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dragon-chica · 2 years

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"Batmom"

The story of how the name Batmom came to be, and how it traveled.

It wasn't long after Dick started calling you 'mom' that he came up with the brilliant idea of since Bruce is Batman, you must be 'Batmom'!

He thought of it on patrol when Bruce was reminding him to only use codenames when Dick wanted to say something about you and wasn't supposed to say 'mom'.

He was very proud of himself and kept repeating 'Batmom, Batmom, Batmom' throughout the night so he wouldn't forget before they went home.

You always waited up to make sure both your boys got home safely and as soon as the Batmobile (also named by Dick) has parked your little boy had shot out of his seat toward you yelling "Batmom!!"

Bruce had a smile on his face because he knew you'd enjoy the new name and started putting their gear away while Dick told you all about their night and a rather long explanation about you being "Batmom".

After that "Batmom" just came naturally, Bruce and Dick referred to you as such on every patrol after, and sometimes at home. You adored it.

One night as you're getting into bed beside Bruce you elbow him lightly "Now that I have my own code-name I guess I'm a hero now too, huh?" it's playful and you expect a warm chuckle.

But instead Bruce wraps his arm around you, resting his head against the juncture of your neck.

"Of course, you saved me long ago."

I always picture Bruce and Batmom before bed with both their beside lamps on, Bruce in pastel silk buttoned two piece pajamas and sitting up on his side waiting for you to come to bed with him.

After Dick left Gotham Bruce still referred to you as 'Batmom' if he were to speak with you on coms during patrol, he didn't think much of it at first.

Until it hit him one night, you were 'Batmom' because Dick was talking to his mom, Bruce was talking about his mom, now he's working alone, if he's talking to you, just you on coms, there's not really a need for a code name is there.

He was quiet afterwards that night.

When he first takes Jason out on patrol, he instantly falls back into it.

Jason's a little stunned the first time he hears Batman (who really is much different than the kind and open Bruce-Dad at home) says in his deep, raspy tone "Batmom".

He instantly knew he was talking about you! And Jason loves it! He never knew you had a vigilante name too! And jumps right in on referring to you as 'Batmom' from there on out, a seamless switch.

Bruce realizes what he's done afterwards, too late for his own liking, but talking with Jason, a small Robin and calling you 'Batmom' as he always did with Dick, was just natural.

The first time he calls you 'Batmom' on coms again you pause for a few seconds and he can hear the smile in your reply.

After Jason's gone, Bruce is quiet during patrol. He doesn't speak much but he knows you're there, a comfort to you both. But when he does, he still calls you 'Batmom'.

Tim calls you 'Batmom' before he even goes on patrol, it surprises you a little, but you later find out it's because in every log or file in the Batcave that includes you in mention or footnote, Bruce has you as 'Batmom'.

You definitely tease Bruce about it later.

So Tim figured he should call you as such too, very professional. And not realizing it's more of a nickname your family gave you instead.

It's probably a year later he really realizes it's much more casual as he's sitting in a spinning chair in the cave whining "Batmoooom" to you.

Damian takes it as Fully serious.

He hasn't started seeing you as any kind of parental figure yet, but fully believes what Bruce says as law and as all your other children and Bruce call you 'Batmom' in costume, he does as well.

You feel a little fuzzy at first before realizing 'oh. he doesn't mean it like that'. When he completely turns back around after patrol.

It's Tim who finally breaks the news to him.

"You do realize we call her that because she's mom right? Not because she uses a secret identity."

Damian did not realize that, shows no expression beyond 'neutral resting anger' but his entire face goes red as he glares down at the streets.

The first time Cassandra called you 'Batmom' over the coms you were ready to cry.

She readily calls you Mom during the day when she does speak, but to hear her say Batmom? A relatively silly nickname your boys have called you for years? You heart.

She receives an extra kiss on the head after coming home and the others aren't sure why you seem so proud of her tonight?

And you don't tell Bruce when he asks why you seem so happy all the while before going to bed that night.

Honestly Duke raises his eyebrow a little the first time he hears everyone referring to you as 'Batmom'.

Sure you're their mom and it's not secret that every one of these boys is a total Mama's Boy, but these are also very professional crime fighting vigilantes that fight aliens and psycho-clowns.

Walking around saying 'Batmom'. He almost thinks it's a joke to see what he'd do?

But they don't let up on it and have really good poker faces so he finally tries asking Dick (as if he wouldn't be worse if it was a joke..)

"Hey so like...if I were to say something to Mrs. Wayne during patrol, and we're not supposed to say actual names, what should I say?"

"Oh, Batmom!"

"No I mean seriously, what do I say?"

"We call her Batmom :)"

"Dude."

Dick looks too confused for this to be a joke.

These people are really weird.

Says 'Batmom' the next night.

It's daresay even more fun when other heroes join in on your nickname.

Dick was actually rather good at keeping it a secret from the Titans, he was never embarrassed saying it back in Gotham when he teamed up with the bats again.

But this is his team, he's cool, he's the leader, the seasoned hero, he worked with Batman, yes he calls you Mom and everyone hears him talk about you a lot- but Batmom?

Great joy was had when Jason had linked his coms to the Batcave and said 'Batmom' to you without thinking.

Roy is bent over laughing "Batmom?? BATMOM?"

somehow Jason's helmet gave him an even more deadpan stare. "Are you finished?"

"Not until I get to thank Batmom for letting me hear you say 'Batmom'."

Tim never hid it or made a big deal about it, Bart and Conner joining in on 'Batmom' as easily as any vigilante name.

Jon hears Damian call you 'Batmom' once in a conversation and takes it in stride.

Soon your inside affectionate nickname has spread like wildfire and in the same light as Batman, a hero's alter-ego and every crime fighter and their sidekick says so without batting an eye. (well, maybe a teasing wink.)

#Batman #Batmom #Batman x reader #Batfam #Batboys x #reader #Batboys #Jason Todd #Dick Grayson #Tim Drake #Damian Wayne #Cassandra Cain #Duke Thomas #sorry this is my first time writing Duke at all #my stuff #Roy Harper #<- only a little but I love him.

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thegoblinboy · 2 years

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If Stalls Could Talk -

Written by Eddiethegreatteddybear (also featured on sonflowerboy on wattpad)

TRANS HEADCANNON

Description

• Trans FTM Steve

• Mentions of Blood & Dysphoria

•Few scenarios of Eddie being a decent human and making people realize that they have really low standards

•i. Steve starts his period in school

•ii. Steve goes to gym forgetting his bra and meets Eddie once again in the stalls after running in his binder

•iii. Movie night = Steve and Robin on their periods while Eddie helps them

•iiii. Eddie assures Steve he is a real boy

MODERN TIME

Unedited because I'm to tired but mistakes are very possible

Steve was currently stuck in the men's stall freaking out. His boxers were soaked with blood and his legs were shaking from sitting on the toilet for so long. His face was red and tears were forming in his eyes as he looks down at his screen freaking out. Normally Robin started her period before him, she was the one that always kept track of the timing for the both of them. Even though he was raised as a female with periods he still forgot that he had them. Which was something Robin couldn't really understand. His brain was already wired differently before he figured out that he was indeed trans.

Normally he found boys shitting for hours on end annoying but he was thankful now. It was his excuse for being in there for so long with his bag unzipped and completely destroyed in front of him. Of course, he forgot to restock his pads. Another problem of his. He's wiping his eyes a little more as he hears the fifth person come in and use one of the urinals and walk back out without washing their hands. He takes a shaky breath as he finally receives a text from Robin saying she couldn't get out of class but she had a friend that could help.

For a split second his heart drops to the lower part of his stomach, where the cramps were the worst. He was thankful his parents were able to pull some strings with helping him stay in secret. His Dad was a huge Leftist and didn't support the whole thing but didn't want it to be used against him in the future while running so he didn't let his trans son transition. His Mother was slightly more supportive as she had always wanted a boy but after that, it ends. Of course, they were able to afford the legal stuff. Changing his name was the first thing. Thankfully he had never really been in the spotlight and never really been discussed much. And when he was his nickname was used, "Stevie." So there was no surprise he had shortened his dead name to Steve.

He had switched to Hawkins in freshman year and everyone thought he was just a late bloomer. The younger boy had fallen down a toxic masculinity bubble and was a complete dick until he opened his eyes and realized he was no better than those cis guys he snorted at. Something he rather not be compared to. Now he was scared that was all going to go down the drain because of Robin not being able to get out of class. Of course, his rational side was telling him that she wouldn't send someone who wasn't able to keep secrets. Or would put him immediately. Knowing he was about to have a complete stranger help him he was freaking out.

"Steve Calm down. He has some experience with trans people and he won't out you or anything. He also said that he could give you a ride home if it's that bad." Robin sends back. Steve's face was still red though the other's words were calming down, the inevitable panic attack that was starting to form in his chest. Calming down a little bit though his binder was making everything seem worst off than what it was. He didn't overwear it, only to school and some other events. For gym, he always wore a sports bra with a very baggy shirt and a pair of shorts. Even though he hated having his period the pads he normally wore always gave him a slightly huger bulge. Something he appreciated a lot more considering he didn't really like using packers all that much.

"If he even does something wrong I will never let you live this down," Steve texts back as he hears the door open again. He doesn't pay any attention to it assuming that it was just another kid coming in to take a piss. "Who's bringing them anyway???" He sends back as he bites his lip. His ass was starting to cramp up and the more the dysphoria started to settle in the more he wanted to curl up and die.

The knock on the stall door makes him jump up startled as he presses his knees together out of reaction. "Hold on." His voice squeaks out a little. He has been on testosterone for over a year now and it hasn't really dropped yet. Sure it's lowered, but it was moments like this that reminded him that him forcing himself to talk lower was what was doing the job most times. His heart was going crazy and he felt like he was going to start having a panic attack. He could see the outlines of beat up vans on the other side as he sees a hand covered in rings holding a yellow wrapped pad to him.

"Robin said to bring this to you?" The voice on the other end sounds familiar and sounds equally confused. It's obvious that Robin didn't want to out him without permission but gave the poor guy a few pads and sent him on a top secret mission. Though it was painfully obvious why Steve needed them. He quickly moves and grabs the squares away from the others hands as his face stays red.

"Thank you." Steve says softly. He was to freaked out to put on his normal voice he gave everyone. He quickly rips the plastic open and gets to work. He had already cleaned out what he could with toilet paper so now all he could do was press the pad down and quickly finish up standing up to make sure he didn't get any blood on the seat. Sighing he fixes his shorts and his cramps were starting to get really bad again. Bending over a little he breathes through his nose as he lifts his bag up putting it over his shoulder.

His thighs felt sticky and he was really uncomfortable. Now for the walk of shame as he shoves his phone in his pocket not checking to see if Robin messaged him back. He moves unlocking the door as he moves out with his that had started up pulled back at the beginning of the day, pulled forward to hide part of his face. He doesn't look up to afraid to, he waddles a little to the sink and starts to wash his hands as he caught a glimpse of who it was through the mirror. Of all people to help him out, it was the one guy he sort of bullied when he was a total dickhead. He felt really awkward as he didn't know what to do.

Steve wasn't sure how to describe the mental place he was in back then. All he knew was that he felt so dysphoric and didn't find it fair that a boy his same age could get away with having longer hair and still passed. Which now that some of Steve's dysphoria has lifted with testosterone he could see how stupid he was. That and his own hair was growing slightly longer now. He moves his hands under the blow dryer as he thinks this was some spiteful way of God getting back at him.

Eddie wasn't staring at him but he was texting on his phone. Steve's anxiety was really high and he was shaking as he crosses his arms over his chest thinking Eddie could some how magically see the bumps there now knowing what Steve was. "Thanks again." He says softly. His ears were red as he moves to leave. It was difficult to do much as he could see Eddie's head movement from the corner of his eye.

"No problem." The other smiles softly at him. And if Steve felt bad before he felt even worst now knowing that he was a total dick towards the other.

🧚‍♂️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♂️🧚‍♀️

ii.

Steve goes a long time forgetting the incident ever occurred. Once in a while he passed Eddie in the halls and remembered that the other knew and would slightly panic before relaxing when he realizes Eddie wouldn't do that. The metal head hasn't even looked in his direction ever sense it happened. Which was just a little more nerve wrecking then it should be. Robin had apologized so much but it was left behind them. Neither of them bringing it up ever again.

Steve may or may not have forgotten to bring a new sports bra to gym and couldn't quickly go to the bathroom and come back with the same shirt acting like he forgot his gym clothes again. Which was his excuse with getting out of changing in the locker rooms. A lot of the boys didn't change their shirts strangely. And today was no different. Though when the class was finished Steve was sweating and his ribs were killing him. Regretting every life choice that led him into wearing a binder in gym class.

He had study hall after this, making his own schedule for his last year of school and he knew that he didn't have to go anywhere. Which lands him going into the mens bathroom with a bag over his shoulder as he struggles to breath. Coughing as he holds his side with one arm while trying to splash water on his face with the other. Clearly struggling to breath. He was so out of it he didn't even smell the cigarette smoke or see Eddie Munson sitting off to the side smoking. His bangs covering his eyes as he looks over at Steve.

It was painfully obvious Steve just got out of gym. Though before Steve could gather himself again he's pushing himself into the stall dropping his bag and to his knees as his breakfast comes back up. Panting as he continues to struggle to move. His ribs were screaming at him but he was being to stubborn to take the thing off. He was pulling his phone out to text Robin panicking. Though she was already calling him.

"What the fuck, you ran in gym with your binder on? What the hell Steve!" Her voice was ringing out in the bathroom and Steve winces before he looks very confused.

"How do you know I wore my binder in gym?" He asks sounding very lost and barely able to breath. Holding his side as he sits on the side of the stall with his head laid back on the wall.

"I just got a message from Eddie saying you just waltzed into the bathroom looking redder then a tomato, holding your side and proceeded to throw up. We've gone down this road many times Stevie. We both know if you keep doing this it will ruin your chances of saying goodbye to the airbags and saying hello to freedom." She rambles out as Steve can't help but chuckle a little. Before he looks confused as he pokes his head out of the stall seeing a very concerned Eddie looking in his direction.

He sees the cigeratte and the perfect opportunity to change the subject occurs. "But Eddie's smoking a cig in the bathroom and killing his lungs, but you're more concerned about my tits not being able to be chopped off in perfect condition." The pause speaks volumes as he quickly sets his phone on speaker and sets it in the middle of the floor sliding it away from him like it was a smoke grenade.

"Eddie!" Robins yelling as Steve starts to laugh before coughing as he wants to curl up on the floor but can't. "You both are dumbasses. I swear to god I hate all of the life decision's that lead me down this road. Will you two jackasses get out of the mens bathroom where it's probably ten times dirtier then a pig sty! And Steve if you don't get that binder off within the next ten minutes I'm coming and cutting it off your chest myself." Then the clicking sound of the phone being hung up is heard and Steve looks at his phone with a little bit of concern. Looking back up at the other boy in the corner who was grinning at him and waggling his fingers at him. Before he's putting out the cig on his shoe and tossing it in the garbage next to him. Then proceeds to stand up stretching his body as he grunts.

Walking over and picking up Steve's phone and moving over to the stall. "Let's get you to my van big boy. Your heard the lady, you need to get that thing off before she kills you herself." He says amused as he moves pulling Steve up from the armpits and putting him down a little acting like he was getting dirt off from him. A huge teasing grin on his face as he moves taking the others book bag and tossing it over his leather jacket as he turns leaving the stall and the bathroom soon after. Forcing Steve to follow.

Steve follows along because he was being forced to. He doesn't know what's going on as he walks behind the other and awkwardly keeps his arms crossed around himself. He was anxious and truth be told ready to die. Walking out the door with Eddie he catches sight of the van and follows a long. Watching him open the back and set his bag off to the side before he's pretending to bow with a feral grin. "My majesty." He grins as Steve raises a eyebrow.

Eddie moves struggling a little to get up before he's looking at Steve waiting. Steve moves and try's to lift himself up but grunts in pain as he gives up. Eddie moves to offer a hand but it's to late, Steve's backing up and running and throwing himself up and landing on the side of Eddie. Panting as he holds his sides. "Jesus Christ dude." His voice cracks. Before he's moving and trying to get up again. This time Eddie learns his mistake and forced his help on the other. Getting him to the side couch and looking concerned.

Steve tilts his head back as he struggles for a second as he watches Eddie close the back doors. "Ok now you should take off whatever Robin just told you to take off-" Eddie says as Steve groans remembering. Moving his arms and pulling his shirt off to reveal the olive green binder he was wearing. His happy trail was very hairy and Eddie was not looking away. He looked really curious as Steve raises his eyebrow.

"What?" He asks a little confused as he sets his shirt that was not going to be baggy enough to cover up his chest. Eddie was blushing realising he was staring.

"Oh it's just I've never seen something like that before what is it?" He asks confused.

Steve answers, "a binder, it uh... it Um presses my tits down to make me look flat and it absolutely destroys a guys ribcage when you wear it to long." He chuckles as he asks. "Do you have a um.. extra baggy shirt I could borrow? Once I take this off my shirts not going to be baggy enough to hide my chest..." he says softly.

Eddie listens to every word the other says and looks like he's taking mental notes about it. Before he's nodding his head eagerly. Looking like a feral raccoon as he starts going through trash and items around. Before snapping his fingers and checking his own bag that was already sitting up front. Grabbing a baggy Slipknot sweater out that looked to big for him. Steve doesn't care though as he catches it once the other tosses it. It grows awkward as Steve can't help but chuckle as he stands up the best he can. Setting the sweater down on the bench.

"Can you turn around?" He asks amused as Eddie blushes more turning around immediately. "And no matter what don't turn around." He adds quickly as he moves starting to peel the binder off. Making pained noises as he fights with it. Taking him longer to get it off then anything. It drops to the floor and he groan as he tilts his head back trying to catch his breath. Moving a arm and hiding what he could just in case. He could properly breath now as he moves and takes the others sweater and tosses it on. It immediately swims down to his knees as he hums out. "You're good."

Eddie turns hesitating a little before he's looking over at the other again. Steve sets his binder to the side as he sees the others eyes watch. He laughs shaking his head amused as he teases, "what do you want to feel it or something?" He asks feeling a lot better as he sits down on the side. He sees Eddie look like he has conflicted thoughts before asking like a lost puppy.

"Can I?" Robin never even looked this curious when she found out. Steve laughs nodding his head before tossing the material over to him. Eddie drops it before picking it back up and looking curiously. Feeling the material as he frowns. "This doesn't feel like it would feel all that nice." He comments as Steve sits cross legged. He sees the moment when Eddie smells it and scrunches his nose and laughs harder.

"I just got out of gym wearing it you dork. Of course it's going to stink." He laughs as he crosses his arms around himself as he Eddie shakes his head tossing it back. Before he is sitting down on the floor looking at Steve with wonder.

"So- is this why you were such a twat when you were younger?" He asks bluntly as Steve nods his head immediately.

"Oh yeah." Steve scrunches his face up a little S he nods his head. "God was I a asshole." He shakes his head as Eddie agrees.

"Well I think I understand now. " Eddie admits as they sit there for a second. "You can keep the sweater on for the rest of the day if it helps. You can return it whenever." He adds on as Steve sighs relieved.

"Thank god, I think I would've accidentally strangled myself trying to get into that thing again." He says amused. Eddie laughs along as he shakes his head.

"That wouldn't have been all that great." He laughs softly. "Though you are nothing like what I remember. It's weird." He says softly.

"What the big bad Steve who wants to prove that he's equally as a man as you? Yeah Robin knocked me down a few pegs." He chuckles as they talk.

iii.

Movie night with Robin and Steve was very sacred. It was always when they were on their periods together. Steve still came when he missed his still getting phantom cramps. This time he wasn't as lucky and was in it full blown. Though this time Robin decided to invite Eddie along with them. The boy had started to talk to Steve more often around the halls and talked to Robin about maybe hanging out sometime. Which is how they find themselves here.

