windows and glided down into the batmobile. You relaxed, knowing he was safe.
“Your design?” You pointed at the batmobile.
“Yes, your father requested it before...well.” Lucius folded his hands, smiling as Damian drove off. Jon breathed down your neck. His arm wrapped around your waist. Irritation build up inside, but you ignored it. 
“I’m surprised you’re here in the cave, Lucius. We closed it up.” You flipped through the other footage, trying to get a better view of Bane-looking figure. Jon’s arm tightened enough to hurt. You put your hand on his. He relaxed.
“I was evacuated here along with some of our...more sensitive projects when we received intelligence about the siege.” Lucius frowned, bringing up the police scanner. “Oh dear.” 
“We got 10-71 on 45th and 3rd. Gotham Gazette is on fire.” The police scanner beeped as another voice cut off the first. “10-72. Firefighters are trapped in the building by a 10-32.”
You pulled away from Jon. “Is anyone able to help them?” 
Lucius shook his head. “No, Batman, Red Hood, and Batwoman are on the docks stopping more soldiers from entering the city. Red Robin and Spoiler are defending the police station. Batgirl is trailing the Bane lookalike. Orphan, Bluebird, and Signal are preventing Two Face’s bank robberies. Huntress, Batwing, Starfire, and Nightwing are MIA.” 
“What?” Your blood ran cold. Jon’s arm tightened around your waist again. “Dick and Kori are here?!” 
Lucius nodded. “Yes, we lost track of them two hours ago after they went to stop the Penguin’s gun smuggling ring.” He got to his feet. 
“We have to go.” You turned to look at Jon. Jon’s eyes were wide. He shook his head. “Jon, we have to go. They need us.” 
“No, this is too dangerous. We know this is all because of you. They’re doing this to get you.” Jon cupped your cheek, looking you in the eye. He was more serious than you ever seen him before. For the first time, you couldn’t see the puppy dog elements that you loved about him. 
You shook your head, pulling away from him. “So what? People need help.” You headed over to the display case that held Jason’s Robin suit. “I’ll use this since my suit doesn’t fit anymore.” 
“You won’t have to do that, Mx. Wayne,” Lucius said. You looked back at him in surprise. He smiled and gestured over to a huge case next to the batcomputer. The Wayne Tech logo made your heart skip a beat. “I have something for you. Consider it a graduation gift if you will.” 
“(Y/N).” Jon grabbed your arm as you headed over to the case. “Please. We have to stay out of this.” 
“Do you know something I don’t?” You spun to him. Rage sparked in your heart again. “Because my family is out there in danger! We have to help them!” 
Jon sighed deeply. “Fine.” He closed his eyes. You pulled your arm away from him, wondering if your relationship with Jon will ever be the same again. Tears burned your eyes, but you focused on what was important. You pressed your hand against the bioreader of the case. It beeped, registering your name and opening to reveal a brand new high tech Robin suit. 
It took your breath away. “Oh my.” 
Lucius chuckled. “Get ready, Mx. Wayne. We need you out there.” You timidly took the suit out, feeling the armor and tech. It was the suit you always dreamed of. You turned to go to the changing area, brushing against Jon as you past him. 
“(Y/N).” Jon followed you into the changing room. You sighed, undressing even though he was there. He fell silent, blushing and turning his back to you.  He took off his shirt, revealing his Superboy suit underneath. 
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about anything of this,” you hissed, slipping on the suit. It was like a second skin. The tech turned on at your biological signature. You put the mask on, finding it suddenly connected to the batcomputer.
Jon groaned, spinning to face you in his full Superboy suit. “I couldn’t. This is so much bigger than we thought. I didn’t even know about all this until just before prom and that’s only because it was decided you would stay with us longer.” 
Your hands clenched into fists. Rage ate you alive along with the worry for your family. Dick and Kori were MIA. You knew they could take care of themselves, but why did you have to cause all this? Why did you kill Bane? Why did your father have to die? “I can’t talk about this now. We have to go. Those firefighters need our help.” You marched out of the changing room. 
“As you can tell, the suit is connected to the batcomputer. It also increases your strength and agility.” Lucius smiled at you in the suit with pride. “I would give you more detailed instructions, but we need you to learn as you go.” 
You nodded. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” You turned to Jon. He pursed his lips and picked you up in his arms. 
“Keep your comlink on, Mx. Wayne.” A trace of concern crossed Lucius’ face. “We can’t lose contact with anyone else.” 
“They won’t,” Jon answered for you as he flew into the air. You stayed tense in his arms, wondering if you should have trusted Jon. A lump formed in your throat. You pushed that aside. Jon flew out of the cave and straight toward the war-torn city.
***
You helped the firefighter to his feet. “Robin, where have you been?” he gasped as flames ate up the floor below you. 
“Around.” You half-carried him to the window. Jon appeared, taking the firefighter from you.
“Get out of the building. It’s not stable.” Lucius’ voice filled your ear. Jon floated the firefighter down after giving you a warning look. 
“Can’t. One more inside.” You looked up, seeing the heartbeat through your mask’s bio-vision. The suit was amazing. You felt more alive than you had in a long time. 
Rolling out of the way of falling debris, you flipped your way up through the hole in the ceiling. “Help.” A weak voice came from the stairwell. You wandered over, putting in your rebreather to help with the smoke. It was thicker up here. 
You opened the door to the stairwell only to see a blast of flames hurling toward you. Jumping out of the way, you heard a chilling laugh. “Come on out, Robin,” a male voice shouted. Your mask identified the voice as the Human Flame. “Let me burn you up. Give me that million.” You took out a freeze grenade and threw it around the corner.  
“Don’t you hate Martian Manhunter? Why are you even in Gotham?” You smiled when you heard him howl. Moving so fast to the point where you thought you were flying, you ran around the corner and kicked him hard in the face. He grunted. The ice that formed around him shattered. He slammed into the wall. “Woah.” You laughed, flexing your arm in the suit. “This is so cool.” 
Suddenly, an arm wrapped around your waist and you really were flying. “The building is coming down and you are just hanging out in here?” Jon grumbled in your ear. He picked up the Human Flame by the scruff of his costume and carried you both outside. He dropped the Human Flame by one of the cop cars. 
“I thought it was another firefighter.” You wrapped your arms around his neck. “That was exhilarating.” 
“Mx. Wayne, we lost contact with Batman. His last location was at northeast end of the docks,” Lucius said. Your blood ran cold. 
“Are you sure we’re ready to let Damian know we’re here?” Jon looked nervous as he flew toward the docks when you pointed in the right direction.
You snorted, pretending your hands weren’t shaking. “He probably already knows we’re here.” A high pitch whistle filled the air. You looked over Jon’s shoulder to see a missile coming toward you. “Jon!” 
Jon dropped you, taking the hit. The explosion sent you soaring to the ground. You pulled out your grapple gun, flipping through the air before firing it at a nearby roof. It took the impact as you rolled into your landing. Jon went flying, crashing into the street a block away. 
You sprinted down the street toward Jon only for bright headlights to suddenly beam from behind you. Going off instinct, you rolled into an alleyway as brakes squealed to a stop. You blinked at the tank-like batmoblie. Batman hopped out. You felt sick, reminding yourself that wasn’t your father.
“TT.” He marched to you. “This is not the time for some simpleton to dress like Robin.”
“I’m not a simpleton and I can’t believe you talk like that when you’re Batman. Who will be scared of you?” you retorted, smiling at the shock on his face.
“(Y/N), go home.” He grabbed your arm. “This is a big enough disaster without you making it worse.” 
You yanked your arm out of his grasp. “Shut up.” He narrowed his eyes at you. “I made this mess, so I have to help clean it up.” 
“Ouch,” Jon groaned, appearing at the opening of the alleyway with a limp. “You okay, Robin?” He came to your side. Damian eyed him.
“You brought them here, Superboy?” Damian snarled. It was almost like they were never friends in the first place. Jon bit his lip nervously, keeping his eyes on you. “You idiot, don’t you understand?! This is what they want! You think that missile was a mistake!” 
You swallowed hard. “Why was your comlink off?” You crossed your arms, pushing aside your anger and frustration. “We were sent to look for you.” 
“Fox.” Damian growled. “He gave you that suit too, didn’t he?” Damian tried to grab your arm again. You stepped out of his reach.
“He said Nightwing and Starfire are MIA.” Jon wrapped an arm around your waist. Damian stared at Jon’s arm before glaring darkly at Jon. To his credit, Jon scowled right back at him.
“Yes, I was about to investigate before you dropped in front of my car.” Damian  yanked you away from Jon. “Keep your hands to yourself, Superboy.” 
Jon growled. “Robin and I have been dating for quite some time. I have a right to touch them if they want me to.” 
The pure fury on Damian’s face was priceless. If this wasn’t happening in the middle of a war-zone, you would have enjoyed it more. “Nightwing and Starfire,” you said, stepping between the two men. “We have to go find them now.” 
“Fine.” Damian’s grip tightened on your arm. He pulled you toward the tank-like batmobile. “You’re coming with me and you’re going to stay in the batmobile. Do you understand?” 
Jon trailed behind you before flying into the air. You hopped into the batmobile. “I’m not staying in here. You need backup, Damian.” The comlink button was off. You switched it back on. 
“Oh good, Mr. Wayne. Welcome back into the fold,” Lucius said sarcastically. Damian hopped in beside you. 
“TT, some people don’t need your sarcasm, Fox.” Damian glared at you as the batmobile sealed and took off toward the Iceberg lounge. 
Lucius hummed. “Mr. Pennyworth called. He is in Smallville and discovered Mx. Wayne and Mr. Kent have disappeared from their prom. I informed him that they were here.” 
Damian’s eyes shot to you at the word ‘prom’. You did your best not to look at him. “Tell him we’re sorry, but this is something I have to do,” you said, pursing your lips. You glanced up to see Jon flying above the batmobile. 
“Of course.” Lucius’ voice clicked off. 
“Prom? You went to prom with him?” Damian glanced at you. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. “Are you dating him?”
“Yes, if you must know.” You crossed your arms. 
Damian frowned. “Has he...have you and him....?” 
You snorted. “Why do you care? I’m just the one who tarnished our father’s legacy.” 
Damian slammed on the batmobile’s brakes, sliding to a stop. “You did.” He glared at you. “I will let you back me up, but you have to do everything I say and you are to go home with Grayson once we find him.” 
You nodded, not trusting yourself to answer out loud. A tear slipped out of your mask. You quickly wiped it away with your hand. Damian noticed. He grunted, hopping out of the batmobile. 
Jon landed beside the car, offering you a hand. “You okay?” Jon whispered, eyeing Damian. 
“It’s fine.” You let Jon take your hand as you both trailed after Damian. Damian glared up at the Iceberg Lounge. 
“Why is (Y/N) here?” Tim demanded, landing next to Damian with Steph behind him. 
“It’s going to be like this all night, isn’t it?” you said to Jon. Jon nodded, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. Steph raised an eyebrow at the sight. Tim just frowned. 
Someone landed behind you. “All I know is that Dick is going to kill us all, and Superboy is going to get castrated for sure,” Jason chuckled, walking up to join the others. 
Jon shifted uncomfortably. “Stop it.” You glared at the others. “Can we just focus on saving Nightwing and Starfire please?” 
“Huntress and Batwing escaped and reported in. Apparently, the Penguin hired Deathstroke.” Tim worked on his wrist computer. “And they’re waiting for us to take the bait.” 
“Then we go.” You started toward the building, but Jon held you back. 
“No, you don’t.” Damian gripped your shoulder, pulling you away from Jon. “This is a trap for you. I bet they’re trying to collect the bounty on your head.” 
You narrowed your eyes, swallowing the rock in your throat. “That’s Dick in there, Damian.” 
Damian glared back at you. “No, you’re not going in,” Tim said, stepping up to glower at you too. “You caused this mess. Stay out of it and let us fix it.” Your heart ached when you saw the strain Tim was under. Guilt dropped your stomach to your feet. He never used to be this stressed or mean.