Steve was going to give Eddie his sweater back but forgot to and now he was wearing it as his dysphoria sweater. Robin had already explained the whole thing to Eddie who found it adorable? Even though he didn't want the other to be that uncomfortable so he even brought over some cologne and nonchalantly sprayed the sweater with it when Steve wasn't looking. And maybe he even left a pair of brand new boxers somewhere for him to find.

Though he caught on to the fact the two were a little sick and helped take care of them. Making them stuff as he watches the movie along with them. Steve curled up to the side and Robin off to the other. They finally got comfortable before Steve groans remembering he needed to do his shot. "I'll be back I have to go do my shot." He huffs standing up and starting to walk away.

"Do you need help Steve?" Robin asks as she hops up and Eddie looks confused as he just awkwardly follows along. Watching Steve pull things out and he looks at the others hairy legs as he bites his lip. Smiling at how well the two worked with each other. Robin doing the shot for him as Steve gets the bandaid on. Sighing softly before he's moving back to the living room and getting comfortable again.

iiii.

Eddie and Steve got a long along very well. Even if Robin pushed them together. Telling Steve he needed more guy friends and telling Eddie that Steve has literally not had a non toxic guy friend ever and she would literally pay him to be his friend. Eddie agreed without the payments of course as they started to talk more. He had slowly started to discover things not to call the other and what he could. Steve loved to be called anything from big boy, Stevie, Steve, goblin and sometimes a occasional princess as a joke. Though he hated being called, Stephen, honey, sweetie, the king, or even buttercup. It has been a few months now and he's even learned when the others period was approaching.

He's even shown the other how to properly shave his face after laughing and giggling in the bathroom for a hour. He still leaves baggy sweaters that he things the other would like around or even boxers. He enjoyed making sure the other felt like he was passing enough. Once Eddie even had said something along the lines of, "Jesus dude, the amount of hair that's in your happy trail is the amount of hair that I have on both of my legs combined." And that left the other grinning for hours.

Though it was moments like this that Eddie liked being apart of. Holding the other as he whispers assurances that the other was the prettiest boy of all. Still putting little hints in there that he wouldn't mind dating Steve himself. He rubs the others stomach careful of his cramps and his chest as he hums a little tune to the other now. Before he's pulling the other closer and kissing his neck. "Remember that you have a better mustache then me, and a deeper voice? Not men are all built masculine like society has engraved into your brain Stevie." He whispers softly as they stay in the back of his van. Both of them had gotten out of school over a hour ago.

He plays with Steve's hair and smiles at how good the other looks. "Steve. You're the most handsome boys that I've ever met I could kiss you." he says as Steve blushes looking startled.

"But you're gay?" Steve says confused as Eddies eyebrow shoots up.

"And you are a male Steve. Which means I'm attracted to you whether you like it or not." Eddie assures as he moves leaning down and pressing his lips gently to Steves.

#stranger things #bxb #transmasc #steve x eddie #steddie #eddie and steve #steve harrington #Eddie Munson #mentions of Robin Buckley #don’t judge me

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silverwhittlingknife · 2 years

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comics i like: blackest night: batman

Blackest Night is an objectively incredibly weird comic which I love with my whole entire heart.

It features:

Dick being horrified when he realizes that the dead are rising and immediately calling Tim!

Tim picking up immediately even though he 1) is not answering anyone else's calls, 2) is still in Europe on his Brucequest, and 3) is in the middle of a fistfight!

Tim showing up and swooping in just in time to save Dick and Damian from zombie!Blockbuster!

Tim instinctively responding to "Robin"!

"Are you ready for this?" "No, you?"

Dick being great at giving advice and terrible at taking it!

"Tim, you trust me?" "Of course."

Blackest Night is only clunkily integrated into canon - basically, the Red Robin writer (doing God's work) scrupulously references it and attempts to maintain a logical continuity between Robin and Battle of the Cowl and Blackest Night and so on, while the Batman & Robin writer continues blithely on pretending that no other Batbooks exist.

In Red Robin 6, Tim's narration tells us that things are still "tense," that he's nevertheless glad Dick was there...and that they still haven't talked about anything:

I find this interlude fascinating because

1) it's a temporary team-up where Dick and Tim reaffirm a connection, which delights me because I love their relationship,

2) but also they very much haven't resolved anything, which delights me because I love tension,

3) I am forever obsessed with the idea of Tim ignoring everybody's calls except for Dick's,

4) Dick tells Tim that his parents' graves are empty and admits that he's afraid his own parents have been possessed too and that's when Tim agrees to come back and look I know this is a minor detail but it's so good because the whole reason they met in the first place was because Tim saw Dick's parents die and worried about him, and then later when Tim's spiraling about his parents' deaths Dick tries to help him, and they've had a falling out because their new dad is maybe-dead, but they're still able to reconnect because they have this older connection over the old losses and 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

5) and also Dick orders Damian out of the fight to safety and then has him send the equipment they need via "one of the wingers I used when I was Nightwing" and LISTEN "winger" is a nickname that Tim gave Dick's gear back in the Nightwing comic and at the time Dick was grumpy about it so when Tim asked when he could take a spin in the winger, Dick said, "If you call it a 'winger' again, probably never," so I have two possible headcanons for this and I'm equally attached to both: either Dick gave in and adopted Tim's name for it (much like he canonically let Tim name his car "Nightbird"), or else he still didn't like the name and didn't use it but it got into his head despite himself and now he's under stress and that's the word that comes out,

6) even though the B&R writer never references anything, the very next B&R comic is the one where Dick goes completely to pieces and decides to try to resurrect Bruce in a Lazarus Pit, and I love the idea of having just had to fight his undead parents having been part of the last straw that finally sends Dick off to make a Terrible Mistake,

7) Fake Jack Drake tells Tim, “Tell Dick to take care of you” 😭

8) although the art is terrible there is a scene where Dick is trapped in ice and in danger and Tim's banging on the ice being afraid for him,

9) there's a WONDERFUL callback to the "trust me" scene in Red Robin 11, because Dick's initially kinda suspicious and wary (in his defense, Tim's hanging out with an assassin & somebody hacked their computers), BUT THEN

"Batman. Trust me." "...Of course. What can I do to help?"

#it has so much potential okay #does it realize that potential? okay no not really #do dick and tim look like forty-year-old men? yes yes they do #but that is not the point the point is the POTENTIAL IS THERE #comic recs #i mean i don't know if i can actually recommend this but i really love dick and tim and *i* like it so. i recommend it to me.#dick grayson #dick & tim #tim drake #long post

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bigskydreaming · 3 years

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I am looking (disrespectfully) at the trope of Bruce and other family members only seeming to respect Dick’s wishes when doing so aligns with what they already wanted to do.

Let’s go to the examples!

1) Bruce not broaching adoption with Dick because he wants to respect Dick’s first parents and feels like he would be taking their place or overstepping or putting himself in between Dick and his memories of his parents. Sometimes its cited that Dick himself expressed this wish early on after his parents died, sometimes its not and this is still just upheld as Bruce’s reasoning for not adopting Dick before he was already well into adulthood.

THE FATAL FLAW (in mine own personal opinion, natch. Personal mileage may vary, check your speedometer to be safe):

This particular plot point or tangle is in my experience ALWAYS paired with Bruce’s own insecurities about his role in Dick’s life, or not wanting to push that or receive an answer he doesn’t want to or is afraid to hear. Sometimes its about his fears of unworthiness to be Dick’s actual parent, etc, etc. But the bottom line is, there is always the presence of SOME element (and not a small one) in which Bruce’s own self-interest or feelings are protected by him NOT broaching the adoption conversation with Dick and having to confront these fears head on.

This is additionally juxtaposed with the problem that although there’s a lot of variance in regards to stories where Bruce fired Dick versus stories where Dick gave up being Robin and moved on to Nightwing voluntarily....there’s NOT a lot of stories where Dick makes Jason Robin himself or is asked by Bruce first. The part where Bruce takes this initiative on his own, without thinking through its repercussions on Dick emotionally.....this is practically always present.

Now, the problem here is that......Dick became or began becoming Robin well into his time with Bruce. Its frequently cited as the thing that began allowing them to truly connect, their time training and acting as Batman and Robin.

Meaning no matter WHAT interpretation you go with as to why specifically Dick chose the name Robin, whether it was a family nickname or an homage to Robin Hood.....the fact remains, NOTHING of Robin, THEMATICALLY, nothing that spoke to Dick in regards to what he wanted Robin to be - specifically in honor of his parents because avenging his parents and making sure what happened to them didn’t happen to others like, this was literally a key part of what bonded Dick and Bruce, the fact that Bruce was TRYING to help Dick specifically BECAUSE they shared this particular overlap of purpose - like the bottom line is, nothing about Robin CAME from Bruce. Or Dick’s feelings about Bruce. That....didn’t really even exist yet, at the time he created Robin. Everything about Robin, other than the physical costume itself, not even the design just the actual creation of it....all of that came from BEFORE he met Bruce. None of it was thoughts or feelings derived from BRUCE. Its the whole reason Dick was never Batkid or Batlad, or any derivative of Batman.

It all, ALL came from what Dick came to the manor WITH. Remnants of his life with his first family.

So the fatal flaw of Bruce’s reasoning that by not broaching the subject of adoption with Dick before well into adulthood, he was actually just respecting Dick’s relationship with his first parents and not trying to come between them and Dick’s memories and feelings about them....

All of this is inherently undermined by Bruce’s own actions.....when by repurposing Robin to ANY degree, even just to give the mantle to Jason.....this meant that he was inherently viewing Robin as being more about being Batman’s partner, HIS partner....then it was about being Dick’s heritage, his last intangible keepsake of his first family and life BEFORE Bruce.

In effect....Bruce making Jason Robin or firing Dick as Robin, either way....both betray Bruce’s OWN alleged intentions for only wanting to respect Dick’s relationship with his parents, and that being why he didn’t want to overstep by trying to impose or even ask for his own official parent/child relationship with Dick. Because that’s exactly what appropriating the Robin mantle was. It was Bruce ignoring the relationship Dick had with his parents and their memory and the fact that Robin was directly born of that....and making Robin entirely about Bruce’s OWN relationship with Dick, heedless of any other factors.

And the second Bruce did that.....his entire justification for not raising the adoption issue....disappears. It goes away. Because you can’t claim inaction being just a result of not wanting to disrespect something you’ve already voided respect for. No matter whether Bruce INTENDED it or not.....by crossing this boundary, Bruce already acted against Dick’s feelings in this regard and well, disregarded them....which makes claims of Bruce not raising the adoption issue pretty much JUST self-serving at that point. Its an alleged viewpoint of Dick’s that Bruce largely just ASSUMES....and only ultimately respects - in direct contrast to how he didn’t respect the associations Dick had with Robin - because it aligns with something Bruce ALREADY wanted to do, rather than what Dick actually wanted. It provided justification for Bruce to just....not have a conversation he was afraid to have. And that’s about Bruce at that point. Its not about Dick. Its just like...not.

2) Another example of this that is not unique to just Bruce, but recurs frequently in both canon and fanfics in Dick’s dynamics with other characters he’s close with.....is characters not apologizing for things they’ve done to Dick or raising the issue of things they did a long time ago but never apologized for....while claiming to do so because they thought DICK didn’t want to talk about it.

THE FATAL FLAW (in my own personal opinion. Nuances and variations may not be identical at all store locations, please see your local branch for details):

The particular problem I have here is that....Dick never ever ever in the history of ever and also the before ever time.....has EVER expressed a desire to avoid confrontation.

Like. That’s what he DOES. That’s his JAM. That’s literally CITED time and time again as one of the reasons he’s viewed as more of a people person and natural team leader than Bruce and other Batfam members....because he’s not afraid to cut straight (or bi) to the heart of the matter and air out a dispute.

In fact, this very character trait is one of the ones most commonly utilized AGAINST Dick in various depictions of him, as he’s often cited as TOO confrontational, TOO eager for a fight or conflict especially when his temper is engaged, such as when he’s well....personally hurt or offended.

So how does it follow, then, that avoiding tough conversations ONLY when its on the OTHER person to INITIATE, because they were the ones who DID the wrong-doing and Dick the subject of that rather than the instigator....how does it work, exactly, that these are the only times in which we DON’T tend to see a direct conversation about the harms done and the fallout that resulted? With it being claimed that this is solely for Dick’s benefit, out of a desire to avoid pulling him into an allegedly unnecessary (but really just unpleasant) confrontation?

When the concurrent reality is that whether stated or acknowledged or not.....avoiding these specific conversations and ONLY these conversations (as there never seems to be a problem finding canon or fanfic stories in which Dick apologizes for harm HE’S caused to others or is clearly expected to).....this avoidance also carries the side benefit of allowing the character who DID something wrong to Dick to....not ever have to have that super uncomfortable conversation in which they actually verbally acknowledge the thing they did to him and the effects it had on him, and apologize for that.....and then render themselves vulnerable to actually hearing whether or not he accepts their apology or is still upset with them regardless.

While - as long as they DON’T ever have this conversation, for whatever reason - they can look to the clear and consistent precedent of Dick continuing to work with people who have done things like oh, I don’t know....punched him in the face cuz they’re mad at him (and this isn’t a Bruce critical point, this is a whole damn family critical point as the only one who HASN’T actually done this is Duke. Well, Cass technically just threw him out a window, but I mean, tomato toh-mah-to). Writers and characters both can lean on the fact that actually Dick has a pretty clear track record of ultimately giving up a grudge or at least showing a willingness to look past those grudges enough that it doesn’t prevent him from still maintaining or resuming some kind of relationship with the person who hurt him.

And thus, like Example Numero Uno......this ultimately just lets other characters off the hook while claiming to do Dick a favor, but actually Dick receives no real benefit from it and instead now just has another instance of characters saying “see we respect your wishes” when ultimately their inaction is MORE in service to their own wishes and self-interests.

2b) See also the variation of this in which characters such as Bruce, Jason, Tim and assorted others like....are written specifically determining that they’re not going to apologize to Dick or beg his forgiveness because they feel they don’t DESERVE to be forgiven, and once again....its in HIS best interests that they not even give him the opportunity to say he forgives them....because they know Dick Grayson of course, and they know he’s too forgiving for his own good, so its better to like....not make it ever a possibility in this particular instance.

With the problem here being like.....Dick can’t and shouldn’t be expected to KNOW that’s their logic? So....all he’s going to actually SEE is loved ones just....not expressing remorse for hurting him or acknowledgment it even happened? Which....hurts?

So......hurting your loved one MORE after already hurting them....because you don’t feel you deserve to be forgiven for hurting them in the first place and are actually PROTECTING them from being hurt more when mistakenly forgiving you.....by.....hurting and continuing to hurt them with your silence and lack of evident remorse....

Mmmm.....

Its not the best approach, y’know?

Flaws are detected.

3) Dick’s friends and family manipulating situations in order to get the end result THEY desire, while claiming to do so for his benefit only. Dick being willing to manipulate people to achieve his own ends comes up a LOT actually....but there’s relatively little examination of how often people do this to him, claiming his best interests but really just circumventing his clearly stated desires for independence and the right to make his own choices about what HE needs....or when this is brought up, its usually limited to JUST Bruce doing it, but uh....no that ain’t it.

Specific examples of this are like when Wally joins the 1999 version of the Titans specifically to get Dick to join up, because in his estimation Dick needs more of a social life and is drowning himself with his responsibilities....and then quits not long after Dick is finally officially invested in staying with the team. Another example is when Roy gets Dick to join the Outsiders based entirely on his pitch of NOT treating the team like a family, like they did with the Titans, so that Dick could keep emotional distance and not be as worried about losing them like he suffered from losses like Donna....with his claim again being that he worried about Dick in the aftermath of that loss, etc.

And to be clear! Its not that I think Wally and Roy and others who do similar things have NEGATIVE intentions in mind for Dick. That’s the whole point of this post.....like the other examples, I fully believe THEY believe (or writers believe when writing them this way) that they have Dick’s best interests in mind and not their own. I just....disagree.

THE FATAL FLAW (at least as I see it here):

Is that I view this and Batfam members who do similar stuff as like.....falling into the trap of the savior friend complex. Its that thing when you see a friend hurting, and over time get FRUSTRATED by seeing this when a solution seems obvious to you but think they won’t take it because they’re too stubborn or don’t know what’s best for them....with this specifically recurring a LOT with Dick in particular, due to his core characterization of wanting to be the one to make his own choices. The problem here, same as the problem with the savior friend complex....is that it treats the subject of these views as like....incapable of determining what they need. Its a tacit condemnation that they actually don’t know how to cope with things and are doing it wrong - even though the ones making this assessment will never be the ones actually having to LIVE with the outcome of their meddling. Its the conviction that someone like Dick needs to be HANDLED, for his own good....because he can’t be trusted to KNOW what he needs, not as well as them at least.....and so they jump to manipulation rather than just....ASK him what he needs, or HOW they can best support him, or even just WHY he’s making the choices he is.

For instance, the problem with what Wally did was never that Dick wasn’t struggling. He was. He was drowning in his responsibilities, he had very little to no life outside of them.....Wally is not remotely in the wrong for WANTING to do something to change this situation. The problem is Wally basically defaulted to just...HANDLING his friend by restarting the Titans just to give Dick a social life again, which is pretty much a line straight out of the comics...and basically railroaded right over Dick’s initial ‘no’ when he first heard the proposal. And kept pushing things until Dick eventually joined up in order to get Wally to commit to the team too, because Wally spun it as though Dick was helping Wally by getting Wally to commit to the team for the very same reasons Wally wanted Dick to. And then....right after that, Wally quit to go back to just focusing on the Justice League, which was part of what Dick predicted would happen all along.

The thing was.....at no point along the way did Wally actually ask WHY Dick initially said no....he jumped straight to assuming his own view of the problem, that Dick just COULDN’T be made to ever see the reason to take a break occasionally and put his mental and emotional health as a priority. If he’d done this, Wally could have had dozens of other options to achieve his desired end result....he could’ve like....set up regular hangouts with Dick.

But Wally jumped to assuming he knew the answer, he knew what was best for Dick, and that Dick’s logic was inherently self-destructive and self-flagellating.....and he felt the solution was to bring back the Titans, as he recalled their earlier times as Titans together as a time when Dick was better able to balance his social life and responsibilities.

But by not ever stopping to LISTEN to why Dick felt the way he did and was initially opposed to rejoining the Titans....Wally overlooked one crucial fact: He isn’t Dick.

And more important, his view of the past wasn’t Dick’s view of the past.

Wally was a lot more capable of viewing the Titans as not just a family, but an inherent social life, a hangout, a kind of club....because that’s what it had always been to him.

But he’d never been the leader.

Throughout all their childhoods, the whole time the Titans WERE all of the above, and relatively light-hearted in comparison to their older selves....Dick STILL had the weight of responsibilities that none of the others had by virtue of just...not being the leader. Ultimately, all of their lives were in HIS hands. He was the one calling the shots. The buck stopped with him.

And this is precisely WHY Dick had gotten to the point he had in adulthood. It wasn’t because he’d changed. It wasn’t because he’d stopped figuring out what he needed and how to take care of himself. Its because the position he’d ALWAYS been in as leader....has WEIGHT. That eventually added up more and more and weighed him down. A huge part of the reason Dick had ended up leaving the Titans in the first place, before they disbanded prior to the 1999 revival....is because of the sheer WEIGHT of all the deaths and misfortunes that had befallen the Titans....and how much he and he alone struggled with it in ways the others didn’t....because they didn’t have to. It hadn’t been their plans, their calls, their RESPONSIBILITY to find a way the others could have all made it out alive or at least less traumatized.

So.....of COURSE Dick said no when Wally first proposed restarting the Titans, before Wally defaulted to using his own membership as a lure to get Dick to agree.....because......nothing about the above paragraph had changed, via Wally’s ‘plan.’ It wasn’t because Dick just didn’t KNOW how to be a fully rounded person....it was because nobody was helping him find actual OPTIONS for doing that....that didn’t just double as MORE responsibilities! Because that’s exactly what ended up happening! Dick wound up the leader of the Titans again, just as responsible and just as invested as always.....just like he always knew he would....and also as he knew would happen...Wally ended up quitting not long into it and persuading Jessie Quick to step in as his replacement....aka just one more person for Dick to worry about when it wasn’t like he was going to be worrying any less about Wally, just now he wasn’t going to have Wally there to even POTENTIALLY be able to support him when tragedy inevitably struck because they’re freaking superheroes....and instead he’d just have another person looking to him for the answers but with no reason or chance of being the support Dick could ACTUALLY use at times like that!

Wally’s manipulations circumvented Dick’s opinion that no, actually he knew what was best for him and it wasn’t what Wally was suggesting....without actually accounting for the fact that hey, Dick might actually know that. And in the end, Wally got the result he was after, he got to feel that he’d HELPED his friend....which again, this isn’t WRONG to WANT to....but Dick didn’t...exactly....benefit from this. It wasn’t actually in his best interests ultimately.

I mean...see Donna’s death for details.

And in the aftermath of THAT....Roy essentially did exactly what Wally did....just in REVERSE! Roy got Dick to agree to lead the Outsiders, to shoulder responsibility once again....by promising that Dick WOULDN’T have to view them as family. And did Dick go too far and end up TOO uncaring about their welfare? Yup! No disagreements there! Problem is though....he only ended UP in that situation because yet again a friend thought they KNEW the solution to what Dick needed.....only for Dick to end up essentially punished and further self-blaming....just for doing exactly what Roy had told him TO do, with this particular team. Again - Roy hadn’t EXPECTED Dick to take it this far. But that’s the whole point! Roy had expectations about what Dick would ACTUALLY end up doing, that didn’t match up to the pitch Roy actually gave Dick to GET his agreement.....because Roy all along was of the assumption that by virtue of being Dick Grayson, he wouldn’t be ABLE to avoid connecting with these new teammates and viewing them as family, and thus he’d end up ‘snapping out of it’ with it being the funk he’d been in since Donna’s death.

Roy’s intentions might have been noble, once again.....but his methods stuck to the same pattern of people around Dick believing they knew what he needed or knew who he was or knew what it meant to BE Dick Grayson....better than Dick actually did...particularly when Dick said no, this isn’t what I need or this isn’t a good idea or just...I don’t want to do this.

And in the end....its Dick who ended up paying the price for it, as well as the people who got hurt because of his INTENTIONAL emotional distance.....because the ‘view all surrounding people as new surrogate family’ aspect of the Dick Grayson Experience hadn’t kicked in as Roy thought inevitably would....but the ‘view all this as directly my fault and suffer guilt for it forevermore’ aspect of the Dick Grayson Experience most certainly did! Not at all actually helped along by the fact that like....Roy also expressed frustration with Dick that like.....Dick hadn’t actually responded to Roy’s intended manipulation of his emotions the way Roy had expected him to when he EXPRESSLY TOLD DICK TO BEHAVE THE WAY THAT DICK ULTIMATELY BEHAVED. (Just, he didn’t tell Dick to dial that all the way up to Extra, but given that’s the only setting Dick does ANYTHING at, I feel its a possible outcome Roy should have at least considered. I mean, wasn’t the whole point that you know Dick Grayson better than he knows himself?)

But lo, I am salty.

LMAO, but I mean, you get it right? Obviously, I LIKE Wally and Roy. I LIKE Jason, etc. I’m not saying all of this to be like ugh how dare these characters do all this to Dick....I’m saying it because like.....they all keep falling into the same patterns of making a big fuss and acknowledgment of how much Dick prioritizes being able and free to make his own choices and decide what’s best for him and what HE wants.....

But without ever like....actively asking him AT THE RELEVANT TIME....what he thinks and feels about all this. What he thinks and feels he needs. What he ACTUALLY wants from them, or why he’s ACTUALLY saying no to something and maybe it being for reasons that aren’t just him inherently being stubborn and self-destructive.

And instead just defaulting to falling back on whatever he might have said or expressed in an entirely different context at an entirely different time.....and saying okay, by doing so, we are abiding by his wishes and thus doing what he wants and respecting his right to make his own choices.....

But ONLY when doing all of the above just so happens to align with these other characters then getting to do the thing or take the approach they’re already predisposed towards wanting to take because of their OWN self-interests at the same time.

With this never actually coming into play when respecting Dick’s wishes aligns with them taking actions they DON’T personally want to undertake, because it makes them uncomfy or they think its a bad call, even if it is something that should be his call to make.

Like....the pattern. It very much exists. And abounds. Like I could cite examples allllllllllll the way up to Ric Grayson, where Bruce respected RIC’S wishes to be left alone and not interfere in his life no matter what.....in ways Bruce almost never respects Dick’s actual expressed wish for Bruce to butt out of matters when Bruce is actually quite keen on meddling and would very much like to....

But notice how the other thing about the Ric Grayson storyline is that Ric’s expressed desire to stay the fuck out of vigilantism and superhero work, like.....just so happens to align with Bruce’s longstanding desire for Dick to like...get out of the vigilantism and superhero work? With butting out of Ric’s life and respecting his privacy in ways Dick has to FIGHT him for, like......absolutely the optimal action to take in order to allow this expressed desire of Ric’s to flourish in the ways Bruce always wished would kick in for Dick?

.....just saying.

The pattern. It abounds.

And the key to breaking any pattern, of course, is to first recognize....and acknowledge....that it exists.

Otherwise you tend to fall into the trap of repeating and perpetuating it over and over without even realizing it, simply because its what’s familiar.

This has been A Post by Me. Thank you and have a nice day. Or don’t. Idk. I’m not the boss of you. Whatever.

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coffeecaffineandeverythinginbtwn · 3 years

Text

Here is my @maribat-secret-santa-2020 gift for @liquid-luck-00

I’m really sorry It’s not finished (i had trouble finishing it due to school and some rough mental health problems) but I will be posting the outline so you can know the rest of what I had planned!

again i’m so so so sorry it’s not done. happy new year! please enjoy!

:readmore:

Marinette and the Runaway Assassin

Marinette Grason and the Runaway Assassin

The first thing they could remember was always flying.

Their parents always told them that the first thing a Grayson ever did was fly.

Whether it be him tossing his sister in the air as she did flips, or flying on the low swing trapeze with his mother and father. they were born soaring.

Their family was the best of the best. Humans with the agility and grace of birds. Their family never stayed on the ground for long. Nothing could keep a Grayson on the ground.

Until they fell.

Their wonderful parents never flew again.

Dick was trying his best to keep it together, for his sister, but the pain was almost too much. He was just 16. What was he supposed to do now? He wasn’t of age to care for Marinette and he certainly didn't have much money at all.

It was two days after the fall that killed their parents. Dick had cried himself to sleep, so full of grief, stress and uncertainty the night before. He wanted, no, needed to keep his sister safe, but what were they supposed to do? Live on the street? Marinette deserved better than that. Not to mention her schooling. There was just so many things he needed to think about he had no idea if they’d ever even survive -

A knock sounded at the door, startling Dick from his thoughts.

“Excuse me,” a deep voice came from behind the door, “I would like to speak to a mister Dick Grayson.” With those words the pit inside his stomach grew. It was probably some social worker coming to separate him from the only family he had left.

Dick opened the door and saw a large man with dark hair and blue eyes in a suit, “If you’re here to take me and my sister to some orphanage, leave now. It’s not going to happen. Get lost.” Dick, the normally polite boy, ended his statement by quickly closing the door.

“Wait!” The man jumped in, using his foot to jam the door. “I’m not a social worker. Mister Grayson I presume?” Dick just narrowed his eyes and nodded his head, “My name is Bruce Wayne. I was hoping to come to an arrangement that would greatly help you and your sister.

Dick had the urge to scoff, but he let the man, Bruce, continue.

“You see, I lost my parents at a young age as well. I want to make you and Miss Marinette my wards. You two would both get to live in my manor with your own room and have all the things you two would need to live a happy life. And you would not be separated. This can all happen effective immediately, as soon as you say the word. So, What do you say?”

This was insane. It was everything he and Mari could need. They could lead a normal, safe, and good life. There were so many goods that could come of this and yet…

Graysons are never tied to the ground my little robin. We must never be afraid to spread our own wings and soar. We are free spirits and we fly our own way.

With only that thought in his head, his ressove hardened.

“While I appreciate the offer Mister Wayne, I’m afraid I have to decline.” He began, “My parents used to say that we should never let ourselves be tied down. They were free-spirited and loved to travel. I want my sister and I to continue their legacy.”

Bruce looked a little shocked at this, and also a bit put out., but he quickly covered it with a determined look of his own.

“I see. If I cannot assist with housing, please let me help in any other way possible. Money is no issue, I can promise you that.” Bruce looked so ready to help them. And hell, if they couldn't use the help.

Dick was at a loss for words, “I- Mister Wayne- I can’t thank you enough!” Marinette would get to have the life their parents would have wanted for her. He didn’t have to worry about money any more. They could be free and go where the wind would take them. This flood of relief he felt did ease his grief a little for only a moment. It was one weight lifted off his shoulders.

“It’s the least I could do Mister Grayson.” He nodded, looking a bit relieved himself.

“Please, call me Dick Mister Wayne.” At that Bruce’s mouth quirked upwards the tiniest bit.

“Only if you call me Bruce.”

Over the next few years, Dick and Marinette went everywhere imaginable, traveling with the circus.

Eventually they decided to travel at their own pace. Marinette instided they spend more time in their favorite countries. They spent a few months in each, both gathering a love for each culture and language. Marinette especially took a bit of every country with her, absorbing each like a sponge.

Without the circus to keep them active in their travels and with barely any means to keep themselves protected, Dick and Marinette accumulated a mesh of different fighting styles. Neither ever truly mastered one, but both fought in a way very specific to them.

Currently somewhere in Italy, the two were waiting for one of their mentors to arrive for a meeting.

“Duckie!!” Marinette, now nine, ran to her brother with that particular spark in her eye, “Duckie! Guess what!”

Dick, smiled a little at the familiar nickname, “What’s up Nettie?”

Marinette jumped up and down excitedly. “Look what I can do!”

The small girl smiled and ran a little ways into the field nearby and did three handsprings to the shock, and pride of her brother.

“Good job Marinette,“ A voice that was not Dick‘s called from behind them, “I’m glad to see that you are improving well.”

An overall average looking man in his late 30’s wearing a firm, yet warm expression walked towards them.

Their mentor, Malachi Dobraski.

“Uncle Chi!” The Marinettw siblings voiced, running to him.

Malachi’s mouth turned upwards at the sibling’s outburst. “Yes, yes I have finally arrived. You two are, of course, ever so humbled to be in my presence.” There was a stretch of silence before the three burst out in laughter.

“Wonderful to see you two as always.” He said as he bent down to give Marinette a hug.

“So what did you need Malachi? You never call meetings so early in the month.” Dick said as he turned to face him.

Malachi hummed in an impressed manner, “Very astute Richard. I asked you here today because I wanted you to meet a friend of mine I had mentioned earlier. Gina, If you remember.”

At the mention of the woman Marinette perked up, The one who travels all around the world like us? We really get to meet her?” She topped off her questions with a wiggle of excitement.

“We’ll have to see about that Nettie.” Dick spoke fondly as he smiled at his sister’s antics. He then turned his attention to Malachi, “Will she be in town soon? You’re rarely one to throw out praise for no reason and you’ve spoken highly of her in the past.”

“She is a lady well deserving of my praise, Richard. To answer your question, yes. Ms. Gina will be in town Thursday evening.” their mentor said with another small grin.

Dick hummed while tapping his chin, “That’s about two days from now. Unfortunately me and Mari probably won’t be able to meet with her right away. We’re tied up until Saturday I believe. Will she be in town for long?”

“Gina is a free spirit, so it’s hard to say. However she has been interested in you two since I mentioned I was taking students again. I expect she’ll stay long enough to meet you.”

“That’s great!” Dick said, as cheerful as ever, “That settles it then.”

“Yay! We get to meet aunt Gina!” Marinette exclaimed, jumping up and down.

Instead of correcting his sister, Dick just shook his head with a laugh. Why does everyone we hear of instantly become family?

Marinette sat at a tall table in a quiet cafe. Her tiny legs swung eagerly underneath her as she hummed to herself. Her brother was up at the counter ordering their drinks. She was sketching, or trying to. It was really hard to focus when she was so full of jitters.

Today was the day they were supposed to meet Ms. Gina and while Marinette was excited, she was just as, if not more, nervous. She has always been this way with new people.

————————

That is the end of what i have written BUT NOW the outline:

Section One

Dick is older in this 16/17

Mari is 5 or 6

They grow up with their parents, until they die, again.

Dick is old enough to be emancipated/take custody of Mari

(Bruce didn’t adopt them but he helped Dick get emancipated and gave them loads of money)

Their parents were free spirits and loved to travel

Dick decides they should keep that alive.

The two stay with the circus traveling for around a year

And they continue to travel for 1 or 2 years

They meet Gina

Dick kinda wants to settle down Gina recommends Paris

They go to Paris

They get an apartment (thank you plot convenient Bruce money)

(she’s around 10 or 11 now. He’s 19 or 20 now)

Dick wants Mari to make friends or get a feel for regular school so she goes to FD

Section Two

Separately, Damian and the league are in turmoil (the coup happens)

Thalia might die Idk

Damian, not knowing what else to do, flees to Paris?

Tom and Sabine have always wanted children but were never successful

They find this aggressive child on the streets of course they take him in

Damian would grumble about their ‘lower status’ but would of course be secretly grateful and surprised at the unconditional love and care he receives from T and S

Section THree

Back to Mari

Being raised by Dick, she learned to be true to herself and also headstrong

She takes no crap from Chloé

(She eventually learns of her situation with her mother and they become less aggressive towards each other)

(she also learns a lot of different skills and fashion things)

Section Four

Damian arrives at FD

(He’s like 10 or 11 Mari is like 11)

Damian and Mari are both ahead of the curriculum (Both home schooled) same class

She is her kind self, doesn't know anyone else well and Dami is another new kid.

They stick together out of a sort of necessity

He’s cold at first but (go figure) he softens for her eventually

They slowly grow closer as friends

Dick becomes another behaviour mentor and Brother esq figure to Dami

Dick also sees Daminette’s in love right away

He teases Mari about it

Bada Boom they're 13 now

Section Five

Miraculos canon GO

Mari gets ladybug Dami gets cat

Mari doesn't get a crush on Adrien (the gum incident doesn’t happen because Chlo and Mari are on better terms)

Mari and Dami both immediately recognize each other in costume

Mari’s outfit is black with red detailing sans her cape/glider that’s full red with the five black spots. Has deep red boots that go up to the knee. Her ribbons are longer and can detach to use as a makeshift ribbon dance things (she also goes by Ladybird instead of Ladybug)

Damian’s outfit is his assassin outfit but black and tan undertones with cat ears (his pupils don’t change to slits) Damian goes by Leopard

Dick notices a change immediately He confronts Mari, She caves and tells him too

(She consequently reveals Damian’s Identity as well. No one could have that kind of chemistry with Mari that quickly)

He signs her up for many martial arts classes (She already had training in a few, picking up a lot from her travels)

Damian also helps train Mari in some ~Assassin Skills~

Basically, they’re bad asses.

The only thing stopping them from defeating Hawkey boy quickly is the fact that they can’t find where he is

Section Six

Moving on, Salt

Lila happens

Lila still sets her sights on Adrian (he’s got money at this point Damian is just a baker's boy to Lila.

Lila isolates the two from the rest of the class, even more so than they already were

Damian thinks the class are even bigger idiots

Lila is still an awful person and wants to make both Dami and Mari’s live miserable

Lila tries to go to Dick about Mari “bullying” her

He laughs in her face (he choses laughter instead of seething anger. thanks Hawky)

Lila then tries to get through to Tom and Sabine about Damian

This time it works, they have less reason to trust Damian (and he was also a major prick when they first took him in

(this happens over a year or so. Lila slowly gaining the trust of the class and Tom and Sabine)

The environment gets very toxic Dami and Mari decide to leave the school and go to online schooling (like at college level)

Section Seven

Time skip. They are 16 now

The two have had feelings for a while, they now realize them

Dami is less emotionally stunted, having both Dick and Mari around (Tom and Sabine too but they kinda suck now) so he doesn’t panic much

Mari is full panic mode

Dick is just in the corner all smug-like. (“you didn’t know you loved him? I’ve known this for years”)

Que pining

Lots of pining

There’s some angst, Tom and Sabine are negligent towards Damian (not mean but still neglectful)

He ends up staying with Dick and Mari more often than not

Eventually they both confess after a particularly rough akuma battle (the one where mari becomes the guardian?)

Both of them almost watched the other die. That was too heartbreaking for either of them to not confess

So they are together now.

It was an easy transition, they were already married pretty much

They’ve already figured out who Hawky boy is. They just need evidence

They get evidence. They also discover Lila was working with him

They take care of the Hawkmoth situation

Section Eight

Everything is good now right? Wrong

Batman Finally goes to Paris once Hawky is defeated,

(he kept in touch with Dick all these years and knew what was going on, {He practically became their “uncle Bruce”} He only stayed away cuz Hawkmoth)

When Damian sees Bruce visiting Mari’s House he freezes,

Mari: “what's wrong Dami?”

Dami: *whispers in her ear*

M: “He’s your WHAT???”

D; *whispers more*

M: “I- You- Um- WHAT”

D: *walks up to Bruce* “Hello, I know this is an odd way to meet but I am sure you know of Thalia Al’ Ghoul.” *B nods wairily* “Yes, well, I am your son. And unfortunately hers as well.”

“Yes, I’d be perfectly happy to do a blood test.”

Dick and Mari are shook

“Damian, You must come to live with me in Gotham”

Dun

Dunnnnnn!!!!!

End Part One

Again I am sincerely sorry I was not able to complete this story in time. Like I said before, I will (maybe/probably) be finishing this and planning a part two! I hope you enjoyed! (even though it’s the first fanfic i’ve written)

#maribat #maribat secret santa #platonic dickinette #sibling dickinette #daminette #maridami #mlb x dc

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thattimdrakeguy · 3 years

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Who’s Damian when he’s actually Damian?

People really freaking exaggerate how much of a maniac Damian is in his early years (besides his origin, obviously).

Like his origin to Batman and Robin is a giant stretch to be completely honest. Decapitating people, to helping people in a matter of months is a really big battle against the suspension of disbelief. Which is honestly my biggest problem with early Damian beyond the other writers completely messing with him to the point that it makes him come off like a crap character.

But beyond being extra violent with criminals, stubborn, and obviously bitter: He honestly isn’t that bad? He gets along with Dick well enough, except when they have a genuine moment caused by Damian’s glorification of himself and his parents. Though they really write Dick and Damian wrongly nowadays.

It’s really exaggerated how much of a maniac he was though.

Has lessons to learn obviously, and isn’t well-adjusted. But I enjoy it.

I really like the dynamic Damian has with Dick and Alfred when it came to how it was supposed to be. He’s a mature, young adult at the age of 10, and they treat him so, but yet he’s still a kid that needs to learn so they find a balance in it. As in they still mostly treat him as the young adult he is at heart, but still acknowledge that he has a lot to learn.

Dick treats Damian with respect as much as he can, and isn’t over affectionate like they act like nowadays. Like they basically to an extent gave Dick and Damian Tim and Dick’s relationship--when Dick and Damian had their own unique and interesting dynamic that suited them much more.

He’s more of a dad knowing he has to find the best way to teach his kid a lesson rather than all the nicknames and hugs and stuff they act like they are now.

I’m not saying Dick was abusive to Damian or anything, cause he probably isn’t smacking him all that hard. But they greatly changed their dynamic for something already done and a lot less interesting.

And people always sort of implied this thing were Damian cared a lot about Robin, but in context Damian didn’t really care. It was more about something different than that.

He wasn’t about Robin.