“(Y/N) stays.” Jason stepped between you and Tim. “They have to do this.” 
“Jason, I know you’re the reason they’re here. You texted them that you left, knowing they would follow.” Tim leaned in close, staring straight into the lenses of Jason’s helmet. “I hacked your phone, because I knew you’d pull some shit like this.” 
“Watch it, Timbo.” Jason’s hands clenched into fists. “I can still beat you within a inch of your life.” 
You were going to push your way between them, but Steph beat you to it. “Enough. Oh my god, stop this stupid pissing contest. We got family in danger in there.” She scowled at Jason then Tim. Tim blushed, looking away. Jason snorted. “Let’s shape up. Make a plan. Get them out alive and then we’ll argue.” Steph looked at you and Jon. Damian’s hand tightened on your shoulder. “Robin and Superboy come with us.” Steph looked at each of your brothers. “Is that understood?” 
All three grumbled. “Wow,” Jon mumbled, sneaking back to your side when Damian wasn’t looking. “She’s tough.” 
“She was Robin once too, you know.” You tensed as Tim went into a plan to rescue Dick and Kori. 
***
“Irresponsible,” Tim grumbled as he crawled in the vent ahead of you. “Dumb. Childish.” You wished Steph had been sent with you to shut him up. However, it was just you and Tim.
Jason and Jon were going through the front door, creating a distraction and taking down whatever goons the Penguin had ready. Damian and Steph were coming up from under the Iceberg Lounge. You and Tim got stuck with the vents. Your worry for Dick and Kori plus Tim’s verbal abuse made you want to scream and break a few bones. However, you decided to be the bigger person your father would want you to be. 
“This is all Dick’s fault. His stupid hardheadedness had to rub off on you. He refused to put you into stasis like I told him.” Tim kept mumbling. You froze at the stasis part. He was an completely different person than the Tim you remembered. Did you really force him to change that much?
“Wow, thanks Tim. I didn’t realize how much you and Damian were alike.” Tim flinched at your words. You smiled sadly, missing the brother who showed you cartoons and always listened to you. Your heart broke at the fact you did this. By killing Bane, you made Tim into this malicious man.
Tim slipped out of the vent into a store room. He held his arms up to help you down, but you ignore him, dropping down on your own. Tim sighed. “You don’t understand,” Tim said, guilt flashed in his eyes. “(Y/N), you started a war. You broke Batman’s code and it started a chain reaction. I mean we would have had some conflict due to Batman’s...” He swallowed hard, unable to say death. You wondered if Tim hadn’t processed your father’s death yet. Poor Tim, maybe he didn’t have a chance to grieve yet because of the mess you made. “But we wouldn’t have had this if you didn’t kill Bane.”
“But Bane might still be alive. I saw him in the cameras.” You brought up the footage on your wrist computer. Tim blinked at the footage. 
“That’s not him.” Tim turned away. He hooked up his wrist computer to the computer panel next to the door and hacked it.  
“How do you know? Mr. Fox said Batgirl was investigating it.” You followed, taking in everything he did. A boom sounded somewhere in the building. You flinched, hoping that it was just part of Jon and Jason’s distraction. 
Tim fixed you with a icy glare. “I’ve been gathering intel for almost a year. I know who it is.” You nodded for him to keep talking, but he fell silent. 
“Seriously?” You punched his arm. 
“What?” Tim hacked away on his wrist computer. 
“Who is it?” Your voice became dangerously low. Tim looked back at you.
“You don’t need to know.” He caught your fist before you could hit him again. “You’re only here to help us rescue Nightwing and Starfire, then you’re out of this. I’ll put you in stasis if I have to. I don’t care what Dick says.” 
A frown pulled at your lips. Your eyes filled with tears. You quickly turned away from him, so he wouldn’t see. Curse your emotions, probably another thing that Dick rubbed off on you. A stony silence fell between you and Tim as he hacked away.  
“I should have known I’d find you two here,” Dick’s voice said from behind you. You and Tim jumped in surprise. Tim grabbed your arm and stepped in front of you protectively. 
Your heart skipped a beat as you studied Dick in his Nightwing costume. Tim tensed. “I thought you were being held in the Penguin's office?” Tim asked, squeezing your arm in a secret signal your father had taught you. ‘Danger.’
“Escaped. It’s what I do best.” Dick leaned over to peek at you. “Hey Robbie, nice to see you.” It felt wrong. A shiver ran up your spine. 
“Right, I forgot.” Tim forced a smile on his face. He squeezed your arm again, another signal. ‘Dodge and run.’ “Hey, just so I know, when did we first meet?” 
The wrong Dick frowned. “Why are you asking me that? Don’t you know me, Red?” 
“No reason.” In one quick motion, you dived out of the way as Tim threw a electrified batarang at the wrong Dick. Dick screamed before dissolving into a pile of clay on the floor. Clayface emerged into his true form. You dashed out of the room, barely avoiding Clayface’s arm that tried to grab at you.
You sprinted down the hall, sliding to trip a guard when he burst out of one of the doors. Clayface and Tim crashed out into the hallway. “Robin, run,” Tim ordered, dodging Clayface’s foot. 
“Going.” You kept running, bursting through the door onto the main stage of the iceberg lounge. It was dark. Your mask switched to night vision. You avoided the instruments. Suddenly, a spotlight clicked on and you were blinded. Something hit you from behind. You fell to the ground, all the breath forced out of you.
“There you are.” Your mask rebooted itself and identified the voice as Deathstroke. A foot pressed on your back, holding you down. “So easy. Your father would be disappointed.” 
A ice cold shiver went down your spine. Hot, blistering rage filled you. “Shut up.” You used your suit’s increased strength to throw his foot off your back and rolled to your feet. 
Deathstroke grunted in surprise before pulling out his sword. “Let’s see how much of a disappointment you are.” 
You narrowed your eyes. Taking a deep breath, you relaxed into a fighting stance. Deathstroke zoomed toward you.
It was a long, hard fight. He got you several times with his sword, but you got a few hits in to startle him away before the sword could sink into you. You knew you wouldn’t last long.
Deathstroke kicked you off the stage. You landed hard on your arm. The bone snapped. You screamed, rolling away as Deathstroke jumped to stab you. The sword missed you by inches. 
“You’re good, but not good enough.” Deathstroke laughed, suddenly kneeling on your chest. You gasped, crushed beneath him. Your good arm smacked at him, but he didn’t react. “I could use you. Train you to be better.” He reached down to run a hand through your hair. “Like I did to Terra.” 
“Fuck you.” You choked. Deathstroke snarled, slapping your face hard. Blood filled your mouth. 
You prepared yourself for the worse, remembering everything your father told you about Deathstroke. 
A sharp cry of rage echoed through the room. Deathstroke was slammed off your chest by a black and blue blur. You took a deep breath, wincing at the pain in your ribs. Some of them were broken. 
You forced yourself up to see Nightwing punching Deathstroke over and over again. “Never ever touch my kid! You hear me!” 
“Di...Nightwing, stop,” you whispered, unable to breathe enough air. “You’re going to kill him.” 
Dick stopped. Deathstroke laid on the floor limply. Dick got to his feet and ran to your side. “Hush, baby. I’m here.” His hand ran through your hair, inspecting you. “I don’t know how you’re here and why you are in a Robin suit, but we’ll talk about that later.” You tried to relax, but you were in too much pain. “Your arm’s broken. God, those cuts are going to need stitches.” 
A wave of suspicious came over you. Clayface’s version of Dick flashed before your eyes. “When did I first taste popcorn?” 
He frowned slightly. “Honey, how hard did you hit your head?” 
“Answer me.” You growled.
Dick sighed, glancing around. “It was the first time you went to the movies. I took you.” He smiled. “You were so cute, licking it first before finally putting it in your mouth.” 
You relaxed. “Oh, it’s you for real this time.” Dick helped you to your feet. “Where’s Kori?” 
Dick frowned. “I don’t know. I was looking for her when I heard you scream.” He wrapped his arm around your shoulders. You held your arm, hissing from the pain. “This was a setup. The whole thing.” 
“It’s all my fault.” You shivered. Dick led you out of the main lounge. 
“No, it’s not. Let’s just get you out of here.” Dick threw a batarang at a goon that came around the corner. “Are you alone here?” 
Almost on cue, the wall in front of the two of you exploded. Dick knocked you down as Jon flew past you and crashed back into the main lounge. You groaned, black swarmed your vision as you struggled to breathe. Your ribs and arm were on fire from Dick’s weight. 
“Of course, Superboy brought you. I’ll kill him,” Dick grumbled, getting off you quickly. “Sorry, honey. Just hold on for me.” 
“(Y/N).” Jon crawled to your side. Blood ran down his face from a cut on his forehead. 
“What happened to you?” You forgot about your own pain, reaching up to wipe some of the blood out of his eyes. 
Jon winced. “Metallo.” 
Dick glared at Jon. “Get Robin out of here.” He looked you in the eye. “Stay at the cave with Jon. We’ll see you soon.” Dick kissed your forehead before going to join the fight. Jon picked you up.
“We can’t go. Kori.” You panted. Jon’s arms put painful pressure on your broken ribs. “Damn it.” 
“Sorry.” Jon set you on your feet. “(Y/N), you’re in no shape to stay.” 
You narrowed your eyes at him. “Neither are you.” 
He sighed. His shoulders slumped. “I can never win against you, can I?”
A weak smile pulled on your lips. “No.” 
Jon snorted. “Come on, my x-ray vision picked up some activity in the basement.” You nodded, holding your arm to your chest as you led Jon to the staircase. 
***
The two of you found a metal freezer in the basement. There was a lot of damage outside of the freezer along with unconscious soldiers. “Batman and Spoiler came through here,” you said, eyeing the wounds on the soldiers. 
Jon stared at the freezer for a long moment. “Oh no.” He quickly ripped off the door and Kori fell to the floor. You gasped, rushing to her side. Your ribs and arm throbbed, but you ignored it. 
She was cold as death. Her orange skin tinted blue. “Please be okay.” You checked for a pulse. It was faint, but still there. You glanced at Kori’s baby bump nervously. “Jon, you have to warm her up now.” 
“How?” Jon glanced around in a panic. 
You pointed at your eyes. “Heat vision.” 
“But I’d burn through her.” Jon shook his head. His eyes were on Kori’s baby bump too.
“You can control it. Warm up the floor around her.” You moved away. Jon nodded. His eyes glowed red as the beams shot out of his eyes and into the floor. The heat soaked into your feet. Your suit sent you a warning, and immediately started cooling you off. 
Slowly, Kori’s skin lost the blue tint. She stirred, but didn’t wake up. “Kori,” you whispered. Jon turned off his heat vision. You approached, kneeling down beside her. “Please wake up.” Your eyes filled with tears. “Please.” 
Jon’s hand touched your shoulder, making you flinch. Pain racked through your body at the sudden movement. “We have to get her help.” 
“Take her to the cave.” You nodded to Kori, getting up. Your broken arm burned in agony. Every breath hurt. 
“I’m not leaving you here.” Jon shook his head. 
“Jon, we can’t leave Kori here. She’ll be defenseless.” You glared at him. “Take her to the cave.” 
Jon sighed. “They’ll kill me for leaving you here. I mean they’re already going to kill me for bringing you here and for not taking you home.” 
You grabbed his arm with your good arm. “Please.” Jon looked into your eyes.
“Okay.” He bent down to pick up Kori with some difficulty. “You better be here when I get back.” 
“I can’t really move that fast to not be.” You waved for him to fly off. Jon gave you one last look before bursting up through the ceiling until he was out of the building and in the open air. 
Alone, you glanced around at the unconscious soldiers. You studied their uniforms. They were mercenaries, but you recognized some of them. Some of them were League of Assassins, others were military trained soldiers. Whoever was wearing the Bane mask pulled a lot of weight. You swallowed hard. Why did you have to cause all this?