It was all about his dad and living up to his legacy. He has this super idealized version of Bruce in his head (even though he seemed to really dislike him initially in his origin, but Damian was super inconsistent even by the same writers) that he wants to live up to. And later on it was about his father son relationship with Dick. Damian’s parental figures are what causes his inner conflict.

Like Damian’s adult personality I also just find kind of endearing? Like I don’t like the current Damian at all. At freaking all, because it isn’t him. The Damian they act like is just--more of a normal kid in spirit I guess(?). Damian being a miniature adult and people respecting that is so much better than implying him being different is a problem by making him more normal. I enjoy the respect they have for him here with how he is. He’s just being himself and they aren’t pushing him like it’s a problem with him as a person. It’s about his morals not how he’s different. They respect that he’s different from other people his age. Which is oddly a warm dynamic to me that I appreciate. The current stuff trying to act like he’s more normal--completely misses the point of who he is as a character and personality, or even what the point of his lessons were.

As the way it was meant to be, they don’t treat him in a way that he would clearly find incredibly patronizing.

Which is super refreshing after so many writers decided to ignore the uniqueness of Damian to instead make him a lot more--typical and cheap fan service-y.

I also wanna say. I don’t think the comic is good by any means. Characters are out of character sometimes. Dick tries to resurrect Batman when he was against Tim trying it. Which they mention--but, like, it comes across like they only mention it because they’re aware they’re making a big contradiction, and it’s barely even handled. They make Jason have some strange complex about being Dick and dying his hair, even retconning his white streak being dyed in to being a gray streak from the Lazarus pit. They also imply Dick wants to date Kate Kane--which is...ew.

Also Dick constantly saying “Tim Drake” instead of just Tim, like they’d confuse him for some other Tim, as if he’s already partially forgotten comes off totally wrong. I can’t imagine it was the intention but it’s sort of icky how they completely changed their dynamic just for the sake of a change.

But as far as Damian’s character goes. It just makes it a lot sadder what they ended up doing with him. When he was a lot more interesting the way they had him. Instead of making him constantly regress, and at the same time use him for fan service by having things he wouldn’t do, and even turning him into a freaking joke. Just continuing with what made him unique would’ve been a lot better.

When they went for an odd gag it actually was because of them using his character instead of the joke being “Haha Damian is doing something he wouldn’t ever do” which is horrible character work, and super lazy comedy. When doing a joke that uses the character is far better at representing the character, and even builds characterk.

And another thing I much more appreciate is how they actually have Damian caring about his dad dying.

One of the biggest pains of Red Robin to me was the scene where Tim became Red Robin. One, cause Tim would never hit a kid. Two, Dick wouldn’t just suddenly think Tim is his equal and cast aside Tim when he knows how much Robin meant to Tim. Three, because Damian came off as a generic snotty kid who didn’t even care his dad died.

Damian doesn’t make jokes here. It’s his thing that’s he’s very serious. He’s very mature and adult-like for his age, that’s his endearing quality. He’s very serious and intense when it comes to his dad--like how it would actually be.

They portray Bruce as Damian’s main weakness. There’s no weird contradictions here about rather Damian is egotistical or insecure. He’s very prideful in himself and who he came from, but when it comes to his dad he becomes worried, because of how highly he thinks of him.

The portrayal of Talia (that I didn’t really feel like screenshotting) is of course infamously horrible, and out of character for her. But tis the reason why I’m not an actual fan of this serious or Grant Morrison in-general, or even this era.

Like it’s a plotpoint she does something to Damian’s spine to make it so she can control him--it’s super freaking dumb even for a comic. At least in this modern age.

Just how soulful and mature Damian is, is always why that’s what I say I like in him when ever I talk about him when I like him (which is whenever his writing doesn’t really annoy me at that time, or some other thing). Because it’s like--what he’s meant to be like. They ruined him afterwards to me personally. Trying to make something he’s not just like Tim except in their own unique ways given they’re different characters.

And personally, I don’t even think Damian’s character arc is that well done. It sounds great, but reading it, it honestly isn’t that amazing. He just kind of accepts to be better, and, like, he has a few moments here and there of learning, but it’s not actually a lot. It’s very overhyped. It’s genuinely done super lazy, like I think a lot of the writing in this series is lazy, but while there’s a few great moments--it’s just moments, and it’s hard for me to really get into it when it’s just moments.

To me this comic is very overrated, but like--as a showing of what Damian’s meant to be, given this is written by his creator. It makes things really disappointing for me more so, even though current comics already had me depressed with Tim, and even already Damian to an extent, but this just really sets it in.

I’m still someone who has the complicated opinion of I like Damian as a character in a way but I don’t really. Because he still doesn’t really have any stories I like--I pretty much just liked how he was in the beginning because of how interesting he was even if his stories never used it well--and continued to not like him because I feel like pretty much every other writer no matter what the fandom says bastardized him.

So most of my opinions still remain besides a different perspective on how Damian actually was in the beginning, but still. Like I still don’t think he’s a good character purely because of his later writers, and his character arcs general laziness when it comes to how it actually is on the page. But it’s just what he could be I guess. Which is how a lot of people are about him I suppose.

It really gets me how he has the same similar problems as Tim. Had a very obvious set character, random changes that people treat as character development even though when you look deeper it’s a lot more shallow cause it doesn’t freaking add up, they can’t even freaking draw them right anymore, and everyone has a weird inconsistent idea on what they’re even like because of all the bad writing.

It’s a headache.

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blancheludis · 3 years

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@whumptober2021 Day 1: Bound / Gagges / “You have to let go.”

Fandom: Batman, DC Characters: Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne Tags: Dick Grayson Whump, Kidnapped, Emotionally Repressed Bruce, Trauma Words: 2.874

Summary: Dick remembers vividly how all he wanted to do as a child was to fly. He is all grown-up now, though - becoming an orphan does that – and he wants nothing more than solid ground beneath his feet and the memory of snapping bones scratched out of his mind.

But when Bruce tells him to let go and jump, he tries. Right until he is shot out of the air.

---

The first rule of working with the trapeze is to never let go unless he is completely sure he will land again safely. Dick’s parents told him that long before he was ever allowed to even begin training with them, before he made his first longing steps on the high wire, already imagining himself soaring through the air with them.

So, when Bruce tells him, “You have to let go,” the first time he is dangling mid-air over a rooftop because nobody told him that working with the grappling hook would throw him right back to his first trapeze trainings with his parents, it is all he can do not to curl up into a ball and hope someone will catch him.

“What’s wrong?” Bruce asks, somewhere below him, gentle in his own way, even if he has nothing on Dick’s father.

Dick remembers vividly how all he wanted to do as a child was to fly. He is all grown-up now, though - becoming an orphan does that – and he wants nothing more than solid ground beneath his feet and the memory of snapping bones scratched out of his mind.

“Is it safe?” Dick asks, his voice too high and too thin. If he had ever sounded like this at home, his mother would have pulled him to their trailer and hugged him close, feeding him cookies and hot cocoa.

“Yes.” Bruce’s tone is gruff, not impatient but like he is wondering why Dick cannot see the obvious. No explanation, no reassurance, no gentle guiding through the motions.

Dick never wanted too many instructions as a child, too eager, too fearless. His parents had to teach him patience. And life taught him fear.

What if I fall? Dick does not ask. He has always known what falling meant, even before it claimed his parents. He just never thought it would ever be an issue for him. The Flying Graysons – it is in the name. Flying, not –

“Robin,” Bruce says with a sigh.

His mother’s nickname for him jars Dick enough that he lets go abruptly, curling up to cushion his fall. This name has no place here, even though Dick proposed it himself as his alias. He is not brave anymore.

“Good.” Bruce is already turning, ready to return to patrol, but he briefly lays a hand on Dick’s shoulder.

Something in Dick’s mind screams. Never let go unless you’re sure. Never jump blindly. Never rely on somebody catching you. But the rules have changed.

When Dick gets to his feet, Bruce has already moved on.

---

The bat signal lights up and Dick knows this night will be an unpleasant one. Their slow patrol has just now changed into a chase. Bruce never said something out loud, but after Dick’s almost panic attack the first time he was using the grapple, they have been taking longer routes, travelling from rooftop to rooftop instead of rushing at neck-breaking speed through the night.

Dick is not sure whether to be grateful for that. In small doses, fear is a useful tool, life-saving even. But his entire life has changed and safe does not really have any room in it anymore.

“Keep up,” Bruce calls and then he is off, vanishing into the night without any more directions. Well, it is clear where they are going, Dick just has to follow.

Perhaps he is a coward, but he keeps going slowly, at first, walking when he could fly, but he has trusted his parents for longer than he has trusted Bruce, if he does at all. Gotham does not have any safety nets, no helping hands. Worse, he is the helping hand and Bruce trusts him to keep up.

The first two times he uses the grappling hook, everything goes well. He knows the motions, has the needed strength and agility. It is just his head that is the problem. But he manages it. Grapple, jump, fall, land. Grapple, jump, fall, land. Grapple, jump, fall –

Something hits him in mid-air, hard enough to loosen his grip. Years of practice make him cling to the line, knowing his life might depend on it. Breathing heavily, Dick chances a glance around, suspended in the air. The city is dark and nothing is moving. Bruce is long gone by now and –

Another hit, this one needle-sharp in his upper arm. Burning spreads across his skin, jolting him from his stupor. He still does not see where it is coming from but Bruce’s voice sounds sharp and clear in his head. You have to let go. Because right now, he is nothing but a target. Bright green and yellow, a beacon in the darkness.

Sweat covers Dick’s forehead as he stares into the dark, trying to see where he will land. Only his vision swims, going blurry from more than just adrenaline. And his skin is burning even hotter now and – he feels his hands slipping and then he is falling.

---

When Dick comes to, he remembers the fall but not how he landed. Just that terrifying, exhilarating moment of weightlessness before the crash. His entire body hurts, so he guesses he is not dead.

There is something wrong, though, he notices as his sluggish mind tries to make sense of what happened. He is sitting upright, too upright for having only woken up, and his eyelids are heavy. He has to put serious effort into lifting them. And then he wishes he had not.

He is not out on the rooftops anymore but in what looks like an abandoned workshop. Metal floor and metal tables, a lone lamp giving light somewhere behind him. He is sitting on a chair, pressed against the hard surface.

“My, my, look at what the cat dragged in. A little birdie,” a voice calls out as footsteps come close.

Dick barely notices that. All he can do is stare at his hands, bound to the metal chair with barbed wire. And there, around his chest, another piece bound several times around him. The pain does not even register over the pounding behind his eyelids. It is the blood that gets him. A dozen tiny trails of crimson run down his skin, reminding him so eerily of his parents bleeding out.

What happened? He was trying to follow after Bruce when he was hit by something. And now he is bound – with barbed wire – in a strange place with someone who does not sound like he is here to help-

Focus, his father’s voice sounds, if you let your mind wander, you’ll get hurt.

Dick has already broken one of his parents’ rules today and see where it got him. So, he takes a deep breath and tears his eyes away from his hands, trying his best to stay utterly still.

A man steps into his sight. Average height and build, small eyes that light up when he notices Dick looking at him. If he strains his ears, there are a few more voices talking quietly in his back, and Dick does not know what to make of that. It only makes his situation worse, but at least he was not taken out by a single opponent.

Considering the position he is in and how little care they have taken with his body, like they do not care if he ends up broken, it might not matter. Bruce will not bother to lecture him, if he is dead.

Dead. Dick might die today. All his life he has done things defying death. Soaring through the air with only ropes and his parents’ hands to save him. But it never felt like he was in any danger. His mother taught him to respect the height, and his father trained him to trust himself. He always knew the danger before he gave himself over to it.

This is different. This man does not care for Dick’s life. If the way he shot him out of the air and bound his battered body to a chair is not enough of a hint, the manic condescension in his face as he looks at Dick definitely is.

“Let’s see how long it’ll take for Batman to come for you,” the man says, his tone almost conspiratorial like he is just a concerned citizen trying to help Dick find his way home.

Dick knows Batman will not come, because Dick was supposed to keep up but could not. The rules here are very simple if not as clearly communicated as they were at home. But Dick was always a quick learner, even if it takes him some time to forget old lessons.

He only realizes he must have spoken some of that out loud, when the guy in front of him grins, full of crooked teeth and malice. “Then we’ll have to make you scream for him.”

The first punch hits Dick square in the jaw and the unexpectedness of it is probably worse than the pain. At least until Dick instinctively wants to shy away, trying to raise his hands in defence. The barbed wire bites into his already raw skin like a thousand tiny teeth hungry for blood. It starts as something sharp and then it burns, worse than anything Dick has experienced before. An entirely too rational voice in the back of his head that sounds suspiciously like Bruce tells him to relax, that it will only get worse if he fights against the wire. But he does not know how. He just wants to get away, but it follows his movements, digging deeper until it feels like it is clawing right through his core.

“I wouldn’t struggle so much if I were you,” the man says, caressing Dick’s face as if he had not just hit him. “You want to keep those pretty hands, right?”

Blind panic floods through Dick. Surely the barbed wire is not enough to cut through muscle and bone. Right? He is nothing without his hands. He cannot be Robin anymore and Bruce will not have any more use for him. He will have to leave, live out on the streets because what does anybody want with a circus brat without hands?

Despite his best intentions, Dick tries to free himself, fights against the bindings even though that only makes the pain worse. His breath comes in gasping bouts, barely enough to fill his lungs with air, but he cannot calm down. He is burning up from the inside.

He jumped before he was ready to and now he will die just like his parents, cut loose and with nowhere to land. This is not how this was supposed to happen. Bruce wanted to give him a second chance but Dick could not even do that.

Distantly, he hears the guy laughing, a full-bellied sound that belongs anywhere but here. “Scream, little birdie,” he taunts. “Scream or I’ll make you.”

Dick tries not to. It is not a matter of pride but merely that he is fighting to hold still despite the futility of it.

“Oh, well,” the man says, stepping closer. “This way will be more fun.”

The next punch hits Dick right in the stomach and he doubles over – or tries to if not for the barbed wire around his chest. And then he screams.

---

It is over as quickly as it began. Bruce arrives without noise or warning. One moment, punches rain down on Dick, a sickening drum-beat of pain, the next there is only cold air and burning skin.

Later, Dick will be ashamed by how easily Bruce dispatched of the men who took him while all Dick did was panic. Later, he will think he is not ready to fly again and yet he will jump with less caution. Because falling is surely better than being left behind.

He can barely concentrate as Bruce frees him from the barbed wire, peeling off the metal teeth with an unreadable look on his face. Dick can imagine what is happening beneath the mask. Disappointment. Anger at having to double back to get Dick out. Doubt he did the right thing when taking Dick in.

For all that Dick does not have much experience with disappointing other people, he is catching up on it very quickly. Perhaps his parents were simply wrong about him.

“Let’s go home,” Bruce says, not letting go of Dick after he helped him up to his feet. He looks like he is contemplating carrying him.

“What about the signal?” Dick asks, making sure he is steady on his feet before he pushes Bruce’s hands away. His mind is in disarray, but pain is still filling every corner of it. It leaves him strangely calm. The panic is sitting right beneath the surface but it cannot reach him and Tim really wants to keep it that way. Even without another full-blown panic attack is he afraid this might be the last time Bruce wants to take him home.

“Gordon will take care of it.” Despite the dismissive sound, Bruce is clearly frustrated.

The bat signal is explicitly for the cases where Batman is needed. If Gordon wanted to handle it on his own, the signal would not have been lit.

Guilt rises in the pit of Dick’s stomach, almost more powerful than the thousand tiny wounds marring his skin. “I can get back on my own,” he says, even though the world is threatening to tilt to the side, still blurry at the edges.

That must be the drugs. But they will wear off, and he can really take his time now. It will be fine, certainly.

Bruce does not look like it will be fine. He puts an arm on Dick’s shoulder as he turns. “Come.”

Dick wants to protest, wants to do at least one thing right, but he almost falls as soon as he takes the first step and only Bruce’s hand keeps him upright. The back of his eyes burns but he blinks furiously, desperate not to make this night any worse. He keeps his gaze down so Bruce will not see and concentrates on walking.

“You make a target of yourself if you stay too long in the air,” Bruce says while they are walking slowly, one step after the other. He does not make it sound like a reprimand but what else could it be? “You have to let go.”

“What if I don’t know where I’ll land?” Dick asks quietly. He does not want to bring his parents into this, because they are dead and will not be able to catch him.

“We’ll practice until you do.”

That sounds as if Dick will not be thrown out as soon as they get back, as if he will get a third chance. It does not reassure him as much as it probably should. His entire body is throbbing with pain and someone just used him as a punching bag for no other reason than to attract Batman’s attention. All his life, he was taught safety is the most important thing. If this is what the alternative looks like, he is not sure he wants to unlearn that.

But he nods anyway, because all he wants right now is something for the pain and Alfred’s hot chocolate and a warm bed. He wants to forget this night ever happened.

“Are you all right?” Bruce asks later, once Dick is bandaged up and out of uniform.

Dick bites the inside of his cheek. No is not the right answer here. He is not a child anymore, not a son. He is Robin, whose task is to assist Batman.

Living here with Bruce and Alfred in a mansion where all his needs are taken care of – that is his safety net. This is perhaps not the kind of safe his parents wanted for him, but it is the only thing he has left.

Not trusting his voice to hold steady, Dick nods. He keeps his head up while Bruce studies him, searching for any doubts.

Finally, Bruce says with that barely-there smile of his, “Next time, keep up.”

And Dick does.

---

Much later, when falling has become second nature and Bruce has found himself another child to teach self-destructive skills to, Dick composes a list.

If you need something, tell him, because Bruce won’t ask. If you’re feeling unwell, get Alfred involved, he’ll know what to do. If you’re hurting, stop. Never jump unless you know where you’re landing.

There are a few points at the very bottom of the list that he crossed out again. He has learned by now not to make promises he cannot keep. He won’t throw you out, even if you’re not perfect. Your home in the manor is not dependant on being Robin.

The first time Dick meets Jason, he knows he will never hand that list over. This is a boy with a chip on his shoulder if he ever met one, eager to prove himself, with already too many scars.

“Call me, if you need anything,” Dick still says when it is time to go, tone as insistent as he dares with Bruce hovering in the background. “Anytime.”

They all need to learn to jump, but Dick still thinks they still should have someone to catch them.

#whumptober2021 #no.1 #barbed wire #dc #fanfiction #whump #dick grayson #bruce wayne #my writing

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trickstermiraculous · 4 years

Text

Siblings That Are Both Heroes But Only One Knows That Fact

Summary: Jason is nervous but gets to talk with Marinette and Adrien?

Chapter Two: Nervous And Texting Your Sister's Boyfriend

Author’s Note: Not used to writing the bat brothers dialogue so sorry if this is bad. I know about the bat brothers from young justice, some of the comics, Tumblr, fanfiction and my own research.

Jason was nervous to say the lease, he finally gets to see his baby sister again in person since he was Robin. He had been back for three years at this point and he didn’t visit his sister, Jason was just glad that she and her adoptive family agree to meet them although, he was upset that he couldn’t see her at the Gala due to her being busy.

“Todd, can you please shut up” growled Damien who was sat across from him on the plane, reading one of the books from the mansion’s library,

“I didn’t say anything brat” retorted Jason glaring at him,

“You were thinking too loud” replied Damien,

“He’s just nervous Little D,” Dick said cutting off Jason,

“I am not” snapped Jason which just made Dick raise his eyebrow.

“Well maybe if he didn’t leave his sister in the dark so long, he wouldn’t be” snapped Damien,

“You know full well, the reasons I had to do that, you brat” growled Jason which just made Damien roll his eyes and go back to reading his book.

“If you so nervous, why don’t you just text her before you meet her tomorrow” stated Dick throwing a piece of paper at Jason which he caught and saw that there was a phone number on it,

“This is her phone number?” Jason questioned slowly,

“yep her parents gave it to Bruce so that you could contact her” answered Dick,

“And you tell me now?” snapped Jason,

“Well when Bruce told me to give it to you I was busy and I just remember that I had it” defend Dick putting his hand up in from of him as a way to say ‘don’t attack me’, “now text her before your nerves get the better of you”.