The hallway’s temperature dropped suddenly. You heard heavy footsteps coming down the hall. Kneeling behind the freezer, you held your breath. Your mask identified the footsteps as Mr. Freeze. 
Staying quiet, you heard him wander around the room. Stupid Deathstroke for breaking your arm. You could take him if you had your arm and ribs intact. 
When it finally sounded like he was leaving, you took a deep breath. You hissed in pain at your lungs expanding into your ribs. Suddenly, Mr. Freeze’s footsteps stopped. You cursed yourself. The freezer you hid behind was pushed aside and you came face to face with Mr. Freeze’s freeze gun.
“Robin,” Mr. Freeze said in his robotic voice.  He looked at you with a curious expression. You frowned, ready to dodge. “I did not expect you to be here.”
“Where else would I be?” You stayed where you were, waiting.
Mr. Freeze hummed. He glanced over his shoulder. “Freeze them and we’ll split the reward,” the Penguin said, waddling into the room with his bodyguards behind him. 
Dick was going to be so upset. You hoped Jon wouldn’t feel guilty for leaving you here. Closing your eyes, you let go. The end would come. At least you would be with your father. Tears filled your eyes. He’d be so mad you joined him so soon.
The freeze gun went off. However, you didn’t feel the ice overtake you. You opened your eyes to see the Penguin and his bodyguards frozen in a block of ice. “I never did like you,” Mr. Freeze said to the Penguin before turning to you. “I never liked Bane either.” He walked out of the room. You stayed where you were, shocked. 
After a few long minutes, you forced yourself to your feet and went upstairs to find the others. The battle had been won. You found the others in the main lounge, handcuffing people and tending to the wounded. Dick frowned when he saw you. 
“You’re supposed to be at the cave.” He hurried over to you, taking the first aid kit from Tim and started to splint your arm. 
“We found Kori.” Dick froze. “Jon took her back to the cave. She needed help.” You swallowed past a rock in your throat. “I’m so sorry.” 
“None of this is your fault, okay?” Dick’s voice trembled. His hands shook. 
Tim came over to take over as Dick couldn’t finish the splint. “This is a mess.” He studied you. “I heard you took on Deathstroke.” 
“It wasn’t my choice. He jumped me.” You shivered. Tim finished the splint. Sun peeked through the holes of the building. It was already morning. 
“The police and National Guard should be here soon. We need to go,” Tim said. 
Dick nodded, shaken. “I need to get to Kori.” 
“We’ll all regroup at the cave,” Damian said, taking your good arm to pull you with him. “Nightwing, come along.” 
You stumbled on debris, falling against Damian. He growled, jerking you upright. Your arm and ribs burned at the movement. Dick followed. He reached over to remove Damian’s hand from your arm. “Stop it.” 
“TT.” Damian called the batmobile to him. It drove and stopped in front of him. He hopped in the driver’s seat. Dick helped you into the backseat before taking the passenger’s seat. 
“Hang on. I’ll ride with you,” Jason said, running over. He crawled over Dick like a little kid, which was an hilarious sight given that Jason was taller and broader than him. Jason sat down beside you. Tim called over his bike and him and Steph climbed on. 
Damian grumbled, driving off. The sunrise was beautiful, but the city was damaged. No people were around. Buildings crumbled, holes in the street, streets signs knocked over, street lights blown up. It was a combat zone. You leaned your head against Jason’s arm. Jason hummed. You closed your eyes, hating that you destroyed everything your father cared about with one choice that you couldn’t even remember making.
***
You laid next to Jon in your old bed at the manor. Alfred had arrived, reopening bedrooms for everyone get to a few hours of rest. Jon wasn’t supposed to be in here, but he slipped in when everyone else was asleep. Now he snored softly with his hand on your arm. There was a bandage on his forehead for the cut he gotten during the fight.
Your body ached. Every breath still hurt even with the pain pills Alfred had forced you to take. Your arm, now in a cast, throbbed away. The cuts from Deathstroke’s sword were stitched up, stinging. 
Dick was still in the cave with Kori. He went silent when he saw her under the sun lamp in the cave. She hadn’t woken up yet. No one would tell you if the baby was okay or not. 
Unable to stand it any longer, you rolled to your feet. The pain intensified, but you pushed through. You wandered out of your room. A rock formed in your throat when you reached your father’s room. Slowly, you pushed open the door, frowning at it’s lifeless quiet state. Alfred had covered everything in sheets, but that’s it. Your father’s belongings hadn’t been moved. 
You pulled off the sheet on the dresser and opened the top drawer. His shirts were neatly folded inside. You picked up a dark blue one and pressed your face into it. It still smelled like him. You relaxed, letting yourself float back into your memories if only for a moment.
***
You were packing your suitcase, knowing the flight back to Gotham was in the morning. Currently, you were in the Wayne Tech’s penthouse located in Paris. Your father and you had traced Magpie there where she had attempted to steal the Regent Diamond from the Louvre. Using the excuse of a business trip, Batman and Robin stopped Magpie while Bruce and (Y/N) supposedly attended business meetings. 
“(Y/N)?” Your father appeared in the doorway of your bedroom. He was wearing sweatpants and t-shirt. You remembered he got a phone call from Alfred, who had stayed behind in Gotham. From the tension in your father’s shoulders, Alfred must have scolded him about something.
“Yeah?” You sat down on your bed, swinging your legs playfully. 
He sighed. “I forgot again, didn’t I?” He sat down beside you on the bed. 
You eyed him, shrugging. “It’s not a big deal, Dad.” 
“Yes, it is. Fathers aren’t supposed to forget their kids’ birthday.” Bruce shifted uncomfortably. “Alfred made a suggestion.” 
“What? I don’t need anything, Dad. Being in Paris was a nice enough birthday for me.” You smiled, looking out the window at the beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. 
Bruce cleared his throat. “Well, then you’ll be happy to know we’ll be spending an extra two days here then.” Your jaw dropped in shock. Bruce chuckled at the sight. “No patrol, no Batman or Robin. Just you and me and whatever you want to do.” 
“Are you serious?” Your heart skipped a beat in excitement. You thought about going to the Louvre and actually getting to look around this time instead of just stopping Magpie. All the food you could try. You licked your lips before hugging Bruce tightly. “Thank you, Dad. This is going to be great!” 
“You’re welcome. Happy birthday, (Y/N).” He hugged you back in his strong arms. You felt so loved, so safe.
***
You sobbed, burying your face into the shirt as you sank to your knees. Your body ached, but the pain in your heart was too great for you to stop. Deep down, you knew you would never get to feel that loved and safe again. 
Thin, strong arms suddenly hugged you from behind. You tensed as a sharp chin rested on the top of your head. It took you a moment to catch your breath. “Cass?” 
She hummed, hugging you tighter. You didn’t know she had come to the manor too. More sobs racked out of your body, hurting your ribs. Cass held you for a long time. Eventually, you stopped crying, exhaustion soaking into your bones. Your father’s shirt was soaked with your tears and snot. Cass guided you to your feet and led you back to your room. She clucked her tongue at Jon in your bed, but ignored him to tuck you in. Your father’s shirt stayed in your hands. 
“Sleep.” She patted your cheek before silently leaving the room. Jon’s arm wrapped around your waist to pull you close. His body heat permeated you like sunlight. Your pain faded as you let yourself fall into the blissfulness of sleep.
***
“This is only going to get worst!” Tim’s voice echoed throughout the cave. He, Damian, Jason, Barbara, Steph, Cass, and Duke were in the meeting area. Their debate grew more heated by the second. You shivered on the medbed as Alfred changed the bandages on your cuts.
Alfred frowned. You sighed, wincing when it hurt your ribs. Jon and Lois were having a very tense discussion in the corner. You felt bad for him, but you didn’t regret coming here. 
“Mx. (Y/N), take it easy. You are not going out tonight,” Alfred said firmly once he finished.
“Yes, Alfred.” You swallowed hard, getting off the medbed to wander over to the ICU area. Kori was still unconscious and under the sun lamp. Dick sat as close to her as he dared, staring at her with an empty expression. The monitors showed a steady heartbeat. A faint smile crossed your lips when you noticed two heartbeats on the monitors. 
You came to Dick’s side. He blinked, wrapped an arm around you. “Hey kiddo,” he whispered. His hand rubbed your side gently. It hurt your ribs, but you didn’t want to say anything.
“Is she okay?” You trembled.
“Her vitals and the baby’s are good, but she hasn’t woken up.” Dick ran his free hand through his hair only to wince from the movement. He had been hurt too. Your stomach twisted, threatening to lose the little food you managed to eat. “This isn’t your fault, honey. I don’t want to hear that from you.” You pursed your lips, tears threatening to fall. Dick kissed your cheek. “I didn’t want you to be part of this.” You wanted to scream. If you hadn’t come, you would be hearing about Kori’s injury about now if not more terrible news. It was three in the afternoon. You probably would have had fun at prom, fell asleep only to wake up to this horror that you caused. How could he be so dumb to try to keep you out of this?
“Shouldn’t you be with the others?” you asked. Dick pulled you to sit in his lap, hugging you tightly. You let him.
“No.” Dick squeezed you, hurting you. You bit your lip to keep from gasping. “We’re not going to be here for much longer.” 
“What?” Your jaw dropped, heart skipping a beat.
Dick sighed. “We’re leaving, going home.” He frowned when you pulled away from him. “Don’t fight me on this, sweetheart.” 
“We can’t leave.” You choked. The guilt ate you alive. “I caused this. I can’t leave them to deal with this. Tim already hates me, Damian too. I can’t do this to them.” 
“I’m not arguing with you on this.” Dick snarled in a way he never had to you before. “We’re going home.” His tone softened. “I have more to lose now.” He patted your arm, but you jerked away from him. “(Y/N).” You left the room, shocked beyond belief. Dick wasn’t who you thought he was. 
You stopped outside of the meeting room, listening in. “They said they will stop the siege if we turn Robin over to them,” Barbara said sharply. “Obviously, we’re not going to do that, but maybe we can set up a decoy.” 
“TT, no one is small enough to be convincing,” Damian said. A fist slammed into the table.
“Don’t even think about saying we just hand them over! Damn it!” Jason’s voice echoed throughout the cave. You quickly walked away. Your mind swirled, trying to think of a way to fix this. 
“You are grounded for life, you hear me,” Lois snapped at Jon as you passed them. Jon looked at the ground, not noticing you. 
Going upstairs to the manor, you exited into your father’s study only to be taken back by his giant self portrait on the wall. He hated it, but it was all part of the Brucie image. 
“Daddy, I broke everything.” You looked at his eyes, imaging the disappointment that would be there. “I know you said it wasn’t my fault, but everything is going to hell.” You took a deep breath. Your ribs on fire. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I killed Bane because Bane killed you.” 
Silence followed. You kept staring into his eyes. “What would you do?” Your heart broke. Deep down in your soul, you knew what he would do. Your father was selfless to the upmost degree. Closing your eyes, you let out the breath you didn’t know you were holding. “Okay. It’s time anyway.” You opened your eyes to meet your father’s painted ones. “I have to fix this.” You went over to the desk and got out some paper to write notes for everyone. A final goodbye.
***
It was easy to slip out of the manor. You wore civvies and a plain domino mask, not wanting the high tech suit to fall into the wrong hands. No one noticed you left. 
You rode a motorcycle into the city, zipping along. Everything was brighter, more clear than it ever been. You enjoyed everything for the last time. 
The Bane lookalike’s headquarters was at Wayne Tower. You parked your bike outside, looking up at it. It took several long moments before the Bane lookalike came out and stood in front of you. Up close, you knew instantly this wasn’t the Bane you killed. He was not tall enough and he didn’t have the grace of a street fighter that Bane had.
“Welcome Robin.” The Bane lookalike smiled. “Finally.” 
“Is the deal on?” You narrowed your eyes at him, getting off the bike. Entering the code, you rigged it to explode in two minutes. “If I hand myself over, you’ll leave Gotham alone?” 
The Bane lookalike studied you carefully. “Yes.” He gestured for you to come to him. You took a deep breath, your ribs burning. Slowly, you walked over to him. “Good child.” A sharp prick in your neck left you dizzy. You turned to see a ninja with a needle. Your legs gave out. The Bane lookalike caught you. “Now you will pay for what you’ve done.” The last thing you heard was his laughter.
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p4perthoughts · 3 years
Text
Young Justice Universe
Dick Grayson x Barbara Gordon
I have a theory that Dick and Barbara totally got together in the middle of season 2 (as opposed to the time jump between S2 and S3) and nobody can convince me otherwise
Events take place after Young Justice S2 E9: Darkest
_
Dick was definitely not feeling the aster.
He was exhausted, much like anyone would be after nearly being blown up. As he walked along he kept replaying the sound of the explosion over and over again in his head. He clutched the flash drive Kaldur had passed to him right before they lost Mount Justice. He could have put it in his bag along with his Nightwing suit for safe keeping, but he couldn’t let go of it. He needed to feel it in his hand to keep telling himself it was worth it. Losing the cave. Almost losing his life. Continuing to lie to everyone else was worth it. It had to be.
As he rounded the corner, he paused and found himself holding his breath. She was there. Of course she was there. Barbara Gordon was sitting on the steps of his apartment building. She hadn’t looked up and seen him yet so his instincts told him to turn around and run. He’d grown distant from his best friend since this whole thing started. Dick was able to lie to the entire team, even the League, all this time because the fate of the world depended on the success of this plan. But he knew that if he looked Babs in the eyes, he wouldn’t be able to do it.
He chose to keep walking forward. Before he could say anything Barbara got up and hugged him. Her touch was a warmth he hadn’t felt in a while. He definitely missed her.
“Are you okay?” She said as she stepped back.
For a second Dick had forgotten what had just happened and that Mount Justice was gone. Reality set back in like a cold punch in the face.
“Yeah yeah. Everyone’s pretty shaken up, but we all made it out...except for those that were taken.” He said while avoiding meeting her eyes.
“Tim said that explosive took out the entire place.” She said in a way that sounded like a question.
So he nodded. But then when he looked back at her, her concerned expression turned into sadness for a brief moment. Dick forgot that Mount Justice had become a second home to Babs too when she joined the team.
They stood there for a minute before Barbara broke the silence.
“What’s actually wrong?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Dick said as he headed into the building.
Babs grabbed her gym bag from the steps and followed behind him, “yes you do.”
“I’m your best friend, Dick. I know when somethings wrong.” She said as he pressed the elevator button.
Dick stepped into the elevator and she invited herself in behind him. He chose to not address it so he tried to change the subject.
“What’s in the bag?” He said.
“What’s in your bag?”
“I asked you first.” He retorted without skipping a beat. He missed their banter.
She sighed sarcastically and unzipped her gym bag a little as it still hung on her shoulder. Right, dumb question. He saw the bat symbol on her suit’s chest plate and her cowl. It was past midnight so figures she was out patrolling. That’s two points in her column now cause this is further proof to her he was off his game. He could feel her eyes look up at him, so he knew he was right.
As he pulled out his keys and began opening his door he remembered the flash drive in his left hand. The events of the evening all rolled back to hit him like a tsunami. The harsh words from Wally echoed in his ears. It was worth it he told himself.
When they got inside Barbara made herself at home -as usual when she comes over. She laid down her stuff and headed to the kitchen. Dick put the flash drive on his dresser before heading for the couch. He fell into the cushions with the weight of the universe on him and put his head in his hands.
He felt Babs come back. She sat next to him and comfortably put her legs in his lap. She had opened a bag of chips and offered him some. They sat there together for a while in silence. Just two friends, eating chips, comfortably in each other’s company. Maybe it’s because Barbara knew him longer than almost anyone. She knew everything about him. She knew who he was, both as Dick Grayson and Nightwing -Robin before that. She was everything to him from his first kiss to his best partner out in the field.
Finally Barbara put the bag on the coffee table in front of them and she scooted closer to him. He put his arm on her knees.
“Talk to me, Grayson.” She said.
Dick finally brought himself to look at her. He looked at her and saw her deep, green eyes starring right at him. They weren’t filled with resentment like Wally’s or anguish like Conner’s. They were warm and comforting. He feared that if he told her what he wanted to tell her, that they wouldn’t look at him that way anymore.
He let out a sigh and closed his eyes. She reached for him. As he felt her soft touch on his face, he broke. He told her everything about the mission and the lies.
When he got to the part about Artemis working undercover with Kaldur, he noticed her expression get distant.
“So she’s -she’s alive?”
He nodded. And waited. Waited for her to yell at him. To tell him what he was doing was wrong. That it wasn’t worth it. Or worse, for her to say nothing.
Instead she looked at him and asked, “who knows?”
He told her about their tiny circle that was in on the plan. He told her how he felt lying to everyone on the team, about the flash drive, about how he felt responsible for the other’s kidnapping, about how he almost got his team -his family- killed. He felt like he had been underwater and how he could now finally breathe. He had kept everything bottled up for so long that now it exploded and he didn’t even notice there had been tears until he found himself wiping at a wet sensation on his cheek.
When he looked at Babs she didn’t say anything. She simply pulled him to her and embraced him. His head lay under her chin as he allowed himself to wrap his arms around her waist. Dick steadied himself as he listened to the rhythm of her heartbeat. They sat this way for a while.
Dick pulled away finally when he felt he’d gained control of his breathing and his thoughts. He looked at his best friend and said, “you’re not mad?”
She looked at him and took a long breath.
“No,” she said finally, “for as long as I’ve known you Dick, you never do anything to hurt anyone. Even if that means hurting yourself. I don’t like that you lied, but I understand why you did. I’m sorry you felt that this was something you had to take on by yourself. I’m sorry you felt like you had to be Batman...”
She trailed off at the end. Babs knew more than anyone that Dick no longer wanted to become Batman. She knew from working with him first-hand that Batman was somebody only Bruce Wayne could be. Anybody else would be crazy to try to act like Batman...except Dick did.
“I’m not telling you that you have to let me in on the rest of your mission,” Barbara said, “I just want you to know you’ll always have someone to talk to when things get overwhelming. You’re not Bruce, Dick. Never forget that you’re never alone.”
That was it. Leave it to Barbara to always have the perfect thing to say. He felt like a huge weight had been lifted off him and could feel a relief he hadn’t felt in ages. He looked at her and simply said, “thank you.”
She smiled.
“Soooo,” she said after a moment. “Wanna watch a movie or something?”
He raised an eyebrow.
Babs sighed, “I told my dad I was gonna sleep over at Mary’s to finish a project because the original plan was to spend the night on patrol since Bruce is presently out of town but then I heard what happened through the comms and I found myself coming here...”
She was starting to ramble a little. Dick noticed she only did that when she got nervous...and he’s rarely seen Babs get nervous. He hadn’t realized how close they were sitting to each other either.
“Yeah, we can watch a movie.” Dick agreed after he found himself starring at her lips for a little too long.
He tasked himself with finding something to watch while she got the bag of chips and went back to the kitchen to find something else for them to snack on.
Dick couldn’t help but watch her. He loved the way she walked around his apartment like she lived here too. So maybe it had been too long since the last time he’d seen her. Really seen her. Like outside of their costumed extra curricular activities. He missed her. Babs was always beautiful. And it wasn’t weird he thought of her in this way. They’ve always had a special type of relationship. But besides the usual playful flirting between them and a couple kisses -amazing kisses- they were just best friends. Secretly he’d been wishing they were more than that since he was 13 but he knew he wasn’t ready for her then.
Thinking back to their conversation, he realized how much they’ve each grown as people. And more importantly how it felt like they hadn’t grown out of each other as most childhood friends do. No, if anything they’ve grown more into each other. No matter how much time they spent apart, they could always come back together and fit perfectly like two pieces of a puzzle. The sound of a pop from the microwave brought him back outside his thoughts. Then he stood up, like on autopilot and as if his brain had just said “fuck it. Stop being a coward” he walked across to where Babs was waiting on the popcorn. As she turned to address him, Dick took her face in one hand and her waist in the other and kissed her. It was a long and deep kiss. He pulled away a little after to see her expression.
He was close enough that when she opened her eyes again he could see her pupils were dilated as she looked up at him. They were both breathing slightly heavy from the kiss. He could tell he caught her off guard but he didn’t know how to string words together to say how much he just wanted her and was tired of dancing around it. So he hoped his eyes were enough to convey that message. The silence was broken by the microwave beeping. Dick took the bowl out and put it on the side of the stove to let it cool a bit.
“Dick?” Barbara said making him turn around.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He started kissing her back and as their lips moved together Dick felt a warm feeling in his stomach. Is that what people mean when they say butterflies? He’d been with other women but never felt that. He pushed her up onto the kitchen counter and his hands traveled to her waist. Her hands moved from the back of his neck to his hair as she pulled him closer. Her lips were so soft that he never wanted to depart from them and her touch was so soothing that he felt every worry lift off his body making him feel weightless.
The way their bodies moved together was in perfect synch. Like two pieces of a puzzle, he thought to himself. He noticed her hands had gone down to the bottom of his shirt, gently tugging at it. So he pulled apart for a moment and took it off. Her hands felt so amazing as they touched his chest. As their lips met again this time his wandered down towards her neck. He hasn’t realized she was wearing a black tank top that fit her so well until the moment when he began pulling it off her. Their eyes locked as she smiled at him. He couldn’t help but smile back because her happiness was always contagious to him.
Dick realized that if they were going to continue, they shouldn’t keep doing so on his kitchen counter. Without skipping a beat he effortlessly picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist and he carried her over to his bed.
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A Kent and a Wayne (Clark Kent X Wayne!Male!Reader)
Characters: Clark Kent X Wayne!Male!Reader
Universe: DC, Batman
Warnings: Injury, mention of fighting
Request: Clark Kent/Male!Reader, who's Bruce's oldest hero son & Clark is several years younger than Bruce. They get together when M!R is older than 18 & they're trying to keep it low key, just secretly stealing kisses. Even though M!R lives in the same house as the Bat, Bruce is pretty oblivious until one day they get into a fight. M!R goes on patrol & gets hurt really bad during a brawl with some villain. Clark gets really worried & comes to the cave to pepper M!R in kisses&cuddles & Bruce finds out?
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Clark had gotten a text from you earlier that night telling him that Bruce was in a bad mood. He got these texts every few weeks, and it was usually a game of trying to figure out what was wrong with him, you texting your suggestions and findings to your boyfriend about your father for nothing but entertainment. However, this time had been different. There wasn’t a follow up. No investigation to figure out what had Batman’s knickers in a twist, and it gave him a bad feeling. 
He responded to your text, asking if you had figured out what the problem was, or if it was something serious and if you needed him there, but it was still a while until he got a proper response back.
Riot at Arkham. Alot escaped. Had to go and try and find some and bring them back. Ended up alone against bane… I’m alive, but that’s about it admittedly.
I’m on my way
He got to the cave quickly, surprising everyone but yourself. “What are you doing here?” Your father asked. 
“I heard about the riot.” Clark told him. It was silly really- he was dating his son but hadn’t told him purely out of fear of how he’d react- yes, you were a grown man, being even older than Dick at 30 years old, but your father was still protective of you- probably a mix of you being involved in this line of work and also being a Wayne, meaning you were constantly in danger- just like the rest of your siblings, and age didn’t change this protectiveness, and this meant he probably wouldn’t react well to the news that you were dating superman, and the longer it went on, the more you knew he’d be more angry that he didn’t know… “You okay, Y/N?” Clark asked you. 