Sighing Jason pulled out his phone and added the number to his contacts with the name Pixie Pop which is something he used to call her when they were both still on the streets.

-------- Chat Open --------

Jason: Hey Marinette, it’s Jason Todd

Pixie Pop: Jason as her big brother who is actually alive even though he has been missing for years

Jason: yes

Jason: who are you? because I know this is her phone number

Pixie Pop: Her boyfriend Adrien

Pixie Pop: she asked me to keep her phone safe while the teacher pulled her in for a ‘chat’

Jason: a chat

Jason: she in trouble

Pixie Pop: more like she got the blame for not being the perfect example that our class has to follow

Pixie Pop: even though she not at fault for the crap behaviour that our classmates have

Pixie Pop: shit I’m rambling

Pixie Pop: I told Mari that I caught it off her

Jason: right...

Jason: so let me get this straight, she’s in trouble for a teacher not doing her job

Pixie Pop: got it in one

Jason: how the fuck does that work

Pixie Pop: We’ve been questioning that for months butbdjsahdjdfs

Jason: you ok kid

Pixie Pop: Adrien is fine

Pixie Pop: Holy shit Jason

Pixie Pop: wait no this could be a prank by Max

Jason: what kind of sick person would pretend to be someone brother who you thought was dead as a prank

Jason: what kind of people are you hanging around with Pixie Pop

Pixie Pop: well I know for a fact I never told people about that nickname and mum did just confirm that you were given my number

Pixie Pop: so hi Jason

Pixie Pop: as for what kind of person would do that, well I would really put it past her

Jason: who is her

Pixie Pop: no one important

Pixie Pop: anyway

Pixie Pop: It’s nice to finally talk to you

Jason: don’t go changing the subject

Pixie Pop: I’m not talking to you about school drama especially when I’m at school

Jason: fine but we are talking about this later

Pixie Pop: sure thing mom

Jason: cool it with the sarcasm

Jason: also question

Jason: what’s got you so busy that you can’t come to the Gala

Pixie Pop: commissions

Pixie Pop: also I got asked last minute

Jason: Commissions?

Pixie Pop: I’m a fashion designer

Pixie Pop: well technically I’m just starting out but uncle jagged did ask me for a commission over proper designers

Jason: Uncle Jagged?

Pixie Pop: Jagged Stone

Pixie Pop: he’s been close family friend since I made him the Eiffel tower glasses

Jason: Holy shit Pixie Pop

Jason: Your designing for Jagged Stone

Pixie Pop: A fan?

Jason: yes but I blame Dick for it

Pixie Pop: Your brother, Richard Grayson

Jason: yeah how you know that

Pixie Pop: Research

Pixie Pop: more like a background check

Pixie Pop: shut it, Adrien

Jason: Background check

Pixie Pop: I was curious about who adopted you

Pixie Pop: ok

Pixie Pop: like you haven’t done the same

Jason: fair

Jason: also Adrien,

Jason: Your boyfriend

Jason: want to explain that

Pixie Pop: first off I’m seventeen

Pixie Pop: second off it’s more of a secret relationship until he’s eighteen

Jason: why a secret relationship?

Pixie Pop: Press

Pixie Pop: and his father would make us break up if he knew

Jason: He has a shitty father, got it

Jason: also press?

Pixie Pop: Adrien Agreste, teen model for the Agreste brand

Jason: A model

Jason: nice catch there Pixie Pop

Pixie Pop: thanks

Pixie Pop: shit gotta go

--------Chat Ended--------

Jason turned off his phone with a smile as his nerves seemed to have disappeared for now although he was concerned about what type of school she went to. “I’m guessing texting her went well,” asked Dick smirking,

“Yes” muttered Jason as he grabbed his laptop from his bag,

“Whatcha doing then?” replied Dick,

“Research” answered Jason as he searched up Adrien on his computer, finding out that he goes to Collège Françoise Dupont which most likely meant that was where Marinette went.

“For what?” asked Dick,

“She mentioned something concerning about her teacher, well she didn’t her boyfriend did” replied Jason,

“So she has a boyfriend” question Dick,

“Adrien Agreste” answered Jason,

“The model?” asked Dick

“Yeah, how do you know?” replied Jason raising an eyebrow,

“A few of the younger heroes were drooling over a magazine with his photo and when I asked, I got basically his whole background” answered Dick,

“Right” replied Jason,

“Anyway have fun with that research” stated Dick turning back to his own computer where he was working on a case.

Jason just hummed in response as he eventually found Marinette’s social media to which he spent the rest of the plane ride looking through in order to get an idea on how much his little sister had changed.

Author’s Notes: Glad people enjoyed the first chapter, I just hope you enjoy this one.

AO3

Wattpad

#ml x dc #miraculous ladybug #batfamily #miraculous fanfiction #Jason Todd #dick grayson #Damien Wayne #marinette dupain cheng #adrien agreste #adrienette #aged up #Only One Knows That Fact AU #maribat #big brother jason

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incoherentbabblings · 4 years

Text

First Date (7/9)

Tim has one more test to pass before Bruce will allow him out as Robin. Like Dick and Jason before him, he has to avoid being caught by Batman for one night. He has already failed once, and is determined to succeed this time. Determination which might not count for much when Stephanie Brown is on the run from the mob. Her mother kidnapped as a way to threaten her father, Stephanie manages to escape and run into Tim. Unable to leave Stephanie alone when she is in need, Tim decides to try and multi-task. All he has to do is rescue Stephanie’s mother, take down the mob, avoid Batman, and get Stephanie to agree to a proper date all in one night. Absolute anarchy ensues Ao3 link here!

“Don’t suppose there’s a spare Robin suit in here Oracle?” Asked Tim, rummaging through assorted shelves. There were some black clothes, armoured no doubt, but nothing red, yellow or green.

“No, I’m afraid you are not going to be able to save the day looking like a traffic cone.”

Tim sighed and began stuffing a belt full of explosives, sharp things and sticky things. He looked for items that could, in general, cause the most chaos in a warehouse filled with men with guns and a (potentially) unconscious (dead? No. Not dead until there’s a body.) bat.

“I still think this is a bad idea.”

“Then Stephanie and I take full responsibility if it goes belly up.”

“This is serious! You are not –”

Tim angrily tugged a pair of shoes off the shelf.

“I swear if someone else says I’m not ready or I’m not taking this seriously… I can do it. I’ve been training for years! I can do it!”

“I could lock you in here and that would be the end of it.”

“Then I will start opening up my stitches Ms Disembodied Voice From Above.” Stephanie snarked, sat on the table aside Tim. She’d pulled her hair up into a ponytail, a few pieces of hair too short to make it to the elastic fell cutely on her forehead and neck.

Tim pulled a face. “Please don’t do that.”

“If she lets us out, I will not do that.”

Tim huffed, walking over to a counter. Stephanie leered as he stripped down and then geared up, assorted straps holding belts and containers in place. He really was preparing for whatever could be thrown at him.

“Anything for me?”

“You… are staying in the car.”

“The batmobile? That car?”

“Yup.”

Rolling her shoulders, she mused on that thought for a moment.

“Can it shoot things?”

“Not with bullets but…”

“I can help from within the car though right?”

“Oh yeah, knowing Batman there’s probably a rocket launcher in that thing.” He realised what he’d said, and whirled round, trousers halfway up over his underwear. His eyes were wide, like he genuinely thought she would blow up half of the Narrows.

“Forget about that part.”

Resisting the urge to laugh, she nodded very seriously. “I promise I won’t blow anybody up.”

“The car can do lots of things, Oracle can help you help me. Right O?”

Oracle gave a very deep sigh that crackled oddly with her vocal alteration.

“Yes. I can do that.”

“Thanks O. You can help Steph, promise. Also, there isn’t much place safer than the Batmobile.”

“…I can live with that. But what about you?”

“I have more equipment on me than I ever have had before.” He reached over to a pocket and pulled out a small cylinder. When he flicked it in certain manner, it extended at both ends into a staff. It looked very good for smacking people with. Tim whirled it between his hands a few times, getting used to the weight of it.

“You know Nightwing says I’m better at the bo staff than him.”

“Really?”

“I mean, I can’t beat him hand to hand, and when his got his escrima sticks… but if we’re on equal standing… I can floor him.”

Stephanie smiled, fascinated by his tentative show of confidence. Tim snapped the staff and it reduced once more. He pocketed it in one of the pouches round his waist.

Muttering to himself, he paced around, looking for anything else to take.

“Okay. Think that’s it. Let’s head out.”

He moved to Stephanie, getting ready to pick her up. She pushed him away and ignored his slight look of betrayal. Stephanie didn’t look like she was still made at him, so instead he was left confused. She kept her hand on his chest, a compelling touch.

“At least put a mask on Tim.”

“Huh?”

“You’re gonna go superheroing right? Superheroes need a mask!”

“She’s right y’know.”

“Thank you!” She turned her eyes upwards briefly, but returned them quickly to Tim’s, who had tensed at the two women ganging up on him. She squeezed his shirt, and he nodded, turning away to look for one.

Folding her arms, Stephanie laughed when Tim returned to her, looking somewhat more like a vigilante.

“Now we’re ready.”

****

If Tim were honest with himself, his driving of the batmobile was a bit dodgy. He was used to driving his little red car, not a hulking tank that the batmobile was akin to. He was impressed with how roomy it was though. The steering wheel was less of a circle and more like what could be found in racing cars (or arcade games) which made Tim a little clunky with it trying to turn corners. He was trying to go fast, but the car definitely went faster than the average Ford, and despite her impatience, Stephanie was understanding of his nervy driving.

“Batman’s never let you drive the batmobile before, huh?”

His eyes jutted away from the road, but a slight swerve made him jolt back to full attention. “Oh, oh no. Oracle is the only one who can do that. And she does it remotely. Don’t even think Nightwing’s…” They bumped into another lamppost as they turned a corner. “Whoops.”

“I’m sure the lamppost is more damaged than the car.”

“Oh sure, this thing could take a nuke blast and survive.”

“Really?”

“Well, no. Probably not.”

“Hmm.”

“It is pretty sturdy though.” Looking at the GPS on the dashboard, Tim saw they were getting nearer the warehouse.

“Hey Tim?”

“Yeah?”

Resting her head on the rest, she turned her neck around, playfully smiling. “When this is all done, you promise that you’ll take me out on a proper date?”

Tim’s mouth dropped open in a moment of shock, but he quickly composed himself. “Yes! Yes. Easiest decision of my life… yes.” He laughed, nearly whooping and punching the wheel in jubilation.

“Where’d you like to go? Dinner? We could do that.” She gently prodded.

“Bit fancy?” He said, peering into the cameras that showed the sides and rear of the vehicle. “I mean, do you want to get all dressed up?”

“No, no, not to start, but I know this really nice diner. The lady who runs it smokes like twenty packs a day, but they do really good burgers.”

“That sounds good. I can pick you up, drop you off, and if you feel up to it, we can just walk about, not worry about being jumped…”

“A proper date.” She smiled sweetly. “Listen, I’d give you my phone number but I think it - along with my house keys and purse - are chilling at the bottom of Gotham river right now.”

“Oh. Well I can pay for dinner, if that takes a weight of your mind. A gentleman always pays on the first date… or something like that.”

Shifting to reassert a more comfortable position, Stephanie could only roll her eyes. “Wow.”

“Wow what?” Tim glanced sideways at her. She paused, realising he was being genuine, because that was all Tim seemed to be capable of being.

“You’re serious?” She asked, clutching her seat belt and leaning towards him. She ignored a sharp stab of pain that tugged on her stitches the doctor had done on her.

“Yes?”

At his stupefied tone, Stephanie huffed and muttered, “Of course you are. God, you are something else.”

She raked her eyes up and down at him, totally head over heels, and Tim blushed at her flirtatious tone and gaze. It was silent, but only for a moment before Stephanie began her prodding once more.

“So, you on Facebook? Or Twitter? Or whatever you bats and birds and oracles use? You don’t strike me as an Instagram fan.”

“Ha. No, not Instagram. The others sure, I’m not completely cut off from normal teenage things.”

“Well, what else do you like to do with your time?”

Tim tutted, flexing his fingers on the wheel. “This is getting into first date conversation territory.”

“Oh, come on! Tell me.” She urged, tapping his shoulder.

“Uhhh okay. I… like music? I mean, I play the guitar. Not well, but… well.”

“I used to play the piano.” She interjected gently.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Maybe we can play together. See how much I’ve forgotten and see how well you actually play.”

“Heh. That sounds perfect.”

“What else?”

“Oh. Um.” He sounded so reluctant to talk about himself, but Stephanie knew it wasn’t from a lack of anything to say. Tim would have stories for days. Stories about his parents, stories about Batman, about Nightwing, about his training. Stephanie wondered if it was just because he didn’t get the chance to talk about himself very often.

“I skateboard!” The idea seemingly came to him abruptly, and he immediately seemed embarrassed the moment he uttered it. “I know that’s a bit lame nowadays and at my age –”

“Who told you that?”

“Um… my dad.”

“Huh, well, he’s wrong so there’s that.” She was flippant, tone brokering no argument. She didn’t know Tim’s father, but what she’d heard, she was not impressed. “It’s really cool, watching those guys in the park. I can’t do that. The balance you need…”

“I can teach you, when your stitches are out…” He said, a smile on his face at imagining the two of them at the skate park in Robinson.

“You can try boy wonder, no promises though.”

The nickname made his chest flood with warmth. “…Thanks Steph.”

“Well, you’re welcome. If you want, I can teach you to sew in exchange. There’s something not cool.”

“And who told you that? You know when the apocalypse comes, you’ll be the one actually wearing functional clothes and making objects whilst I’ll just…lay down and freeze.”

She laughed sharply. “From what I’ve seen tonight Tim I don’t think you’ll go down easy when the zombies come for our brains.”

He shook his head and began to slow down. The smile slid off his face, and she recognized it as him slipping into superhero mode. She readjusted herself once more, bracing against the door and dashboard, not knowing where Tim was planning to plant the car.

He leaned forward, peering through the screens. Jolting the car sideways, he slowed right down, and slid down one alley, barely wide enough for the batmobile to open its doors. He then dimmed the lights and cut the engine. The car remained on however, dozens of little knobs and buttons lighting up their faces like an airplane cockpit.

Tim took a deep, albeit unsteady breath, and turned to Stephanie.

“Serious talk.”

“Yup.”

“If I’m not out in half an hour. Call the police. Tell them where you are, tell them to swamp the place. Do not go after me, or your mother, or Batman. With us falling off the bridge, they may think we popped it. I don’t know. I’ll get your mom out first. When your mom is out, call the police.”

She nodded, but her concerned look did not fade. “And what about Batman? What if he’s really badly hurt?”

Tim swallowed uncomfortably, his throat dry, and turned back to the wheel. He chewed his lip. “I might have to leave you behind, depending on how bad he is, and get him back home. You’ll be safe so long as you’re in the car. If it gets really bad, and the car starts to get swamped before the police arrive. Oracle will drive you away.”

“Towards the police?”

“Towards the police, yeah.”

A soft kiss on the cheek made him jump.

“Big brave superhero.” Her gentle teasing made him relax. Just a little. He turned and kissed her on the lips, a wet kiss that made a loud smack when they separated.

“Wish me luck.”

“Good luck.”

Tim smiled. “Oracle can you hear me?”

“Loud and clear. I’ve connected you to the car too, so we both can keep track of you.”

Tim nodded at the thought of an audio audience. He gulped once more, then smacked a button which opened the roof of the car. He climbed up, fired a grappling gun up to the roof, and shot away. The car roof swiftly sealed once more, with a definite suction noise sealing out external air.

Stephanie sat alone in the silence and the low light, her stomach gurgling increasingly with dread. This was going to be a long thirty—

“Right madam, I need you to move over to the driver’s seat.”

“Huh?” She gripped the sides of her seat tight, as if she’d been caught doing something naughty. Oracle did not seem totally amused.

“You wanted to help right?”

“Yes…?”

“Then you can help by getting Tim a map of the building. The car has a sort of sonar. It can create a 3D map depending on what it bounces off.”

“Oh. Wow.”

“Hop over, come on.”

Stephanie did as she was bid, hissing in pain as she shuffled her bum over the other seat. She swung her legs round, and fastened herself back in. She grinned, and excitedly grabbed the steering.

“Oh, wow. I’m in the driver’s seat of the batmobile!”

“Yeah, yeah but you’re not driving anywhere. Upper left, a row of four buttons, near the left window. See them?”

Leaning forward, she nodded and sounded off with a half-hearted, “Yes?”

“Hit the one of the left, hold for three seconds.”

She did just that. She felt a high-pitched ring go through her ears, and the car shuddered.

“Do it three more times.”

“Do you get the image wherever you are?” She asked as she pressed the button.

“I do. Can see there’s fifteen bodies in there. You two and Batman took out a few on your city travels.”

“Is Batman in there?”

“Can’t say for certain, it doesn’t give a clear enough picture. It’ll help Tim know what way to enter, so thank you Stephanie.”

“You’re welcome.” She said, tone genuinely in its gratitude.

Tim’s connection crackled on.

“Going in now. See if she can get the EMP to go off. It’ll cut off my communications, but the other tech should still work. It’ll mess with their stuff real good.”

“Be careful Tim.”

“Promise.”

Stephanie leaned forward, as if she could somehow spot Tim and where he was in the building. All she could see was a brick wall, and no windows or light.

“Oracle? How do I set off an EMP?”

“One sec…” An awkward pause, then Oracle picked up the line once more. “By the gear stick, there’s a circle of smaller buttons with a big button in the middle?”

“Hit the big button?”

“No. Do not hit the big button.”

“What’s the big button do?”

“Don’t touch it.”

“What can I touch?”

“Bottom right. Hit once, no more than one second. It’s pretty fierce and will knock out a block if you hold it too long.”

Gulping, she pressed it firmly. The resulting noise from the car made her jump and squeak. Her stitches complained brutally from her sudden movement, and she clutched at her side, trying to control her breathing.

“Did it work?” She managed to ask.

“Tim’s no longer hearing me, so yes. Well done, Stephanie.”

“…Welcome.” This time her response was quieter. Neither woman sounded too happy about the fact that Tim was well and truly alone.

Stephanie attempted to make conversation with the voice above, to distract herself.

“You work for Batman?”

“Ahem. With Batman.”

“Oh. That’s cool. How…how did you enter…that…profession?”

“Long story.”

“I have time?”

“Uh-uh Stephanie. Just… think of me as mission control.” A pause, then a gentler, “Your wounds, they feel okay?”

“They hurt. But that’s fine. I’d rather feel the pain than not. Something would really be wrong then, huh?” She laughed shakily.

There was no response.

“Oracle?”

Gun fire sounded off then, and Stephanie gasped in fear.

“Sit tight.”

There was no other noises loud enough to be heard in the car through the brick walls, so Stephanie listened as the sounds got louder and quieter, seemingly at random. Sometimes it was obvious that multiple shots from multiple guns were being fired, other times it seemed like just the one.

The moment the gunfire fell quiet, she panicked.

“I have to help.”

“How? You’ve been told. Sit tight.”

“Oh God.” She fell forward, head smacking off the wheel.

The car lit up then, bright as it had when Tim had been driving.

“Stephanie turn the car off.”

“Sorry, sorry I—” She began frantically, foolishly, pressing assorted buttons. An explosion rang out from the roof of the car with such force that the wall the car was pressed against caved in. The fearsome blast led to two men on the other side being knocked out with the momentum of the bricks hitting them. She couldn’t see Tim, but one man and one woman saw the batmobile and seemed to enter an absolute rage at the sight of it. They turned from whatever they were shooting at (Tim? Mom?) and began firing at the car. Stephanie flinched at the sounds and the impact of the bullets on the windshield, but of course the material was tougher than any shotgun, and they bounced off with no damage to the screen.