You were sat at one of the chairs at the coms table, where Alfred was applying ice to an injury on your back while you had a bag of ice pressed to your head. “Yeah I’m alright. Thanks for checking in on me…” You thanked him with a reassuring smile, and he returned it. 
“We’ve got it sorted, but thank you for showing.” Bruce interrupted. 
“Would you like me to stay around for a little while to make sure things remain calm?” Clark offered. Bruce hummed, but didn’t protest, and things calmed. Alfred insisted you rest, but you assured him you’d stay on comms in case things did kick up, and Clark stayed nearby, waiting for any orders… eventually you talked your father into going to check on your brothers and sisters and Alfred retreated back upstairs. Clark used the moment to properly come to you, checking your face for other injury other than the bruise forming on your forehead.  “Are you sure you’re okay?” 
“Yeah… luckily. My dad realised I’d gone off the comms for a while and came to check on me.” You told him. Clark frowned, kissing your head. 
“I’m just glad you’re in one piece… I knew something was up when you didn’t answer your phone or anything.” He said, making you chuckle lightly, putting your hands around his waist to pull him closer as you remained seated.
“And I’m glad you’re here.” You told him, Clark putting his arms around you as well. 
“Kent if you came here purely to cuddle my son then you should have just said.” A voice emerged from behind Clark, and while he did look up, he didn’t turn, and neither he or you moved from your position.
“Will do, Wayne.” 
Hope you like it! If you have any questions, please send them in! 
*Not my gif
TAGS: @rebellionofthecattle  @courtneychicken​  @graysonmalfoy​ @bellero​ @originalpottervengerlock​ @supernatural-pan​ @esoltis280​ @lena-stan-xavier​ @lady-of-lies​ @sebstanismylife​ @macbetheliza @mandywholock1980​ @cdwmtjb8​ @caswinchester2000​ @determinedpines​
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Moonflower
Warning: I mean kidnapping, but it’s more funny than angsty, also slight Yandere vibes torwards the end  Word count:  exactly 2222 (nice) Summary: It was a rather usual evening for you, a Gala, trying to avoid the mayor, getting kidnapped- what more could you want from your night?
This was requeste from a  phenomenal anon: Okay this is really silly, but cute to me for some reason. But could you write, like, reader is kidnapped by the Riddler as a hostage for Batman. But whether they wanna just mess with him, or if they like him, or whatever, for some reason, reader kisses Riddler. On the lips. Idk, I just think the idea is cute as well as whatever Riddler's reaction would be. I hope you like it ☺
Part 2 - Masquerade Part 3 - Magical/Misery/Massacre
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You were almost thankful when the light in the ballroom of the city-hall flickered off and fog filled the area that was now only lit up by the lights from outside. The Gala you had been attending, one of the almost monthly charity gala's that some rich-guy (this time the mayor himself) held to make himself look better and to keep close contacts with all the other rich-guys in the city, was so boring that you were minutes away from crashing it yourself. Admittedly, your father was also an all-time favorite Gala host, but he had the excuse of having to keep face with his "side-business" and his parties were often at least somewhat entertaining. But this one? Horrible. Of course, you had somehow managed to be the only one "available" to go, so, not only were you extremely annoyed, but you were also completely alone in a room of rich old couples that tried to lick Bruce Wayne's eldest daughters, possible the next leader of Wayne inc. and one of the most prominent and appeared people in the Wayne-family (as the only one who wasn't dressed up every night and went fighting), boots. You had to admit that you could understand them somehow. Other than your siblings and your dad -who all kept it pretty low with the media- you were on every second tabloid, at every second event and on every second talk-show. You had quickly become the new face of the name Wayne, "proudly" sharing the place with your father. So yeah, you were more available than the rest of your relatives and with ever appearance in the media, they thought more and more that they knew about your opinions and the way you think. Some times you regretted your decision to keep away from the vigilante lifestyle to focus on keeping the Wayne-name alive. You couldn't quite remember when you made that choice, but you knew that as a girl, your father didn't want to train you any further than self-defence, because he was scared you'd get hurt, then Dick came along and was around your age, but still got to train and fight with your dad. Back then you'd been furious about that, but whenever he actually got hurt you felt like it was maybe the right thing to do. Then Dick left and in your anger at your dad for just picking up the next best kid and basically forgetting your sibling, even though you soon warmed up to Jason and accepted him as a second brother, you started focusing on school more and actually started to enjoy conversing with the business-people at Gala's about the news and the market. And somehow, after Jason died and you planned to take Wayne inc. away from your father as revenge for letting your brother die (a plan that you soon let go off when you recognize how much it actually had hurt him), you were somehow in the position of the heir of the Wayne empire, even though at some point -you were pretty sure- your dad asked you if you wanted to be trained like your other siblings to become a vigilante yourself, you were now on the way to business. That way was usually pretty bearable, but completely alone on a Gala that was like an exact copy of all the other ones, you would rather be stuck in a 24-hour business meeting. So, yes, when the Party was cut short by a villain attack you were probably a bit too happy. You heard the panicked calls and shouts of the other guests and quickly activated the bat-alarm ("Cool name dad, thanks for that") that was placed on the back of the necklace you wore (you had many other necklaces that included it too because in modern society you couldn't wear the same jewelry too often). Deciding not to risk waiting for them (and hoping that you could maybe make it to the small dinner down the street to eat something before one of your brothers (most likely Damian who would cling to you every time the two of you were together (even if it was more than the two of you)) found and dragged you back to the manor to check you over), you grabbed the skirt of your rather heavy dress (of course today was the day you decided to wear one of your bigger dresses), pulled it up to your upper thigh and quickly rushed to were you remembered the nearest exit to the Veranda to be. When the cold evening air hit your face you let out a small sigh. Very nice, you thought and started to walk towards the gate, when you felt a sharp pain pierce through your neck, immediately followed by numbness flowing through your whole body. "For real?" you managed to mumble before your legs lost their strength and you tumbled over, not sure if you even hit the ground before you blacked out.
When you woke up, you were almost sure that you'd be back in your home. The last few times you got taken, your family had been quick enough to get you before you even entered any hideaway. But you weren't home. You woke up laying on a rather slim matt on the floor of a small cage. You looked down at yourself to see that you were still wearing the dress that you'd worn earlier and that, even though the gaps between the bars wasn't large enough anyway, you couldn't really escape on your own in that. Damn modern fashion. When you had scanned the area around you you widened your radius to the hall your small personal jail was located in. It was literally just a big, empty warehouse, no-one in sight. "You know," you shouted into the emptiness, hoping someone would hear you, "kidnapping me is really uninspired, you aren't even the first one to do it this month." You sighed when no answer came and instinctively put your hand up to your neck to play with the necklace. Your breath got caught in your throat when you realized it wasn't there. Suddenly a spotlight flashed over the roof of the room, illuminating something that was hanging at the highest point. You didn't need to be close to recognizing your piece of jewelry. "Tell me, Miss Wayne," a voice suddenly filled the room and you started to look around, not sure where it came from, "why does a businesswoman like you have her own personal dog-whistle for batman?" You swallowed hard but kept your composure. "For many reasons," you started in the most confident voice you could manage, "I am in quite of a demand." "So is the mayor and I don't see him having one," the voice got closer and finally a figure stepped close enough for you to make out. You still couldn't see who it was though. "Well, maybe you just didn't see it, maybe it's in his shoe or something." "I don't think so," he stepped closer and you finally recognized the figure and his outfit, but you couldn't even mumble Riddler before he continued: "I studied all the kidnapping patterns of the most important figures in Gotham and somehow you're the only one who the bat always gets to in a matter of minutes." Okay, it's worse than I thought. Time to buy dad some time. "Okay first off, thanks for calling me one of the most important Gothamites," you said, playfully brushing your hair behind your shoulder, "and second if you really know that he has his eyes on me, shouldn't you be worried? I mean I'd think you would have figured out that there's a tracker in it by now." Of course, you knew that he knew and you also knew that he probably had some way or another to block it, but the longer he talked, the sooner your dad would find you. "You're not so stupid," he said, stepping closer to you, somehow already standing in front of your cage, "I've been watching you for a while now and we both know that you're just trying to stall for time, my dear." "You know, it's kinda creepy to say that you watched me. I mean, sure, you're the evil guy here, but still. Stalking?" He chuckled a bit but seemingly ignored what you said. You had to pull other levers, you realized when he turned around. "Don't you still want to know why I have my own Bat-whistle?" you shouted a bit too loud, but effectively managed to get him back to you. "Why would you tell me?" he asked suspiciously. "Well, I guess you want to know that and I really want to know what you think you could gain out of kidnapping me, so you tell me yours, and I'll tell you mine," you winked at him, mischievously. "Hmm," he eyed you, "fine. Even though it's quite obvious isn't it? You're the perfect moonflower for my bat-trap," he said, raising his hand to just slightly hover in front of you. For a second it felt like there was some kind of static energy between you, but you tried to ignore it. "I guess it's my turn now," you breathed out, ignoring the weird mood around you, "As you probably know, the bat has a very weird, honestly with a somewhat strange undertone, relationship with my dad. In exchange for some, uh, financing as my father put it, he agreed to keep his eye out for me a bit more. It's just the result of a parent's protectiveness and business." You weren't really lying, even though the way you said it clearly gave off a very different picture than what was actually the case, but it seemed like the man in front of you bought it. Shouldn't he be here by now? "Well, I guess the reason he protects you a little bit more than the rest of the city is irrelevant as long as he is searching you," he shrugged, seemingly satisfied by the answer and at the same time not really happy about it. You couldn't risk him losing interest again. "There's another secret you might want to know," you whispered ominously, gaining his attention for a second time that night. Before he could investigate your sentence, your hands slipped through the gaps between the bars and grabbed the Riddler's collar, pulling him flush against the poles and crashing your mouth with his. At the feeling of your soft lips against his, he immediately froze, fixed in position like a statue. When you needed to take a breath again, you pulled back, smoothing your dress down and fixing your hair, the man in front of you still completely stiff. "I should probably tell you that the tracker in my necklace isn't the only one on me, you should've really taken my advice and checked the shoes," you smirked and winked again, the Riddler's gaze fixed on you with eyes as wide as dinner plates when the wall behind you crashed open and your family came to your rescue. "Until next time," you shrugged at him when your cage was broken open and Nightwing picked you up and carried you out, from what you could see before you were out of reach, the man you just kissed never moved.
[Bonus]
It had been a fairly long day at Wayne Inc. and the suit you were wearing was starting to be annoying and you wanted nothing more than to peel out of these clothes and get into your jogging pants and one of Jason's oversized T-shirts. So, as quickly as possible, you rushed to your room, ignoring Damian's plead to join him on a walk with Titus, only to stop in your steps after you had opened the door. Your (alarm-wired mind you) window stood open and allowed a cold breeze to fill your room. For a second you contemplated calling someone to check it out, but your curiosity got the best of you. You quietly closed the door and sneaked over to the window with the plan to check if someone was outside, but when you stood in front of it, your eyes landed on a small package that stood on your windowsill. You looked around again, before closing the window (and checking that the alarm wiring was still intact) and sitting down on your bed to open the small box. It was packed neatly with a grey wrapping and a Y/F/C ribbon, making you especially careful when opening it. Inside was a perfume bottle that took your breath away. It was gorgeous. The Cap was adorned by a glass flower that was completely white and round, but other than that there was nothing on it that would give away the contents of the bottle. Having been briefed about poisonous packages by not only Wayne inc. safety regulators but also at least every member of your family at least once, you didn't spray any of the perfume, instead, laying it back into the box. It was then that you noticed the card in it that had the same colour as the inside of the box, making it easy to overlook. You took it out and turned it around to read the words that were written on it with the neatest font you've ever seen. Until next time my Moonflower...