One of them gave an over the top yell, as if he were in a war movie, but neither person moved.

Something distracted them all then. Stephanie couldn’t see what was going on inside, but she could hear. A horrid screech, one from a man, cut off quickly and sharply.

“What was that?” Stephanie asked, monotone but frightened.

“Uhhhhh…”

“Oracle, hey, what just happened? Can you see?”

The two people watched as something (someone?) was flung across the room. The lady’s mouth dropped open in disgust. Stephanie blinked, and looked down at the wheel of the car.

“It…well. Everything’s fine.” Oracle sounded just like Tim did when they were in the stolen car, and Stephanie by this point had learned her lesson, and did not believe anything was fine for one moment.

The mob pair slowly returned their gaze to the car, as if deciding they had better chances against it than whatever was on the other side of the wall.

They began to run at the batmobile, aiming to swamp it. If they managed to get the door open, Stephanie wouldn’t be able to fight back, she was practically immobile. Panic took over.

“Oh my God, what do I do?”

“Stephanie—”

“What do I do what do I do.”

“Steph—” The man began to incessantly smash his gun down on the windshield, trying to break in, whilst the woman moved the driver’s side, trying to bust the door. They couldn’t see in, thanks to the shaded windows, but that didn’t stop their faces being uncomfortably close to Stephanie’s. “It’s fine, there’s no way they can get in.” Oracle was trying to be reassuring, but Stephanie remained unconvinced, and leaned back further into the driver’s seat.

With a thunderous crack, the man managed to severely damage the front screen, and Stephanie squealed like a six-year-old. He was seemed a man possessed and laughed maniacally like he was a genuine supervillain. Stephanie thought in brief flash of contempt that he was just kind of pathetic.

Dangerous though, and nearly cracking his way in.

“Oh, okay, okay, okay, okay, no worries.” Oracle somehow did not seem to be exhibiting the right level of fear, if anything she seemed very blasé, thinking on the go. "Hit that big centre button.”

“The one you told me not to—”

“Smack it!”

With her fist Stephanie slapped it harder than probably necessary, but she was running on adrenaline at that point and was just doing as she was told with extra gusto. Both mobsters were thrown back with an aggressive crackle. The landed on the ground, one further up the alley, one being thrown back into the warehouse. They stayed on the ground.

“Oh wow.”

“Tasers. They’ll be fine. Maybe peed themselves a little.” Oracle sounded entirely too pleased at the thought.

“…I threw up on myself earlier.” Stephanie offered dumbly. Oracle actually laughed.

“You’re not having a great night are you?”

“I’ve… had better.”

Stephanie reached out for the gear shift, and lowered her feet to the pedals. There were two, hopefully one to go forward and one to brake. She moved the gear shift up, and tentatively put her foot down, wanting to enter the warehouse.

"No, wait!"

The car shot forward through the hole in the wall uncontrollably, like it was her first-time driving a stick shift 1990s Toyota. Bad enough and embarrassing enough, if not for the fact that her mother had come running out towards the hole in the wall the moment Stephanie jerked forward. Crystal bounced off the car with a loud humph and fell to the floor. Stephanie stared in abject horror as her mother wheezed and rolled around on the ground. She was not hurt too badly, just in shock at being smacked by the batmobile more than anything, but that didn’t stop Stephanie from crying out.

“Oh God. I just ran over my mom!”

“…Wow you are having a terrible night.”

#dc #timsteph #tim drake #stephanie brown #barbara gordon #my fic tag #update!

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stay--satan · 6 years

Text

Rose in Red: CHAPTER 1

This story is loosely based in DC Cinematic Universe before the Batman vs Superman events

Before aliens, super villains groups, kids with super powers, there was a family. They weren’t blood related, but it was his family Until one clown ended all and now they were strangers. One is supposed to be dead, the other one living another life and the last trying to live up by his own name. Five years ago a clown teared his family apart. Bruce learned five years ago that maybe his rules weren’t the thing that made him a better man. Maybe vengeance was all that he had left.

SUMMARY

CHAPTER 1 - Looking back

The man could touch the silence that took over the house. A house once he was so happy and proud. The house where he once thought about raising his children and their children after that.

"BOYS!" He screams with the running in the upstairs hall. The oldest puts his head in the stairs "May I know why you are not ready?" "He's talking to Sophie Smith" the other one said behind the man caughting by surprise "Who's this?" "Dick's girfriend" the boy gives a devilish smile and out of nowhere there is a baseball ball hitting in his stomach. Grunting loudly from the pain he makes his way to uptairs so he could fight back, but is pushed back by his father "No, the only reason you're going up there is to put some pants. God Jason, where are your pants" "I was eating and I didn't want them dirty" he says guilty letting go of his embrace and run back to his room "RICHARD, HELP YOUR BROTHER WITH HIS TIE" "Why am I the one to do it?" Dick whine from his room. Bruce sighs massaging his temples "Because you're both late and Alfred is sick so he can't help you... Also because I said so!" he says the last part a little louder. God he missed Alfred.

Bruce walks in the destroyed home, it's so different then what it used to be. The walls now are covered in criminal's graffiti from the invasion, it had a awful mold smell and it was dark than ever did before. He wonders if it's not because he was alone there. The house never liked to be empty,

"Guys. Living room, now!" The two boys ran their way to the room finding a very interested Alfred and concern Bruce, still dressed as Batman but without the cowl. Dick's the first one to notice something different about him. He sees a girl behind him, not much younger than him with his 16 years. "Everyone, this is Rose." Bruce pushes the girl by the shoulders so she can come forward "She... Something bad happened to her family, so now we're gonna be her family." Jason's expression for the first time isn't angrish. He feels the heaten taking over his cheeks as she timidly smiles to them.

He walks towards where once used to be the kids room. Luckily or not, those were the least demaged places in the house. He first goes to Dick's, opening the door so carefully as he was still there in his privacy. Bruce could see all clearly now, like it was ten years ago. His boy with loud music in his ears while training with a punch bag. He never liked to train in the cave saying it was 'too dark' for him. So he did the basics in his room with the view to outside.

"Do you want to talk about it?" "I thought I said to leave me alone" the boy looks back to his window. Bruce walks to him sitting right beside him "Look, I get it. You're feeling misplaced" "I went away for a few months to help my team and you already find a replacement" he grunts still not looking the man in the eyes "Richard, the situation with Jason is complicated." "Always is" "But I'm not replacing anyone okay?" the boy still acts like he wasn't there. Bruce sighs straighting himself "You found your place, Dick. You can't lie to me and say that you don't miss your team and rather be here. You are now part of something bigger of your own" Dick moves his head staring the floor "And Jason, he is... He is lost. And he really admired you and all your work okay? I just want to give him this part of your life that you had. Not only the Robin situation, but feeling part of something. And if you wanna leave to be a full time part of your team like Barbara did, you'll always be welcome to my home and the family, son." Dick looks at Bruce with such caring words he never heard before, placing the angrish face with a hug to his father.

Now, he looks at the red door in front of him half destroyed. Bruce licks his lips before coming in taking a good look in the dameged. This time, it wasn't the criminals that did it, but the owner of the room. He walks in the next purple and black room, still with marks from ripped posters. He feels now the most organized room of the house now were the most mess. With broken windows and kicked door, he could still hear the scream from that night. But yet, he tried to push that memory a little bit longer remembering another one.

"Why you don't wanna go?" "Because it's a ridiculous captalist event that rich people have so they can press their money in other rich's face" Rosa cross her arm staring at the car's window. Bruce had picked her up from school and saw a group of girls making fun for not having a date to the Debutante Ball. He knew she got the invitation because he got one too "Plus it's pointless the whole idea of 'introducing women to society' as if this will give us some respect" she grunts again Rose was oficially Bruce Wayne's first daughter. She was the only one out of the two boys who accepted Bruce's request to a legal adoption changing her last name and call him a father. She had the nerves of the Batman and the stubborness of Bruce. "Look, I get it. It's embarrassing." he starts "But when I was young, my mother took me when I was 8." she looks at him respectufully. Everytime he talked to her about his parents, she would drop any atitude down to listen. "And as every 8 year old boy, I was bored to pretty much everything. But she still insisted." he smiles remembering "So she putted me in a fancy suit and took me by her arm. And I didn't understand the point of all of this. I saw girls with underage drinking, some heavy action between couples and I thought it was so stupid to pull out a stunt like that I mean, it was a party with a huge excuse to teenagers to do what they couldn't do back in home. But then, they start to annouce the girls and their fathers. And I looked at them, tearing up, clapping loudly and proudly. But they hadn't no idea what was going on behind the curtains. But my mother knew, she was one of them before and she was still there, tearing up and clapping loudly to each girl. I didn't understand why until I was your age and came to one with this girl, Rachel." he gives a corner smile remembering her again "And I was in another view than when I was 8, you know? I was the one who walked down stairs with a girl in my arm feeling like the biggest boy in the place. It wasn't until the dance starts that I realised that the party wasn't about having formal interactions and expansive drinking. It was a celebration for their kids, and for themselves. It was to be able to gush over them about how proud they are and how far they come. Do you understand?"

Rose nodds to him quietly "So as your father, I would very much like to be there for you this day. No one beside us knows your story, but I do. And I want to clap loudly and proudly of how much I am proud to where you are today."

Back in the present, Bruce kneels on the floor finding her necklace on the floor. The same one he gave her as Debutante present. He puts in his pocket taking one last look before heading to the last one, the big red door.

"I thought you would be leaving with Dick?" he says to the boy sitting on his bed reading. He stopped saying brother a while ago since their fight about him not being his father or any of them their brother. It took a while to Bruce get used to, but he was right. His parents were alive, he just didn't want any contact with them and rather stay with Bruce. Also the world's great detective wasn't that dumb. He had noticed stuff "You sure you don't wanna go with me and Rose? We won't be out long" He sees the boy stops reading and stares his bed thinking before shaking his head. Bruce make his way out before hearing Jason call. "Yes?" "Do you ever... Do you ever wanted something you know it's wrong but you don't know what to do to get over it?" Jason talked really low so no one could hear them. Bruce closes the door behind him walking towards to the kid. "What do you mean?" "Like, like when you had that drinking problem. You knew it was bad and disgusting, but eventually you got over it... How did you do it?" Bruce let's out a deep breath before facing the 17 year old teenager again "Are you talking about something physical or feelings?" Jason only stared at him knewing what he meant "Jason, you're not disgusting because of this." "How could I not?" "She's not your sister" "But I live with her! And now I... I-I can't stop thinking about her" "Jason, look at me." he pushs the boy over the shoulders "Since she came in, I see the way you act around her. You might only be realising that now, but I've been longer before you did. Why do you think I made sure you both knew your place in this family?" the boy kept quiet while hearing the old man's words "If there's anything I learned over the years is that family isn't just blood related or nicknames. It's about ties. You're my family Jason because I trust you with my eyes closed and I love you. You're family to her because you both trust each other and are bond to always have each other's back. Not because I adopted her or put you under my wing, but because of trust. But I need to know if you are willing to face this and telling her the same" "Yes, Bruce" "Good, then put your suit. We're leaving in 20 minutes"

"I knew I would found you here, Sir" Bruce turns around to see Alfred grinning to him "I had to come back here" "I know sir, I'm not the one to judge" Bruce takes another look in the room fill with graffitis. But they were different from the others downstairs "I called her for you sir, she is on her way" "Did you tell her?" "No, I believe is not my place..." Bruce sighed taking a looking to the red wall "I am afraid she won't recover from this" "Master Wayne, if I may... Miss Wayne had enough in her life. Her feelings might be shattered, but this is the right thing to do. For the first time in my life, I believe that you made a wise decision. There will be consequences, but it'll be a start" Bruces looks at Alfred finally agreeing. He stares at the wall with his huge symbol painted in red written THINK He had think and the truth was way worse than he expected. "You know how Miss Wayne is about Master Todd. She'll come to her senses sooner than Master Dick."

#rose in red #batfamily x reader #batman x reader #dick grayson x reader #jason todd x reader #bruce wayne x reader #bruce wayne imagines #rose wayne ofc #rosalinda wayne ofc #rose garcia ofc

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wearetakingthehobbitstogallifrey · 7 years

Note

I need more batman media but I don't know what to watch or where to watch it and Netflix took off Young Justice and Justice League :(:( do you have any fic recs or fun facts

A. Blogsto follow if you haven’t already followed them, the first three write FREAKINGAMAZING fanfic and the fourth creates THE BEST fanart I have literally sat and scrolled through these blogs for hours

@camsthisky (good GOSH I love her she writes so much about Dick Grayson)

@audreycritter

@preciousthingsareprecious

@laquilasse

B. RandomFics to Read (and honestly there are so many more, I just can’t think of themat the moment):

1. TheAcrobat Series

by fishfingersandjellybabies http://archiveofourown.org/works/4079917

Look anytime anyone talks about how much Dick loveshis family they’ve won my heart and soul. I especially like the Kori section.

2. Mori Shej

bydickiegayson https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12298375/1/Mori-Shej

OH MY GOSH. Ilove this story so freaking much. Ok,imagine if Jason Todd, after coming back from the dead and going through allthat stuff with the Lazarus Pit and training, goes after Dick Grayson to gethis revenge on Bruce. Except when heshows up at Dick’s apartment, ready to kill the Golden Son, he finds somethingcompletely unexpected. Jason has a lotof issues, Dick has a lot of issues (courtesy of the Blockbuster incident). I have read and reread this story countlesstimes, and I can never not cry because I love my broken sons so much. There is a lot of anger, some cursing, muchregret, and brothers being brothers. And Dick is the sweetest most protective [redacted because spoiler] and Jason has a mushy heart after all. Itcan stand as complete but I think the author is writing more? Also, either before or after, or both, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqeNxdyp5CEand listen to the song. It is my newfavorite song and CAN YOU IMAGINE DICK SINGING IT OH MY GOSH

3. the roadwill only be wide (the rain will never stop falling)

by weird_bird (2weird4) http://archiveofourown.org/works/8610391/chapters/19743343

A collection of Dick and Damian moments. So very beautiful.

4. The RobinsUnited Series, first story is Bird by Bird

by laceymcbain http://archiveofourown.org/works/2656487/chapters/5936243

…some hurt/comfort, Jason doesn’t know what the hellto do with his family, and they all insist on calling him brother. *shrugs* family feels are my drug of choice

5. Penny Lane

by @jerseydevious http://archiveofourown.org/works/11757690

Damian wants a horse, and drat I’m crying? (tbh I cry very easily over my sons…but still)

6. Sun Spot

byDawn’sEternalLight (@preciousthingsareprecious) http://archiveofourown.org/works/11748606

This fic is a quiet moment of beauty and rest for Dickand Damian. Damian draws, and Dickwatches his talented little bro. Thereis sunlight. You skin will clear andyour crops will grow and any heartache you have ever had will be healed likemagic!

C. Abunch of fics by Kieron_O’Duibhir

1. TheTill-Then From the Ever-Since http://archiveofourown.org/works/3506603/chapters/7707866

There is a problem in the Batcave, as in, youngerversions of the Batfam keep turning up. It’s absolutely fantastic, and one of my favorite things is youngerJason being SO done with his older self and calling him out on stuff and being all protective of his brothers. It gets better and better with every chapter.

2. But a Walking Shadow http://archiveofourown.org/works/4259511/chapters/9641367

Sothis story is not finished yet and the author takes waaay long to post updateson it but she has promised not to abandon it soo…It is Nightwing-centric, witha whole mess of comic Teen Titans making appearances. The author has written a lot of stories abouta world where Dick became a Talon, and in this tale Talon-on-the-run winds upon Earth-1 and Nightwing is trying to figure out who this apparent clone of hisis. Talon Dick has always intrigued me,and it is interesting seeing him and Nightwing face off.

3. All the Roofs of Uncertainty http://archiveofourown.org/works/2273208/chapters/4994631

HOLY HECK this is one of my favorite Jason Todd fanfics EVER. I love the description by the author “The onewhere Dick bleeds a lot and Jason argues with everybody.” Jason is in the wrong spot at the wrong time,ie. He finds Dick bleeding to death and is forced to save him. Tim and Damian make appearances. Jason has anger issues. That doesn’t stop him from caring. Bruce and Jason hash things out in the mostbeautiful (painful) way.

4. Wheel and Blade

http://archiveofourown.org/works/2492957

Inwhich Dick confronts Damian about his practice of taking weapons to school, andalso gets slightly distracted by the idea of living in a vardo. I love this story because it shows the bestway to parent Damian—not by telling him no “because I said so” but byexplaining and debating things like he is smart and capable.

5. I Pass the Night Watchman on His Beat http://archiveofourown.org/works/2326226

Thisis a cool one-shot of Dick and Amy, his partner on the Bludhaven police force. I freaking love Dick being a cop.

D. Okay now if you want something towatch:

1. Nightwing—TheSeries

by ismahawk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o297A1wmys0

This is THE BEST Nightwing fan film I haveever seen. I love the Dick Grayson in it—he’sgot acrobatics, sounds like Jesse McCartney (Robin/Nightwing’s VA in YJ), and is quite handsome. He fights, gets the stuffing beat out of himand keeps getting back up, has a bit of a temper, loves Barbara—perfection. Watch it, you won’t regret it. (Also Jason is there yay! I will take him in any capacity I can get. And I kinda really like the actor for Bruce?)

2. RedHood: The Series—Episode One “Homecoming”

by tenshunn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BdVSgshgFA&t=136s

My favorite Jason Toddfanfilm!!! Heavily featuring TimDrake! Look this adaption is fab, I lovethe actors and the dialogue and the fight between Jason and Tim (spoiler?) As far as I know they are trying to puttogether a second episode. Watch thevideo where Jason Todd tries to get people to donate money for it, itsHILARIOUS

3. Batman The Animated Series is on Netflix tillSeptember 1st. I’m in thesecond season and love it a lot…Alfred is so freaking sassy!

4. DamianWayne: Robins Fly at Night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS30bYjVmL4

It’s just five minutesand doesn’t have any dialogue, and it doesn’t come close to deserving an Oscar, but dang it it’s hard to find Damian stuff…and also seeing a littlekid running around in the Robin costume made me realize that there is nothing Iwant more than to see Damian Wayne on the big screen, being all angry assassinkid, and Dick Grayson capturing him in a hug…

5. Gotham on Netflix

I am pretty sure you already watch this? But if not, DO! It is AMAZING. I love it so much, especially Bruce and Alfred and Selina Kyle

E. Some things from Batman: Dark Victory

Okay I know he is a talented young acrobat and all but how the FUDGE did Dick get up on that chandelier?! the kid can truly fly (yeah yeah, the stairs probably lead up to a hallway floor/balcony that Dick leapt off of but still) I wonder how many grey hairs the kid gave Alfred in those first weeks alone

On dark days I like to remember the time bby birb Dick Grayson caved in the Joker’s cheek with a well-placed kick. My nine or ten year old son then proceeded to smash in the Joker’s teeth with a stick a few minutes later and it was amazing

You think I lied?? Nah my son Dick Grayson was cracking teeth and bones and witty puns from Day 1. Go Robin!!!

Okay so just look at this picture. Bby Dick is SO FREAKING TINY!!! also very intense. OMG Batman’s fists are as big as his first son’s head! *cue a very many feels in my heart*

F. Random things I am including because I feel like it, and they all revolve around Dick Grayson mostly because he is my fave so…

1. Apparently some official websites say that Nightwing’s martial arts specialty is Aikido. I do not think that word means what they think it means

2. “I close my eyes now for a few moments and I can see my parents riding the air current with me. Forever young. Forever strong. Their faces wide with excitement, big smiles on their faces, enjoying the adrenaline surge even more than I do. And there is one thing I am sure of … my parents would be proud of my life.” (Nightwing, Nightwing #141, 2008)

3. [Talking about Blüdhaven] “It’s a hopeless case. A lost cause. A town so mired in corruption and sin that it’s drowning … When Batman sent me here, I thought I’d solve one case and book. But then I realized … if I could make a difference here – well, that’d be something. This filthy old town needs me…. Surrounded by a dozen of my worst enemies. No way out. Nowhere to hide. The little brat was right. I do love it. (Nightwing, Nightwing Secret Files #1, 1999)

4. There once was a dumb writer who thought killing Nightwing for real would be a good idea, and he tried writing toward that end, but everybody else was like hahahaha NO

5. I used to hate when fic writers would shorten Damian’s name to Dami (kind of like how I majorly dislike when people shorten Sirius Black’s name to Siri, he is not an iPhone gosh). But then I read a post on tumblr that said something about Dami actually meaning something in Arabic, something like blood or life-blood or heart blood…I can’t exactly remember what and maybe it isn’t even true but I choose to believe it is and that Dick knows exactly what it means and he calls Damian Dami as a way to show how special he is, how much Dick loves him. Because Damian is his little brother/son and means the absolute world to Dick. And Damian, though he pretends to despise all nicknames, absolutely LOVES that Dick calls him this

#ummm I hope you haven't read all these fics yet #there are so many good ones out there #there is a tim drake one i can't remember the name of but if I find it I will add it #also I didn't really say anything about the girls #i love them a lot but somehow its the guys who i always talk about more?#sorry #also I talk about nightwing a lot #that I am not sorry about he is the love of my life #gosh def watch the nightwing and red hood films #so good #i need my dc streaming service like NOW #i kept getting distracted while writing this because I kept reading fanfic #batfam

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unknowntitans · 7 years

Text

RobStar Week 2017 - Day 2

Day 2 – Arrival (Teen Tyrants)

Dark energy arched around a small cylindrical room, runes of unimaginable complexity and intricacy were drawn into the ground in a blood red chalk. In the centre of the room sat a small shrine with a collection of items of different magical symbolism were seated on small plinths surrounding the shrine, dark energy connecting from them to the centre shrine. A few feet above the shrine hovered a sorceress cloaked in red, the energy from the shrine seeped into her body as she channelled her power. Her vibrant magenta hair contrasted majorly with her grey skin tone, her eyes were closed in concentration as she tried to pinpoint the source of a small ripple she had felt throughout reality, it was a tiny, miniscule event like a single rain droplet hitting a lake but she had felt it and the energy surrounding it seemed familiar. Repeating her mantra she felt herself approaching the energy spike and a few moments later she had found what she had been searching for, a tower, their tower.

Unclasping her communicator from her belt she held it to her mouth, “Hey dipshits! Come to the shrine I’ve got something” in a few short moments the dark, twisted team had assembled.

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

Red Robin, Red Raven and Blackfire had been the first members of the team, they had all met when Blackfire had landed on Earth in an attempt to hide from the Centauri police for her numerous crimes throughout the Vega system. With the help from her two new teammates she had slaughtered the entire armada of troops that had come to try and capture her.

Blackfire had been born as Koriand’r, princess of Tamaran but due to a rare gene defect she had been born with black hair as opposed to both her red headed parents and even her brother. Because of this she had been given the nickname of Blackfire by her parents, many saw her black hair as being a sign that she was weak and inferior to the rest of her family. That mistake would cost Tamaran dearly when she willingly allowed the Citadel to invade her home planet and even took the liberty of burning the royal palace to the ground herself, Tamaran was nothing more than a wasteland when she left. Her previous capture by the Psions had granted her enough power to rival anything in the galaxy that would challenge her.

Red Robin had once been the protégé of the infamous Batman of Gotham, after being adopted by the billionaire Bruce Wayne he had learned his secret, Dick Grayson joined the caped crusader as Robin to memorialise the loss of his parents. However, over the years the crime in Gotham had gotten to Dick, nothing him or Batman ever did had any real effect. Any criminals they arrested would break out and they would have to re-capture them over and over again in an endless cycle. Dick had finally snapped when his adopted brother Jason Todd had been murdered by Batman’s most infamous villain ‘The Joker’, the pair had both been devastated by his loss but Bruce refused to take action, Dick had pleaded with him to kill The Joker and put an end to this but Bruce had refused. Acting out of grief and revenge, one night Dick had tracked down the Joker and killed him using the same crowbar that had been used to take Jason’s life. That moment had caused the last remnants of the teenager’s sanity to crack and splinter, secretly rigging explosive charges all throughout the Bat Cave, Dick bade farewell to his former mentor and father figure in an explosion so big it could be seen across Gotham. He didn’t need a mentor, what he needed was a team.

Red Raven had been born in the realm of Azarath, as she grew up she discovered the truth that the cosmic demon Trigon was her father. She became obsessed with understanding her demonic lineage and what power she could ascertain from it, one night during her studies the ethereal form of Trigon had appeared to her offering her unlimited power at his side. Being so young she accepted his offer without question and he had fulfilled his end of the bargain, granting her power that almost rivalled his own. In exchange Trigon was able to manifest and destroy Azarath, witnessing her world and her family obliterated by her own selfish action caused the young demoness to lose her mind, seeing Trigon as her only remaining family she pledged her loyalty to him. Trigon explained that using her powers she could open portals to other parallel worlds, and in connection to that he offered her another proposition; for every world she allowed him to conquer he would bestow upon her even greater power. It was an offer she could not accept quick enough.

Tempest and Arsenal we’re newer additions to the team, they were a few years older than any of the other members but still loyal and respectful of their leader. Tempest had once been Aqualad, protégé of Aquaman, after hearing plans from Black Manta and Aquaman to destroy the surface world in order to ensure Atlantis’ safety Tempest became concerned. He had visited the surface world numerous times and realised how much it had to offer, why destroy it when instead the world could just be conquered piece by piece? Killing Aquaman, Tempest convinced Black Manta of his plans and the two began their plan, slowly taking over small towns and cities under the name of Atlantis. The US government had decided that starting a war with Atlantis could be devastating and so allowed the Atlanteans their new land. After realising that Red Robin’s team had similar aspirations he aligned himself with them, under the name ‘Tempest’ because of the impending storm of Atlantis that would one day claim the world. Arsenal’s beginning was not unlike that of Red Robin, he had originally served Green Arrow as his sidekick Speedy but after seeing first hand Oliver Queen’s unwillingness to put an end to a problem he decided to rebel, taking up the alias of ‘Arsenal’ he began secretly working against his mentor, taking out criminals himself his own way with lethal force. Eventually Green Arrow encountered this ‘Arsenal’ and upon realising that this villain was his partner he found himself to shocked to react, tragically this pause gave Arsenal the perfect opportunity to strike. Putting an arrow straight through the eye of his former mentor, before leaving to make his own way in the world. Discovering that with the Teen Tyrants he found a place to call home in the ruthlessness of the group.

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

“What is it?” Red Robin asked

“I have located the universe home to those pests, the ‘Teen Titans’” holding up a golden, bejewelled hand mirror the group watched as the screen changed to a picture of the counterpart team they had been defeated by.

Tempest snarled but quickly his face changed to a sickening smirk, “I’ve been looking forward to tearing that android apart”

Arsenal patted his friend on the shoulder with his own sadistic smile, “The green kid is mine…I’m gonna put an arrow through his head”

“My knock off is mine and mine alone” The dark haired Tamaranean commanded, after the discovery that the shapeshifter Gemini had been posing as Blackfire, the Tyrants had managed to track down where their alien powerhouse was being held and rescued her.

Putting his arm around his girlfriend’s waist he smirked, “Same goes for me, Robin is mine”

“Then I’ve got the other me” Red Raven added with a grin, “anyone got a problem with that?” The others smirked as they shook their heads, “opening the portal” she stated as she channelled her energy into her mirror, within moments a breach appeared.

Red Robin stepped forward to lead the charge, “Teen Tyrants!” he paused, a sadistic grin forming on his face “tear them apart”

The receiving end of the breach appeared in a street in the middle of the city, stepping through the team looked around to see Titans Tower off in the distance. “We’re miles away!” Tempest complained

“I’d like to you see you try and navigate a wormhole, fuckhead!” Red Raven replied angrily

“I wished to destroy their tower first, that would leave them with no place to hide!” Blackfire commented irritably

Red Robin stepped over to Blackfire and placed his hand against her face, “Be calm, my love. We’ll just destroy their city for a while until they get the message, then once we kill them…we can destroy their tower”

An intrigued smile formed on her face and she kissed the back of his hand affectionately, “I love it when you talk dirty to me” she replied with a purr.

“We could even claim their tower as our own…keep a portal open between realms and rule both worlds!” his voice sadistic and enticing

Blackfire threw herself at her boyfriend, wrapping her legs around his waist and clamping her lips to his hungrily, she moaned as he responded just as eagerly to her. Within moments their hands were all over each other, his under her top and hers snaking their way down to his pants.

Arsenal spoke up causing the couple to separate “Hey! Can you two save the fucking till we’re done here? I wanna kill some Titans!”

The demented couple smirked at their equally demented team-mate, “Killing them will make it even sweeter” Red Robin whispered into her ear, soliciting a shiver from her.

“Then let us make this quick” Blackfire replied, holding out her fist she charged a large purple starbolt and aimed it at a nearby car. Once the bolt had engulfed her fist she released it and it hurtled at the car, causing a deafening explosion. The sounds of civilian’s screaming nearby garnered a grin from the group. “This city shall fear it’s new rulers!”

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

Robin huffed a sigh of boredom as he flicked through countless channels finding nothing of interest to watch. “How can there be hundreds of channels and still nothing decent to watch?” he muttered sadly.

Starfire, who was currently curled into his side with her head resting on the inside of his shoulder, gave him a sympathetic look. “Perhaps we could go up to the roof and look out at the city for a while?”

“And see what?” he replied sarcastically. He caught himself as he spoke and he smiled apologetically at the slightly hurt face of his girlfriend. “sorry…I didn’t mean that sweetheart…It’s just that-“

“You are bored” she finished for him, snuggling closer to him

“Yeah, and I get a bit antsy when I’m bored. We haven’t had an alert in over a week”

She pondered his choice of words for a moment, “You feel like an ant?”

“No, not like a literal ant” he replied with a chuckle, kissing her forehead “I mean I get a bit irritable when I’m bored”

“Ohh” she replied in understanding, “at least we have had more time to spend together”

“That’s true” he replied with an affectionate smile, “I love you, Kori”

“I am certain that I love you more, Richard” she challenged, lovingly

The sound of the alarm caused the couple to leap up in surprise, almost knocking each other to the ground. They looked around in shock, it took them a few moments to even remember what the alert was since it was been so long since they last heard it. Cyborg rushed into the main room and over to the control panel, he read the screen “Huh?!” he asked surprised.

Beast Boy and Raven soon filed into the room and the 4 attempted to read the panel over Cyborg’s shoulder, “What’s wrong? What’s the alert?” Robin asked confused

“It says, ‘Teen Titans attacking Jump City’” Cyborg read aloud

“What?!” Beast Boy asked in shock, “what does that mean, we’re all right here!”

Cyborg typed quickly into the keyboard and pulled up a video feed from one of the traffic cameras in the city. The 5 Titans gasped simultaneously as they saw their dark doppelgangers destroying cars and buildings around them. “Those guys again!?” Beast Boy asked panicked.

“They’re destroying stuff to try and get our attention”

“Well, they certainly have it” Cyborg replied with a gulp

“We need a plan, they were strong last time we fought them so we need to be prepared for them” Robin declared

Starfire concentrated on the video and noticed her doppelganger, “But I thought Blackfire was a spy working against them?”

“Maybe that’s the real Blackfire, Gemini was probably just impersonating her whilst the real Blackfire was somewhere else” Raven replied

“Well that means that they’re even stronger now” Robin declared with a sigh

“Evil Raven was the problem last time, she was really strong. We could deal with the others” Beast Boy commented

“Then we should focus our attention on her first, deal with her and then take out the others” Cyborg strategized

“Good plan. If Blackfire is as strong as Starfire then she should also be a main target, once they’re both down we can deal with the rest” Robin elaborated.

“Then myself and Raven will focus each of our counterparts together” Starfire added

“Red Raven shouldn’t be able to take out both me and Starfire together” Raven said with a nod to Starfire.

“Okay, that’s our plan then. Everyone ready?” Robin asked

The rest of the team nodded confidently, “Those chumps aren’t gonna know what hit em” Beast Boy added with a smirk.

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

Blackfire smiled manically as she threw countless starbolts at the windows of buildings, watching the glass shatter and splinter as it hit the ground. People screamed for help from inside, begging for the attack to stop but it only spurred the demented Tamaranean further. Red Robin watched from the side, grinning at the power of his beloved, cheering for her as shops began to collapse from the barrage of blasts they had received. Shock filled his face as he saw a green starbolt collide with his girlfriend, causing her to stagger back a few feet.

“You will not harm anyone else!” the red haired Tamaranean yelled

Blackfire looked up from the ground and smirked in intrigue at her doppelganger, “Hello other me”

Starfire grimaced, “You will stop this Komand’r!”

Blackfire growled, “My name is Koriand’r!”

There was too many questions Starfire wanted to ask of her other self, “Regardless of whoever you are I will stop you!”

“Good luck” the dark-haired girl replied with a sickly-sweet mocking voice

Starfire growled, about ready to invert the other girl’s face with her fist until she spotted Red Raven landing next to her Tamaranean team mate. Turning to her friends, Starfire nodded at Raven as a signal and the two girls charged the red cloaked demoness, bolting past her doppelganger Starfire hurled a barrage of Starbolts at the girl forcing her to raise her shield in defence. With the distraction, Raven teleported behind Red Raven and focused a blast hitting her square in her back, Red Raven yowled in pain as she turned to block the other sorceress which in turn gave Starfire an opening.

“They’re trying to pick us off” Red Raven yelled to which Blackfire bolted in the sky to defend her team-mate. Raven attempted to grab hold of the Tamaranean with her powers but Blackfire was accelerating too fast to get a hold of.

“Watch out!” Raven called to Starfire

Blackfire grinned widely as she neared her doppelganger, she dodged the few starbolts being thrown at her with ease and angled her fist to hopefully break a few bones when her fist landed. However two of the starbolts collided in front of her causing a small puff of smoke to temporarily block her vision. When the smoke finally cleared her eyes went wide as her face was met with devastating punch from Starfire. Time seemed to stop for a second as her fist impacted and the force caused a visible shockwave to spread across the sky, and then in what was less than a few seconds the dark-haired girl had smashed into the ground, unconscious.

Red Robin watched his girlfriend plummet out of the sky and quickly ran to her side, “Kori!” he yelled in a panic.

Robin felt something stir within him, looking at his doppelganger he could see so many differences between them, his appearance, his mannerisms and most of all his attitude. But hearing the fear in his voice as he called out his beloved’s name definitely resonated within Robin as well. Because of this he ordered Beast Boy and Cyborg to hold off attacking Red Robin for a moment whilst he examined his injured girlfriend. Robin walked towards him, stopping about 20 feet in front of him and watching the worry filled face of the villain, “I’m giving you a chance, get her help, leave and don’t come back”

“I’d take his offer, man. Else you’re gonna end up in the same state as her” Cyborg added

Red Robin looked up at them and glared, “You’ve done this to her, you’re gonna pay for it!” he screamed. Pulling out his bo-staff, he pressed a small button and a blade popped out of each end of the staff, “You’re gonna die… Arsenal, Tempest…tear em apart!” he commanded.

Arsenal and Tempest nodded with a smirk, each stalking towards Cyborg and Beast Boy leaving Red Robin to his battle.

Retracting his own staff Robin sighed, “You shouldn’t have come here” he charged Red Robin slamming his staff against his causing the red-cladded boy to be forced backwards as he blocked the attack. Taking his own swings, he found them to be easily parried and blocked, smacking his bo-staff into Red Robin’s shin the boy growled in pain. The two of them we’re pretty evenly matched but Robin had discovered his opponents flaw, his aggression, he spent too much time on the offense and not enough time on defence. Because of this Robin only had to block his opponents hits and then he could easily counter with his own, landing blow after blow on his opponent. “Your team relies on fear…you try and scare your enemies…but you don’t scare me”

“You will be scared” Red Robin growled, “we’re going to kill your little friends whilst you watch... Starfire will be the first you’ll have to watch die”

Robin growled, “You think your threats frighten me? You’re just as weak as I am, Blackfire makes you weak just as Starfire makes me weak”

“No!” Red Robin growled attempting to block Robin’s onslaught but failing, causing him to receive a hard blow to the stomach.

“You’re scared of losing her, just like I am” Robin added, swinging his bo-staff around he smacked it into his opponent’s back, forcing him to his knees. “It’s over, she needs help…so I’m going to offer you another chance…take her, leave…and never come back”

Red Robin snarled at his counterpart but looking back at his unconscious girlfriend he softened slightly and pulled out his communicator from his belt “Red Raven, Blackfire’s injured I need a portal back”

“You’re retreating?” the red sorceress asked angrily

“She’s badly hurt, open one. That’s an order!” Red Robin commanded, his voice breaking slightly from embarrassment

Red Raven dipped out of the sky to avoid Starfire and Raven’s attacks and briefly focusing her energy she re-opened the breach they used to enter.

“If you ever come back, I’ll make sure there won’t be a way home for you…or the others” Robin said in a deep threatening voice.

Red Robin walked over to Blackfire and lifted her body up bridal style, before stepping through the portal.

Hearing a series of shouts from behind him Robin dashed off to help Beast Boy and Cyborg.

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Up in the clouds Starfire and Raven zipped around like fighter jets focusing their blasts on Red Raven, the demoness desperately attempted to fight back but every action left her open to their attacks. Growling in irritation she channelled her powers at Starfire, managing to conjure a sleep spell, because of her rush she only managed to put her to sleep for 2 minutes but it was enough to begin her offense once more. Raven dove after Starfire’s plummeting form, catching her with her energy and gently floating her down to the ground. However, this gave Red Raven ample time to recover and she began attacking full force against Raven, a blast of red energy hit hard against Raven’s chest causing her to topple backwards a considerable distance and fall beneath the clouds. When Raven managed to climb back up above the clouds her eyes grew wide in horror as she saw the demoness pulling an object towards the city. A full sized, full capacity commercial airline, was being pulled from the sky and being guided down towards the heart of the city. Using all of her might Raven gripped the plane attempting to hold it still, but she could feel her grip slipping as Red Raven used more and more of her power. Raven could feel herself being drained by the massive power usage and she was beginning to succumb, suddenly the plane left his nose dive and began to tilt back towards the cloud. Raven gave a shocked gasp as she saw Starfire single-handedly tilting the plane back up to the correct angle. Letting go of her hold of the plane she took hold of Red Raven and tossed her at high velocity into the pavement below. Giving a look of relief to Starfire the two lifted the plane back above the clouds and back onto its flight path.

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It didn’t take long for the 3 Titans to overpower the 2 Tyrants, Arsenal required range to fire any of his arrows and so Beast Boy wrapping around him as a Boa Constrictor removed any chance he once had at attacking. At the same time Cyborg and Robin focused their attack on Tempest, his water abilities proved hard to counter at first but the Atlantean had underestimated the power of Robin’s belt, swirling a vortex of water around himself he attempted to use it as a shield but a small cryo-capsule colliding with the vortex froze it solid instantly as well as the Atlantean inside of it, a single blast from Cyborg’s canon left both the Tyrants unconscious. Walking over and tossing the unconscious pair through the portal, the 3 smiled as they saw Starfire and Raven land next to them, “Red Raven?” Robin asked

Starfire gestured to the incapacitated girl over her shoulder, dropping her next to the portal they all grinned at the defeated look on her face “Your team has been defeated I suggest you lea-”

Starfire was cut off as what sounded like fast approaching footsteps came from the other side of the portal, Red Raven’s eyes widened in terror. “No!” she begged, the sound seemed to only get louder “No! Please!” she continued to beg as she backed away from the portal.

The Titans looked at her unnerved, “Is something else comi-“ Robin asked but before he could finish speaking a black and blue blur blasted through the portal and instantaneously had Red Raven by the throat. She choked and gurgled as she tried to pull it’s hand off her throat but her injuries had left her energy drained.