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maribatlife · 4 years
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Lost Boys Pt 1
Apparently I never posted this over here. Whoops! Enjoy some Adrien and Damian Found Family
Summary:
Like Father Like Son: Damian starts Adopting at a Young age Nature vs Nurture: Bat Fam Edition "I’m fully aware of your adopting habits, this one is suitable and I will call him brother and he shall be my brother." - Damian al Ghul Wayne (probably)
Inspired by Lost Boys by Ruth B
AO3
Damian had heard about his father's unfortunate habit of adopting unsuitable heirs, however he never understood it. Why choose someone so obviously unworthy to continue on his legacy. It would change when he met his father. Batman would finally have a worthy heir and the others could be dismissed.
Currently he was in Paris, waiting for his mother to finish a mission. While she was busy, he was scouting out escape routes. No matter what anyone might say, he was in no way exploring the city. He was Damian Al Ghul and he was an accomplished assassin; he did not explore. There was an added difficulty with Paris' Akuma problem, he was more than up to the challenge. The heroes of Paris' were currently dealing with an akumatized baby on the other side of the city.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw a black steak drop into a nearby alleyway. He crept closer, not making a sound in the empty street. In the alley stood Chat Noir, then in a flash of green light the cat hero disappeared and in his place was the model you couldn't escape in Paris and a floating blob.
"Cheese, I need cheese." The blob whined.
Agreste fished some cheese out of his pocket. "Eat quickly Plagg. I need to get back before anyone notices I'm gone."
"Kid, don't rush me. You have to appreciate the cheese. Plus, you might want to worry about the kid that just discovered your identity."
"Wha~, oh Ladybug is going to kill me," he said finally spotting Damian.
"Probably," Plagg added helpfully. "Tikki's chosen are usually goody-goodies."
"Tt, like I care about your identity Agreste." The blob, now identified as "Plagg", flew into his face. Upon closer inspection it looked like a cat.
"Listen closely kid, I'm thousands of years old. You become a threat to my kitten, you'll find out what happened to the dinosaurs firsthand. Got it?"
"I am the heir of the Demon's Head. Is that supposed to scare me?"
"Wait, why are you alone in Paris? Where are your parents?" Adrien interrupted.
In the background Plagg muttered, "So that old man is still alive. Need to talk to Sugar cube about that."
"Mother is… finishing some business and then we are leaving Paris."
"But you're left alone a lot? With a parent that only cares about how you perform in public?" At Damian's hesitant nod, Adrien smiled. "Same," he paused as if weighing the potential consequences of the next words. "Want to do normal kid stuff with me? Honestly, my dad probably won't notice and you're already out sooooooo…."
Damian quickly analyzed the benefits. His father was well known and had a prolific public life. If he could blend in with "normal kid stuff", while it might be tedious now, it would benefit him in the long run. "That is acceptable, Mother will call with a rendezvous point when she is ready."
"Okay first rule of being normal kids, use less words. Talking with proper grammar all the time is 'not cool'." The last bit was punctuated by air quotes. "Also, what's your name?"
Ah, a test. He had this. "Damian."
" 'kay Dami," catching Damian's glare he hurriedly continued. "Nicknames are important in friendships. They show trust and affection. We're going to meet my friend Nino to hang." As they walked down the street Adrien conveyed other bits of wisdom like "There's a whole group of food that you eat with your hands, using a fork and knife with those is considered weird," and "some people give hugs to show how much they care about you."
Damian half wished he could write these tips down. After all, everyone in the league had lived in the world and it was second nature to them.
"Yo my dude, what's up?" A boy with a red cap jogged up to them.
"Not much." Adrien gave the other boy a first bump. "This is Damian," be shot Nino a significant look. "His mom's like my dad."
"Hey little dude, welcome to Normal Kid land." He held his fist out towards Damian.
Damian quickly realized it was not an attack, but a greeting ritual and he bumped his fist against Nino's with only the slightest hesitation.
"Alright my dudes, let's go pick up the girls and get this chill sesh going."
Adrien turned to Damian as they walked towards Rue Gotlieb. "Every time we can hang out, we rotate who decides the activity. This time it's Marinette's turn, right Nino?"
"Yup Dudette's deciding and word on the street is there's a UMS 3 tournament happening at an arcade nearby. So, it's either going to be that or the new fashion exhibit at the Louvre."
They arrived at the bakery just in time to see Nathalie's car pull away and hear a screech of "Oh my God." They entered the apartment upstairs only to see Alya kneeling before Marinette.
"Girl you have to calm down."
"Alya do you understand how big this is? I have to start designing now. Oh, what will I wear?" Not noticing the boys entering the room she rushed to her sketchbook. "Okay, it's black tie formal." She started flipping the pages. "Sun dress, day dress, semi-formal, too casual."
The boys moved over towards Alya. "Babe, what's going on?"
"Adrien's dad just invited Marinette to accompany Adrien to the donor and VIP party for the new exhibit at the Louvre."
"Oh yeah," Adrien sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "I think Nathalie mentioned that to me."
"Sunshine," Alya said with her hands on her hips. "As my girl's bff I need advance notice of these things to avoid this." She gestured towards Marinette who was still frantically flipping through her sketchbook.
"Why do I have nothing black tie?" Marinette moaned.
During all of this Damian had made his way over to where Marinette was frantically going through her designs. "This one." He said with a commanding tone. "Make it longer and extend the embroidery on one side of the skirt.
Marinette screeched and clutched the sketchbook to her chest, while Damian looked on unimpressed.
"That was not necessary. You need to be more aware of your surroundings." Damian glanced at Adrien. "So, these are your… friends," the unfamiliar word heavy on his tongue. "What purpose do they serve?"
Adrien shot a panicked look towards Alya and Nino, when Marinette stepped in. "Friends don't need to serve a purpose. They support you when you're not feeling your best and you do the same for them. Friends are really just siblings that you choose for yourself.”
Damian was busy contemplating that thought when his phone beeped once, twice and then fell silent. Glancing at it he realized that Mother had finished her business and sent him the coordinates for their rendezvous point. He quickly left and it was only on the flight back to Namba Parat that he noticed the slip of paper in his pocket. Sneaking a glance he noticed a string of numbers and an email with a hastily scrawled note at the bottom that read “So we can keep in touch. -A.A.”
A few years had passed since that fateful day in Paris. Damian had been diligent in cultivating the relationship with Agreste. The biggest change came a few months after they met. It had been one of the few times Damian managed to get access to a web camera and slip away from his watchers for a few hours. He had quickly sent a video call request to Agreste. It had been the first time since they met in Paris and when the connection settled, he had used the title that only dwelled in the recesses of his mind. “Gēgē, I have been informed that I will be studying in London for the time being.” When he realized what he had called Agreste, he was quick to end the call. But his gēgē had not let him dwell on it and acknowledged the honor that came with the title.
Now, Damian stood in the shadows of the rooftop where Mother was confronting his father. As he surveyed the crowd before him, two fingers worried at that old worn piece of paper. The number it originally held was long faded from it's surface but forever imprinted in his mind. With a jolt he returned to the task he had been given. It would not do to miss Mother's signal and give Father a poor impression of his diligence, he thought. Father had only brought along his current Robin with him. That was fine. He could easily defeat him, and there was Mother's signal.
He strode forward with all the confidence he didn't feel. This was the easy part. All he had to do was defeat the charlatan in combat and claim his rightful place as his father's heir. Before he had time to prepare what he was going to say he was at Mother's side, her steadying hand on his shoulder. "Father," so far it was going well, "I thought you would be taller."
"Robin," his father's voice came out in a low growl. “Bring your brother to the Batmobile. I need a word with Talia."
Damian stalked past the impostor. Of course, Father would not have them fight there. There were too many potential witnesses. His face twisted into a grimace. Mother would never tolerate a beginner mistake like the one he just made. Father must be disappointed in him already.
He climbed into the black car Drake motioned to. He would correct his father's perception of him. He had to. Failure has never been an option for an al Ghul. Drake was talking to a Penny-One, who remotely enabled the vehicle's autopilot back to the "Cave".
The "Batmobile" parked just as two motorcycles roared into the cavern. One carried the familiar figure of Batman. The other, a bright red bike, carried another one of Damian's alleged brothers, according to the information Mother had given him. There was something about him, an important piece of information that Damian couldn't remember. Then Todd spotted him and hurled his helmet as hard as he could onto the cave floor with a sharp crack.
"Damnit Bruce! Another one?!" He roared as green started to tinge the blue of his eyes.
That was it. This was the one Grandfather permitted to use the Lazarus pool.
"Jason, Damian is my son."
"I thought we were all your sons you consarn sarding hypocrite."
"Jay-lad, I meant Damian is my biological son. With Talia."
Damian had used the momentary distraction of Todd losing his temper, -tt- amateur, to swipe Todd's phone. He raced into a sectioned off area of the cave. Not noticing his father's first ward descending into the cave. Dick quickly moved to calm Jason down. "Jay-bird, I get you're upset with Bruce, but we've got a bigger problem."
"And what would that be, dickhead?"
"Who's missing their phone? 'Cos the kid just ran into the changing room with one."
They all barreled after Damian, stopping just outside the door.
Inside Damian was listening to the ring of the phone, willing Adrien to pick up with every ounce of his body.
"Hello?"
"Gēgē, it's me."
"Dami, what's wrong?"
"I think I messed up." He paused, "Mother decided that I was ready to meet Father. To assume my rightful position as his heir." Adrien hummed and that was all the encouragement Damian needed. "I insulted him when I greeted him." He admitted. "Todd was angry about my existence and Drake is my competition. Grayson does not appear to be here. How can I possibly gain Father's approval now?"
"Dami, you're a good kid and no matter what happens you have me," he paused. "And I'm sure Mari would love for you to be her little brother. But why not try bonding with them over their interests. But if worst comes to worst, remember what Mari said friends are?"
"Yes, thank you, gēgē." Damian quickly deleted all traces of his phone call, before moving to rejoin his father and the rest. He opened the door only to see his father completely filling the frame.
"You have a brother?" He demanded.
"Due to your habits, father, I have a multitude."
"Who were you talking to?" He demanded again. “Your mother didn’t mention another child of ours.”
“That is none of your business.” Damian shot back, as his alleged brothers’ heads moved back and forth between the pair, looking like the strays they were. It appeared that Grayson had joined them while he was on the phone.
"Bruce, it’s been a long night for everyone.” Grayson started
“That is quite right Master Dick. This can all be discussed over breakfast tomorrow morning.” Pennyworth announced as he walked down the stairs to the cave. “Young Master Damian, if you would return Master Jason’s phone, I will show you to your room now.”
“That is acceptable, Pennyworth.” He handed the phone back to Jason and left the room after Pennyworth.
As soon as they were gone, “Jason, give the phone to Tim. Tim, trace who Damian just called, start looking for any connections to the League of Shadows.”
Fifteen minutes later Tim had to be the bearer of bad news. “Sorry Bruce, but according to the phone, no calls have been made on it all day. The only way we’ll find out who he was talking to anytime soon is if he tells us.”
“HA,” Jason barked out. “B, finally has a kid just as paranoid as him.”
“Damnit!” Bruce’s fist hit the table. “I need to know.”
“Bruce, why is it so important? It was his brother.” Dick questioned
“What if it was code? This could all be a part of Talia’s plot.”
“So, we keep an eye on the twerp. It’s not the end of the world.” Jason started to leave the cave.
The next morning, Damian descended for breakfast. Unfortunately, Father’s band of orphans had already assembled at the table. In addition to the group he had expected, a woman sat next to Father, laughing at something Grayson had said.
After he finished eating, the umbrage of questioning started.
“Who’s your brother?”
“It is not important to you; I am your only blood child.”
“Where does he live?”
“France,” Damian acquiesced. France was a large country, the odds of Father finding Gēgē were minimal.
“How is he connected to the League?”
Damian hesitated, if he did not answer this question, Father could ask Mother about Gēgē, which would endanger him. “He isn’t.” Damian used the resulting confusion to slip away.
He had been wandering the grounds for a few hours when Grayson found him.
After a while of walking in silence together, Grayson spoke. “So how’d you meet your brother?”
“Mother had a mission in France. She decided to test me on how well I could blend in. Gēgē found me while I was waiting for her to finish. He insisted on keeping in contact when I had to leave.”
“Any questions for me?”
“Who was the woman at breakfast?”
“Selina, she’s B’s fiancee. Why didn’t you want to tell B about your brother?”
“I’ve had to keep him secret for years from Mother and Grandfather. What does Father expect from me?”
“That’s complicated. Do you mean what does he expect right now, or what does he hope for from you?”
“Both.”
“B hasn’t said what he expects from you. I think he’s nervous about why your mom brought you here, now. But his hopes for you are the same as the rest of us. That you adapt to this change well and are happy here. Eventually, he’s hoping you trust him, but I think it’s a little soon for that.” They fell into silence again as Damian contemplated that answer. Eventually, Dick spoke again trying to steer the conversation into neutral territory. “What do you like to do?” Damian shot him a puzzled look. “In your spare time? What do you like to do?”
“I draw. When will Father set the trial by combat?”
“The what?”
“The trial by combat against Drake. For the position of Robin. It will be soon, correct?”
“Why would you fight Tim? That’s not how Robin works. When Tim is ready to become a solo hero, he will pass down the title.”
“I am Father’s rightful heir. It is my duty to fight by his side.”
“I’m pretty sure B doesn’t expect that.”
“-tt-,” Damian walked in silence back to the house with Grayson.
When they got inside, they separated. Damian headed back towards his room. Dick, however, walked like a man on a mission. “Alfred, do you know where Bruce is?”
“I believe Master Bruce went to the cave.”
“Thanks.” Taking the stairs two at a time, he rushed down to the cave. “Seriously, Bruce? You find out you have a son and instead of getting to know him, you’re down here doing the paranoid Bat routine?”
“Dick, this is important. Who knows what Talia is plotting? I can’t give him too much information.”
Tim looked at Dick and then at Bruce and quickly decided to make his exit.
“He has a name B. And maybe if you actually, I don’t know, talked to Damian, you could figure this out faster.” A bing came from the computer and Dick moved to investigate. “Really, a DNA check?” He picked up the file folder. “Well congrats Bruce, it’s a boy.” He threw the file into Bruce’s chest and stormed back up the stairs.
Just before Damian entered his room, that woman approached him. “Hey, Damian, right? I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself earlier. I’m Selina Kyle.”
“Yes, Father’s latest paramour.”
She chuckled but before she could respond Drake stormed by. “What’s wrong Tim?”
“Dick and Bruce are at it again. I’m getting out of the blast zone.”
“Well, why don’t we all go out shopping? Damian, I’m sure you need to pick some stuff up.”
“-tt- That will do.”
As Dick stormed out of the cave, the group of three pulled out of the manor driveway.
“Dick, Chum, I’m just trying to be careful. He already knows everyone’s identity, and maybe he’s not a part of Talia’s plot but I can’t just accept that. Talia doesn’t do anything without a reason.”
“Fine, but you could at least talk to him.”
“I-“
“Talk to, not interrogate him. I bet I know more about his brother than you do.”
“How?”
“We played 20 questions. Damian met his brother while Talia was on a mission in France. His brother insisted on keeping in touch, and Damian believes that Talia and Ra’s didn’t know about this brother.”
“Why wouldn’t he tell me this?”
“Because he doesn’t know you.” Dick was exasperated. “You didn’t even introduce Selina to him.”
“I didn’t?”
“No, B you didn’t. I get that it’s important for you to make sure we’re safe but you have to remember that he’s 10. His life has just been completely uprooted. On another note…”
“Jason?”
“Jason, you really need to let him know you don’t hate him.”
“I could never!”
“I know that, and you know that, but does Jay know that?”
At the mall Damian had selected some civilian attire, thanks to a surprise shopping trip with his Gēgē and Mari he learnt how to shop for clothes. That woman was well suited to help him pick out clothes. Then Drake dragged them into a nearby technology store. “What are we here for?”
“Well, you’re going to need a phone, Babs and I’ll make sure it’s secure tonight,” Drake started. “Plus, a laptop, for school, game systems, so you know what the other kids are talking about- “
“Wait,” Damian interrupted. “Father is going to send me to school. With children?!” He was incredulous and aghast.
“Well, yeah,” Drake replied. “It’s the law.”
“I am so far beyond whatever those incompetents could possibly teach. I have a Doctorate!”
“Then B will say it’s for social skills. Point is you’re going to have to go and the laptop will let you Skype your brother.”
“Alright, but I will fight Father about school.”
“Been there, tried that, have the commemorative Mug.” Drake continued as he peered at specifications. “One of the first things you’ll learn about Bruce, is that us appearing to be well-adjusted people is very important to him. If it helps think of school as being undercover. You need to convince people that you’re a typical 10-year-old, not someone who has a PhD.” With that Drake selected a laptop and moved on to grab a Switch system and some Pokémon games.
As they left the store, she asked, “Need anything else, Kitten?”
Damian hesitated. Should he trust them with this? “If there is an art store…” he trailed off.
“Sure Kitten,” Kyle said. “What type? Drawing, painting, knitting? Whatcha like?”
“Primarily drawing and oil painting.”
“Well if you ever want to try knitting…”
“Selina stop trying to induct another person into your knitting cult. You already got Jay, isn’t that enough?”
“Nope,” they walked into the craft store. “Kitten, I’ll be in the yarn section, just grab what you want.”
“You don’t even like the yarn here!” Drake shouted after her.
Selina ignored him as she walked off. Damian looked at him questioningly as he grabbed sketch pads and canvases. “Why did you not go with her?”
“She’s going to be over there for a while. Plus, I’ve spent tons of time with Selina, I haven’t spent time with you.”
“Why would you want to? I am a threat to your position. Unless, this is to learn my weaknesses. I see you possess a superior sense of strategy than I had originally suspected Drake.”
“Wha-No, why? You’re my new brother, I want to know more about you.”
Damian headed off to find Kyle with Drake tailing after him. “You can admit to the ruse. I have found you out.”
“You’ve found nothing.”
“Being disingenuous is unbecoming. I have discovered your scheme.”
“Damian, I literally just want to get to know my younger brother but go off I guess.”
Damian’s confusion from that statement only grew as they found Selina with a cart full of yarn.
“We left you alone for 5 minutes.”
“I have zero impulse control. I don’t know how you keep forgetting this.” She replied plucking Damian’s choices from his hands and adding it to the cart.
They drove back, only to be greeted by a very confused Bruce as Selina carried bags filled with yarn into the house. “Come on Baby Bat, you need to know where the craft room is.”
“What happened?” Bruce asked Tim.
“We took Damian shopping; I think we bonded but apparently he thinks I have some scheme to defeat him in a fight. Don’t know what that’s about, but I need coffee.” Tim replied going into the kitchen.
That night was the start of regularly scheduled calls between Damian and Adrien. Damian took extreme precautions to keep the calls private. They where never the same night of the week or the same time of evening, and while he locked the door to his room, he never called from there. Despite bets to the opposite, Jason was the first to find Damian while he was on a call.
“Yo, Gremlin, whatcha up to?”
“None of your business, Todd.”
“Dami, is that one of your brothers?” Came an unfamiliar voice.
“-tt-, it is no one important.”
“Aw, Gremlin, I thought we were closer than that.” He captured Damian in a headlock and got a good look at the screen. “Oh, you’re that teen model…” He snapped trying to remember the name.
“Adrien.” Adrien supplied.
“Yeah, that’s it! You’re the Gremlin’s brother?”
“Todd, remove your hands before I remove them for you.”
“Touchy, touchy Baby Bat.” Damian snarled at him, while Jason pulled out his phone and took a selfie with the computer and Damian.
“Delete that Todd.”
“No can do, you know how the others are. I won and now I have proof.”
“TODD,” Damian screamed, as Jason ran back to the house.
After that, all the Wayne boys made consistent interruptions in Damian’s calls. Grayson was the most frequent. Drake was second and the most annoying, constantly pestering Adrien with questions, that varied from how often he sees his father to how many hours he worked modeling for his father’s brand.
“Hey Dami, why does your brother keep asking all those questions?” Adrien asked one day.
“It is Drake, I try not to delve into his potential thought process.”
“Well, Damian, that sounds like a you problem.” Drake shot back as he continued to type on his laptop.
“Anyways, Dami school got out early today.”
“Oh, what was the reason this time?”
“Mr. Pigeon again. Poor Mr. Ramier, all he wants is to feed the pigeons.”
“Wait, what?” Drake interrupted again.
“Drake, Gēgē is trying to tell me about his day and complain about Hawkmoth. Stop interrupting.”
“Who’s Hawkmoth?”
“Wait,” Adrien interrupted, “You don’t know about Hawkmoth? Paris’ supervillain? Attacks at least 4 times a week for the past 4 years? His Akumas are always defeated by Ladybug and Chat Noir? None of this rings a bell?”
“No,” Drake said slowly.
“Ugh,” Damian rolled his eyes. “Here research away to your heart’s content and let me talk to Gēgē!”
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leila4you · 3 years
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How to Bring Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne into the Live Action DCEU
I think that's what it's called, basically the Live Action Justice League movies and their universe.
Aka My idea for Justice League 2 and I might write a fanfic on this at some point.
This is based on the Synderverse version. I've never seen the 2017 version and don't plan to.
SPOILERS FOR ZAC SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE AND EVERYTHING HE'S SAID ABOUT THE SNYDERVERSE, UNDER THE RED HOOD STORYLINE (KINDA), GRAYSON COMICS, TEEN TITANS ANIMATED SERIES!(AND I GUESS THE FAB5?)
Okay, so Zac Snyder confirmed awhile ago that the dead Robin is Dick Grayson, and from my understanding, Ben Affleck was going to do an adaptation of the Under the Red Hood storyline. But was canceled ot something. Anyway, what if they did, but with Dick Grayson. It's a very loose adaptation, mostly that Dick was killed by Joker, resurrected, and come back into Bruce's life.
So, Dick dies when he's around 14-15. Dick was around 8 when he started, so it would make a little bit more sense for Bruce to have been comfortable to be patrolling or in general being out by himself, but still be considered young. Dick went to try and stop a lottery, but turns out it was a ruse created by Joker to kidnap Robin!Dick. Joker takes him to a warehouse and essentially does what he did to Jason in the comics (for those who don't know, Joker beat him with a crowbar then blew up the building he was in, killing Jason(Dick in this case)).
Ra's al Ghul hears about Dick's death and puts Dick in the Lazurus Pits to bring him back to life and calls Deathstroke.
Deathstroke and Dick have already met and they have their weird obsessive/mutual respect thing/I-you-as-my-apprentice going on, so Ra's makes a deal with him: Slade can have Dick as his apprentice, but Dick has to help raise and eventually train Bruce's son, Damian. Slade accepts.
So, Dick unwillingly trains under Slade and becomes Renegade until he's 19 and he takes Damian and runs away.
Dick, who doesn't want to drag Bruce into all of this, doesn't go back to Bruce, but plans to when he knows it's safe because he wants Damian to meet his dad.
Eventually, Dick ends up at Spyral and becomes Agent 37, but the whole Nazi thing doesn't happen. The arc where Minos was trying to find out Heroes' identities could happen, but after the events of Justice League and Dick handles it (Basically Grayson comics 1-10 without Dick reporting back to Bruce) when he's like 22.
The Deathstroke and Lex Luthor scene happens and the reason Deathstroke has a vendetta against Batman is because he thinks Batman is hiding Dick and Damian (he doesn't really care about Damian but bringing Damian back to the League would keep him in their favor. He would know Dick's identity, but not Bruce's because he probably didn't believe that Bruce was smart enough to be Batman, but he would protect his son(s). He doesn't know that Bruce doesn't know anything.
So the story is about Deathstroke going after Bruce. At first, everyone thinks that Slade got paid to kill Bruce Wayne, but then Slade kidnaps one the League members (Like Barry) or someone close to them (Alfred or Lois) and says he'll kill them unless Bruce tells Slade where Dick is.
Bruce is mad because Slade is bringing up his dead son, but Slade isn't crazy enough to just make up Dick being alive, so he starts investigating.
He eventually comes to the conclusion that the League of Assassin's, or at least the Lazarus Pits have something to do with it, so he contacts Talia and she tells him the truth (or maybe Talia comes to Gotham looking for Damian and ends up telling Bruce everything when she realizes he doesn't know). But all these events have caught Spyral's attention and Dick and Tiger (and maybe Helena) go to stop Slade. Damian, who's still living with Dick, follows them.
It ends with the JL, Dick, Tiger, and Damian, (and Helena) beating Slade, but Slade escapes (of course). And it ends with people finding out Dick is alive (cover probably being amnesia or Witness Protection) and Dick leaves Spyral.
Maybe there's this conversation between Dick and Clark where Clark tells him the Nightwing story and it kind of sets up Dick to be Nightwing at the end and Damian possibly being Robin? It'd be hard without the closeness between Dick and Clark being there that Nightwing signifies and DCEU Bruce still might not want a Robin with him because of what happened to Dick.
This was just my idea of how they could bring Dick Grayson into the DCEU. Damian also would make sense to bring in this context of why Ra's would do this. And it could fit into Snyder's plan where Clark and Lois's son becomes Batman and Damian takes up Nightwing or be his own hero (he also goes by Redbird in the comics, right?)
I also had an idea that the Teen Titans formed, but just the Fab 5:
Roy Harper is Red Arrow, not much to change with his storyline, Oliver Queen started as Green Arrow around the tim Bruce started being Batman. Dick and Rot probably met at a Gala and hit it off, and eventually all four found out about each other.
Garth: Maybe Arthur found him as a child and helped him get to Atlantis, where Garth eventually becomes an Ambassador for them. He comes to visit Arthur a lot, but doesn't push for him to go to Atlantis, and met the others on one of his trips.
Donna: I read somewhere, and I don't know if it's true, that Donna was Diana's clone who got kidnapped and cursed and her life got like restarted, but this Donna's story is that. Both Diana and Donna know that the other is in the Man's World, but Donna never told Diana about the Teen Titans.
Wally: He traveled from the future (Like Bart) and to change the future and got stuck in the past. He probably lived or spent a lot of time at Wayne Manor, but after Dick died, it hurt to be there, but he visits Bruce and Alfred.
They have Titans Tower in New York.
This was mostly in order to have a way for Slade to meet Dick, and why it would have taken Bruce longer to find and save Dick from Joker. Because Bruce doesn't know New York as well as Gotham and it might take longer for Bruce to even find out that Dick was missing. It kind of doesn't work because why wouldn't he call them to join the Justice League and fight Steppenwolf or even Doomsday? Maybe because he still sees them as kids (even though they'd probably be older than Barry) and losing them would be like losing Dick all over again.
Anyway, that's my idea that will probably never happen, but I might write later.
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Hold Your Child as Tight as You Can (And Push Away the Unimaginable)
Read here on AO3!
Summary:
Bruce tries not to think about the day. Not this one. Not any other, for that matter, but especially not this one.
With every second that passes, he drifts farther and farther away from his center. He’s thrown off balance, like gravity has made him an exception. No one tries to console him, and that’s just fine because Bruce doesn’t want to be consoled. Alfred tries on occasion, but Bruce isn’t the only one hurting too deeply to reach. The manor exists in a fog, silent and riddled with cracked pieces. It’s too empty now.
Bruce tries not to think about the day. Not this one. Not any other, for that matter, but especially not this one. With every second that passes, he drifts farther and farther away from his center. He’s thrown off balance, like gravity has made him an exception. No one tries to console him, and that’s just fine because Bruce doesn’t want to be consoled. Alfred tries on occasion, but Bruce isn’t the only one hurting too deeply to reach. The manor exists in a fog, silent and riddled with cracked pieces. It’s too empty now. Nearly everyone has called. When Bruce wouldn’t pick up, they started texting. Eventually Bruce turned his phone off. Just seeing the words spelled out ached like a screwdriver to the gut. If this were any normal day, Alfred would be bringing Bruce his lunch right about now. But he knows better than to disturb Bruce when he’s in Damian’s room. Bruce is aware of the poor taste he exhibits now, drinking a bottle of whiskey in a ten-year-old’s room. He’s setting a bad example. God, how he wishes he could still set a bad example. “Honestly, Father,” Damian said when Bruce took his glass of champagne away. “I’ve been allowed to drink wine before. My mother even encouraged it at formal events. Maturity garners respect.” “Well, I don’t encourage it. You’re still a child, no matter how sophisticated you think you are.” Not to mention the fact that a ten-year-old drinking champagne at a Wayne gala would certainly turn heads. Bruce downed the champagne himself, laughing at Damian’s scowl. “Come on, son. Let’s get you a juice box.”
That was only four months ago. Four months ago, back when the beast that is tragedy was locked tight in its cage, things were good. Things were perfect. Bruce had everything. Now he has nothing left. He takes a swig, closing his eyes as the alcohol burns his throat. “It’s a little early, don’t you think?” Bruce opens his eyes and finds Tim standing in the doorway, his fingertips clutching the frame. It brings Bruce back to the early days when he would creep to Bruce’s room in the middle of the night after a nightmare, uncertain if he was welcome to enter. He’s just as wary now, watching Bruce. “The whiskey, I mean. You’ve never been much of a day drinker.” “It’s a special occasion.” “That it is.” Tim steps closer, cautious. Bruce wonders, is his fear kindled from stepping into his dead brother’s room, or from Bruce? “How are you doing?” “How do you think I’m doing?” Tim scratches the back of his neck. “Okay, yeah, bad question. I’m...not very good at this.” “Did you need something?” He can’t do this. Not with Tim here. Not ever. That was the whole point of coming to this part of the house in the first place. “I wanted to wish you a happy Father’s Day. And...to give you this.” Tim holds out his hand, uncurling his fingers to reveal a small piece of metal with a chain on it. Bruce takes it, turns it over in his fingers. The flat piece shows a chibi-like depiction of Batman and Robin. “Damian picked it out.” Bruce’s insides crumble, folding in on themselves like botched origami. “When?” “A couple weeks before. He saw it when we were at the mall and thought it was stupid, so I bought it for him to give to you as a gag gift. Thought he might want you to have it.” It takes every ounce of Bruce’s strength to keep his voice from shaking, to keep from falling apart altogether. “Thank you.” He closes his hand around the keychain. “I thought you were with the Titans today.” “I wanted to make sure you weren’t alone.” “That’s not your job. You don’t have to—” Bruce swallows. Takes a breath. “It’s not all on you.” “Isn’t it? I’m the only one left.” Bruce is about to disagree, to tell him that there are others, but he keeps his mouth shut. Because Tim is right. Damian is dead. Jason hasn’t checked in with anyone in weeks. And Dick… “I’m here for whatever you need, Bruce. That’s why I joined up in the first place, right?” It’s supposed to be a joke, but it falls flat. Tim’s arm twitches like he wants to do something, provide some sort of comfort, but he keeps his distance. “I’m here for you. No father should have to lose two sons.” Bruce should tell him the truth. He should come clean, tell Tim that he need only mourn one brother, that Dick is out there somewhere alive and well. But he can’t do that. Besides, it makes sense, doesn’t it? Bruce brought on his own suffering, and it’s spread to the entire family like a virus. They’re all hurting, every one of them. All because of Bruce. “Thank you, Tim. I’ll keep that in mind.” Tim’s expression doesn’t change but for a dimming of his eyes, a sag in his shoulders. He sees the dismissal for what it is. “I’ll...leave you alone.” He goes without another word, closing the door behind himself. Bruce turns the keychain over in his palm. It’s small, cheap. Worth next to nothing. Worth everything. He needs more whiskey. Half a bottle later and the pain hasn’t numbed any, which he should have expected. This isn’t the kind of pain that any sedative can treat. Not even sleep takes the hurt away—if anything, it amplifies it. Bruce’s dreams now consist of a little boy with a sword shoved through his chest, crying for his dad to come save him. Food has lost its taste, the stars have lost their glow. It’s as if the whole world dimmed once Damian was taken out of it. “I miss you,” Bruce whispers to the empty room. “God, I miss you so much. It hurts more every day.” When Bruce’s parents died all those decades ago, it tore something inside of him seemingly beyond repair. Then, by some miracle, it healed. Dick healed it. So did Jason, Tim, Cass, Damian—they all healed him, each in their own way. Jason’s death tore open the scar and taught it how to bleed again. And now Damian has razed the land, made it unsalvageable. Barren. A wound can only be opened so many times before the flesh can no longer be stitched. “It’s a scratch, Father. I am perfectly capable of taking care of it myself.” Damian’s face was twisted in a scowl, more indignant than hurt despite the bloody rivulets coursing down his forearm. “I’m not disputing that. But just because you can do something yourself doesn’t mean you have to. Turn your arm for me?” Bruce swabbed the cut in disinfectant. Damian bit down on his bottom lip until the skin turned white. “Sorry. The anesthetic should kick in soon.” “I’m fine.” Bruce sighed. “How long before you accept that you’re allowed to express pain?” “Four million years.” Bruce chuckled. “Okay. Then I’ll just have to stick around with you for four million and one.” What Bruce wouldn’t give for those four million and one years. He would take an eternity of pain, anguish, agonizing sacrifice up to his knees if it meant he got to hold his child one more time. If he could tell him how much he loves him. Loved him. Orphans lose parents. Widows lose spouses. But there is no word for when a parent loses a child. It’s such an unimaginable tragedy that no one has dared to name it. There are not enough words in the English language to describe the depth of this feeling, of losing one’s entire world. Bruce wouldn’t wish it on his greatest enemy. “I loved you so much, Damian. More than I deserved to love anyone. And I should have told you that when I had the chance.” His eyes burn. His lip trembles. “There shouldn’t have been a day that went by when you didn’t feel loved without conditions, without a single exception. You were perfect.” He doesn’t stop the tears as they slide down his cheeks, warm and salty. The chasm in his chest widens, expands to the edges of his body until there is more emptiness in him than flesh. He is a black hole. “I had so many plans for today. It was supposed to be our first Father’s Day together.” Bruce was dead for the last one. And now death has stolen his child from him without warning, without mercy. Without reason. Bruce’s next breath gets stuck in his throat, makes him shudder. Damian didn’t deserve this. He should be home, safe, alive. He was just a boy. Just a baby, guilty of so many horrors but still so innocent. God, he was just a baby. “I should have been there for you. You needed your father to save you, and I was too late. I couldn’t keep you safe. But I’m going to get you back, Damian.” The whiskey bottle lies on its side on the bedspread, empty. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to bring you back, even if it kills me. I won’t fail you again.” He would say more, but his vocal cords refuse to work. Bruce buries his face in his hands, sobs wracking his large frame. What a sight he must make—the Batman, sitting on his son’s bed, crying like a child himself. For god’s sake, Father, Damian would say if he were here now. If I’d known that my death would turn you into a sniffling mess, I would have tried harder to stay alive. You’ll never intimidate criminals like this. But Damian isn’t here to say that. He isn’t here at all, and that’s on Bruce. So he cries, sobs, hoping it will do something to alleviate the ache that has set into his body. But if anything, it just makes the ache worse. Makes it grow and grow, forcing it to the forefront of his mind, demanding to be acknowledged. Your fault. This is all your fault. You don’t get to take it back. Bruce’s son is dead. His baby is dead. He won’t stop until he finds a way to take it back.
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