“You have failed me…yet again” a demonic gravelly voice spoke from the demon-looking creature.

“No…only the others did” she pleaded, still attempting to struggle

It turned around and looked over the Titans, it’s face resembling that of death, piercing black eyes looked at the group with intrigue before returning to its captive “You were defeated by inferior versions of yourselves…how embarrassing”

“Who are you?” Raven asked

The creature turned to look at them once more, dropping Red Raven to the floor and fully turning to face them. It’s suit similarly resembled that of the flash, even having the lightning bolt symbol on the chest but the normal vibrant red had been replaced by a pitch-black hue. It’s mask resembled some sort of execution mask, even having the slits in the mouth piece to allow breathing. Small sparks of blue lightning arced around the dark speedster to signify its power. Stepping towards the group they all continued to look unnerved by its presence, in less than a second it had zipped over to Robin and hoisted him up by his shirt, glaring into his eyes it laughed “You are their leader, how did you win?”

“Who are you?” Raven asked again, growing irritated

“Zoom” it replied as if its name was some prestigious title

“Put him down!” Starfire commanded stepping up to the speedster

It chuckled in its low and gravelly voice, letting go of Robin it stepped over to Starfire and pushed its face down to be level with Starfire’s “Or…what?” it asked her “what could any of you do to me?”

A small blast in its back caused the speedster to stagger forwards, it turned around angrily and looked at the terrified face of Red Raven. “I’m powerful enough to fight you” she said, her confidence failing

It laughed once more “No…” zipping forwards it lifted her up once more “…you’re not” it finished ramming it’s vibrating hand into her chest. The Titans watched in horror as the life drained from the struggling girl’s eyes and then just as quickly Zoom tossed the girl’s body through the breach.

“If they cannot kill you… then I will” Zoom declared

Robin reached down to his belt and pressed a small button, in less than 5 seconds a yellow blur arrived behind Zoom

“I don’t know who you are but you missed Halloween by a few months buddy” Kid Flash said mockingly

Zoom turned at an unnaturally fast speed, “Wallace West”

The mocking look disappeared from Kid Flash’s face, “I don’t know how you know that but you’re going down regardless” charging the black suited speedster with a punch he found his hand caught in mid-air before he had even properly thrown it. Trying again with a barrage of punches, Zoom caught every single one with the palm of one of his hands. Wally became unnerved and sprinted around the speedster attempting to find a weak point that he could land hits but he found himself terrified as Zoom was turning in perfect time so that his eyes always lined up with Wally’s. Breaking out of his circle Wally dashed down the street further in the city.

Zoom laughed maniacally as he bolted after the yellow suited speedster, he was toying with Wally like how a cat toys with it’s prey before it kills it. Zoom would always stay a few feet behind him regardless of his superior speed, Wally began taking sharp turns down roads and even running along the side of a building to attempt to tire the speed demon out but Zoom matched his pace no matter the circumstance. Eventually Zoom sped up and ran alongside Wally grinning at the weaker speedster. Wally could feel himself beginning to tire and he stopped in the back alley of a street, “What do you want?” he asked, exhausted.

“A challenge” Zoom spoke with a laugh

“You already know you’re faster than me…” Wally replied weakly

“I am faster than you, but you can be much faster”

“You’re wrong?...I haven’t got any fast in years…”

“It’s because you hold yourself back, you are holding yourself back from power”

“You don’t know me!” Wally screamed

Zoom laughed deeply, “I know you very well”, reaching behind his head and pulling the leather mask from his face he grinned at Wally.

Wally stared in horror at the face in front of him…his own face, a few years older but still so much alike “H-how?”

“I embraced my power…you squander it to be part of a team” Zoom replied

“I use my power to help people! To help Barry!” Wally replied indignantly

“And what reward do you get for this help? Most the world labels you as a vigilante. Barry Allen is weak…he is faster than you but he too squanders his abilities, using his powers he could have been a god but he chose not to. That’s why in my world I took that opportunity from him”

Wally looked horrified, “You-you killed him?”

“I discovered an ability, one that even surpasses Barry. The ability to drain others of their speed”

“So…you stole Barry’s speed?” Wally asked in shock

“I drained him of every ounce of speed-force in his body…leaving him as a statue. A fate worse than death most would assume” Zoom replied, his tone made it sound like it was a fond memory he was recalling.

“You’re a monster!” Wally screamed

“And you could be one as well” Zoom replied with a sickening smirk, “I can show you how to siphon speed, to give yourself immense power”

“Draining an innocent person of their speed-force…Barry was a good man and you killed him. I would never listen to a monster like you…”

Zoom grew angry, snarling at Wally “I have been to many Earths, met many other Wally Wests and drained them of their speed as well…are you sure you want to be the next?”

“I’d rather die than be like you” Wally spat

Zoom put his mask back on and glared at his younger doppelganger, “So be it”

Wally bolted as fast as he could along any streets, Zoom following close behind him, cackling every time he would catch up to Wally. Wally tried to focus, he needed to think of a plan he could call Barry but if Zoom was able to beat the Barry Allen of his earth then Wally couldn’t risk him draining this Earth’s Flash. He could hear his communicator ringing and he tapped a small button near his ear, “Robin”

“Are you okay?” Robin asked concerned, “Is Zoom still after you?”

“Yeah” Wally replied anxiously, “he can drain speed-force”

“Oh god” Robin replied miserably

“Can Raven channel knockout spell on him or something?” Wally asked desperatley

“Yes, but he would need to be distracted and standing still” Robin answered for Raven

“Okay, get her to come to the corner of Charles St. I’m gonna try and distract him”

“On it” Robin replied quickly

Picking up the pace, he was glad that Zoom was still attempting to toy with him. Seeing Charles St he bolted towards the corner and pretended to trip over the curb causing him to stumble to the ground. Grabbing his foot, he held as if he had broken his ankle “Ahh” he screamed in pain

Zoom slowed down and began to stalk around Wally like a lion stalking about a wounded zebra, finally the dark speedster stopped and squatted down next to him “So weak…I see now why you couldn’t be like me…I am an exception in the multiverse” as he continued to mock the injured Wally, Raven stood on a rooftop nearby casting her incantation on him. He felt himself being overtook by exhaustion and he struggled to stay awake, Raven continued to chant the spell as much as she could whilst the dark speedster continued to fight it. A speedster’s healing properties and metabolism meant that he was recovering from the infliction even whilst she was casting it, he spotted her and laughed “It won’t stop me!” he shouted.

Wally climbed to his feet and stood in front of Zoom, “It doesn’t need to stop you…just to slow you down” Wally focused his energy and began to run around Zoom in a counter clockwise formation, after a few moments the blue lightning from Zoom began to arc to Wally’s body and each bolt caused his speed to increase. Zoom screamed in anguish as he felt his speed being siphoned quickly away from him, attempting to stop Wally he reached his arm out forwards to grab it but soon the arm remained stationery, just as the rest of Zoom’s body was. After a few more moments Wally stopped and collapsed to the ground in exhaustion, he felt like a monster for what he had done but in his head, he knew it’s what he needed to do. That monster had to be stopped…

“Wally” Robin shouted as Starfire carried him to his friend, “are you alright?” he asked immediately

“Yeah” Wally replied sadly

“What did you to him?” Robin asked in confusion as he looked at the statue like pose of Zoom

“I discovered I can drain speed-force, so I drained his to stop him” Wally answered, his tone still guilty

“You had to stop him somehow” Robin replied supportively, “how did you know that you could drain speed-force?”

“Because he can…” Wally replied, climbing to his feet he walked over to Zoom and pulled the leather mask from his face.

The other Titans stood in shock as they looked at their friend’s doppelganger, “You’re Zoom?” Beast Boy asked nervously

“A version of me…he killed Barry and stole his speed, that’s how he was so fast”

“If you have siphoned off Zoom’s speed…does that mean it is yours now, Wally?” Starfire asked

“I guess so…I do feel faster. Maybe I should tell Barry about this whole ‘siphoning power’ thing, I think he’d wanna know about it”

“Is he still alive?” Raven asked, examining Zoom

“I don’t know, Zoom said it was a ‘fate worse than death’…I think he might be still alive…” Wally replied

“Then it is a fate well deserved for his actions” Starfire declared, “if he has done this to others then this shall be his punishment”

“What are we gonna do with him? I mean like, what if he gets out of there somehow?” Cyborg asked anxiously

“Throw him back through the portal…the Tyrants can deal with him if he ever gets out” Robin answered, turning to Raven “Is there any way you could stop them from coming back here again? Like take this universe off the map or something?”

“I might be able to create barriers to block off our universe. I think I’ll block of theirs as well…just to be safe” she replied with a small smile.

The End

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Author’s Notes:

Another exceedingly long story, I’ve been wanting to write this for almost a year now and with today being Tyrant themed I thought it was a perfect time to do so.

Really hope you enjoyed it!

#robstar #robstarweek #robstar week #robin #starfire #teentitans #teen tyrants

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bigskydreaming · 4 years

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Thinking about dc fandom always shitting on Dick's fashion sense and something else came up. My mutuals have turned into kpop fans, they keep posting these highly fashionable dudes' hq pics, they wear skirts, lace, ruffles, feather, glitter, all the colors.. They look good most of the times, they're not afraid to wear furry slippers or pigtails or prints, it's not what I'm used to seeing in white dominant industry. I bet Dick's fashion choices are like that n not what tasteless fanarts show.

I mean, I get what you’re saying, and I do agree in part, but also….that’s still not quite the entire issue for me.

Like…its basically just annoying the things people come up with to try and ‘bash’ him while still claiming to like the character, because honestly I believe that’s all it is. Just looking for excuses to make fun of him, and its so juvenile and pointless. There’s literally no basis for thinking Dick makes poor fashion choices in canon except for his costumes, he’s literally been a model, a socialite, a spy, and he’s routinely cited as being considered in-universe one of the most attractive people in both his civilian and superhero personas.

Like…people don’t generally fixate on the attractiveness of people whose clothes they’re busy mocking, you know?? LOL. It just makes no sense! When super hot people wear super weird clothes…..the comments are still usually about how they’re super hot, lmao. Look at like…things like the Met Gala. THAT’S the kind of ‘out there’ it takes for people to weigh in on celebrities wearing outfits that people find ridiculous despite their celeb status and attractiveness….

So, unless we’re pretending that Dick Grayson habitually wanders around wearing the equivalent of a celeb costume for the Met Gala ball in his civilian outfits…..nobody is focusing on his bad fashion sense when he’s just Dick Grayson, ergo….there is zero basis for saying when Dick Grayson is being Dick Grayson, he has no idea how to dress himself, or look good. In that respect, its that simple, y’know?

Because the other thing is (and this is mostly where I disagree with you in execution, even though I get the spirit of your ask - like, I agree his fashion choices when he IS trying to stand out might be more eccentric than most people would usually go with, but he’d look damn good regardless) but I just mean….in his civilian persona, Dick never even really WANTS to be noticed, most of the time! He DOESN’T try and aim for the spotlight when he doesn’t have to be the center of attention like at some gala he’s forced to attend. He LIKES to blend in, go unnoticed….this is a guy who is fiercely fixated on being his own man, and KNOWN as his own man, noted for HIS accomplishments, HIS identity….not being seen as Bruce Wayne’s son first and foremost, or the Wayne Heir before all else….he just wants to be Dick Grayson. He’s never really liked the attention that comes with being a public figure due to being Bruce’s ward or son, at any point.

So its like…what about that suggests that he’s someone who either consciously or unknowingly goes around attracting attention with outfits that make him a public spectacle? He’s not some oblivious, air-headed ditz, he’s extremely aware of his surroundings at all times, lol.

Not a single thing about the fashion disaster fanon overall makes any sense, under any degree of scrutiny, unless you’re just committed to….making a mockery of him.

And the only thing it can be traced back to, the ONLY thing….are his costumes and his mullet.

Let’s tackle the mullet first - guys, its an anachronistic hairstyle. Its something he only had DECADES ago, in a time period when people actually wore their hair like that in the US. Get over it. EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER has similar periods in their history, lol. And yet, its only him that’s singled out as being so unfashionable he was wearing a mullet in fics set only five years ago, whereas everyone else’s hairstyles of a different era are left in that era. C’mon. Its transparent.

Which brings us back to his costumes. The pixie boots, the leotard, the Discowing with its bright blue and gold and scooped neck and high collar….

Now THOSE are unfashionable, fandom says.

Well see the problem with that, fandom….is by every canon out there…

DICK DIDN’T DESIGN THOSE OUTFITS TO FIT FASHION STANDARDS.

He wasn’t TRYING to win the good taste award and approval of the society he was in instead of his circus home, not by his own choice, and which frequently sneered down at him and tried to make him feel lesser. And the classism some of us are referring to when we mention this….is the assumption that his motivations are irrelevant, its only the approval and standards of ‘mainstream society’ that matters in whether or not his costumes are deemed ridiculous or not.

Except…..Dick’s costumes were designed not for fashion, but for SENTIMENTALITY.

They were meant to be reminders of where he came from. A way for him to hold on to his roots. For his circus past, his parents, his origins to be represented in his superheroics every bit as much as the skills he learned from Bruce and others.

It was his way of saying he at least had never forgotten where he came from and he never would, BECAUSE HE’S PROUD OF IT.

Shockingly, he’s PROUD of being a superhero who came from the circus….which is literally the only reason he was ABLE to become a child hero in the first place, because that’s where he attained his acrobatic skills that gave him enough of an advantage despite his age, that he could actually MAKE it as a superhero and vigilante.

The entire Robin legacy that’s at the center of so much of fandom’s conflicts and preferences….

IS BORN OF THE CIRCUS. THAT HE WANTED TO WEAR REMINDERS OF. TO BE COMFORTED BY VESTIGES OF HIS CHILDHOOD. MEMORABILIA THAT HONORED HIS FIRST FAMILY.

Robin doesn’t EXIST without the circus.

And frankly, as much as people dismiss this as being not that big of a deal, I find it gross, same as I do the jokes about his name.

Because this is a fandom that is COMMITTED to defending the sentimentality and origins of their various fave members of this iconic found family.

Upholding where each of them came from as being just as iconic and important as where they ended up, as members of the Batfamily….

Except for Dick. Except for his circus roots. His costumes, honoring his roots. His childhood nickname, holding onto that last connection to his parents.

Only Dick isn’t allowed to have his sentimentality, without being made an object of mockery and silly, childish jokes. Because the circus is just funny, its not meant to be taken seriously, even as the object of an orphan’s deep and profound loss. Because his name is another word for penis, that’s all that matters, not that its one of the only mementos of his parents he actually managed to hold on to, that nobody could ever MAKE him give up or lose.

And that’s so….frustrating, irritating, and just….sad, y’know?

Because its not about the jokes. Its about the hypocrisy. Of trying to find deep meaning and introspection in the childhoods and origins of every single other member of this family except for the first one to actually MAKE it a family….because in his origins and childhoods, most people can’t be bothered to find anything but jokes.

Its all connected. Of course so many people have trouble acknowledging Dick’s traumas, his agency, his boundaries…..when they’re still unable or unwilling to get past the point of acknowledging his origins as a REAL place that REALLY mattered to him, just as much as the origins and roots of every single other member of this family.

When you treat where someone came from as a joke, a joke is all they’re ever going to be to you. Because shockingly….where we all come from, is kinda integral to who we are as people - whether real OR fictional.

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bigskydreaming · 5 years

Text

So obviously, like, I make a big deal out of Dick Grayson’s intentions when naming himself Robin in the first place, and how it was meant as an homage and tribute to his parents and the generations of Flying Graysons before them, and that’s a huge part of the reason he was so pissed when Bruce gave it away without consulting him and why its kinda messed up that everyone characterizes Tim as massively resenting Dick for making Damian Robin, etc, etc....

But okay, like....Dick Grayson was most other child heroes/sidekicks’ inspiration, not to mention Jason and Tim’s (though Tim of course was just as influenced by Jason’s turn as Robin, if not more).

And then, my problem is...whenever talk of inspirations and legacies and mantles and all that comes up, the question becomes - who inspired Dick in the first place?

Because, I mean....the answer isn’t Batman.

THAT’S why the origins of the Robin persona are so important, because like, Dick wasn’t inspired to become a hero, the KIND of hero he was, because of Bruce. He just wasn’t. He loves, respects and admires Bruce of course, sure, that’s a given. But one of the primary characterizations of Dick across ANY canon or medium is that he’s NEVER wanted to be Batman. He HATES it when he has to wear Bruce’s mantle. Not because he doesn’t respect it or what it stands for, but because its not him, and it never was.

THAT’S why he was never Batboy, never modeled himself as a younger version of his mentor like Kid Flash, Aqualad, Wonder Girl, Speedy, etc all did. Because he wanted to work with Bruce, sure, he wanted to be a hero like Bruce, as in a person who does heroic stuff and helps and protects people.....but not in the ways Bruce did it, and not for the reasons or with the intentions that Bruce had for his own costumed persona. Robin was specifically created to be everything Batman wasn’t, because Dick, being one of the many survivors of tragedies in Gotham who fell through the cracks and would have been left behind and swallowed up by the system if not for a hero’s intervention.....Dick was aware of how catching the bad guys and putting them away, seeing justice served, like, it was important, but it wasn’t THE most important thing. Not to everyone.

Catching the bad guys only fixes a tiny part of what happened. It was Bruce’s solution to things - from the second the Graysons died, that was his answer, that was what he was sure was going to help Dick move on......but Bruce’s answer wasn’t Dick’s answer. Catching or killing Tony Zucco wasn’t ever going to help Dick heal or move on, because the murder of his parents was only PART of his personal tragedy. The other part was how it resulted in him being ripped away from everything he knew and everyone else he loved, never allowed to go back to the life he’d always intended to live, growing up performing and entertaining alongside his family, like all their family before them....instead forced to change basically everything about himself in order to fit into a structured life of routines he found boring and pointless and not remotely what he wanted out of life.

Robin was Dick’s answer to all that. Being Robin was the only thing that allowed Dick to heal, because it was the one and only way in which he got to take back a piece of control over his own life. If he couldn’t go back to his past, to the circus, to his family, then he’d bring all that into the present with him, carry it forward. Continue his family’s traditions in the only way he could think of now, fighting crime alongside Batman in the signature colors of the Flying Graysons, remaining true to that title by swinging from grappling lines rather than a trapeze....but still committed to the same work his family had made their livelihood for generations, the same work he’d always intended to continue in some form himself: making peoples’ lives better, just by his presence.

Entertaining, performing, not out of insecurity or to cover things up, but because that was what he’s always seen himself as born to do. To leave people a little happier than they were when they first encountered them. Cheering up the victims of crimes with his jokes and laughter and brightness while Batman dourly scouted for clues and conferred with the police. Giving them a reason to smile even on what might have been the worst day of their lives, otherwise. Making jokes and puns while fighting the bad guys, his own way of pushing back against the darkness of Gotham - by laughing at villains of the day, by refusing to let someone like the Joker be the only one who had any reason to laugh in Gotham.

And not one bit of that came from Batman. Bruce didn’t inspire Robin, didn’t inspire Dick - Batman only gave Dick an example of how his past, his skills, his purpose in life could be adapted to allow him to continue on in the spirit of his family, to ensure they lived on through him, not just in body but in spirit as well. Zucco, the system, they could take the boy out of the circus, but he refused to let them take the circus out of him before he was damn good and ready. They could physically keep him away from a trapeze and out of the center ring of a circus, but no one was going to tell Dick Grayson when he was or wasn’t allowed to be a Flying Grayson, with everything that entailed.

Except....that’s exactly what Bruce ended up doing.

And that’s why I will always call that a greater betrayal than anything that happened with any of the Robins since, despite any of their (usually still quite valid) issues with how the mantle ended up passed on from them. Because Dick was no different from any other sidekick or child hero in that he built his identity as a hero around the heroes who inspired him to follow in their footsteps....its just that for him, those heroes were his parents. They were the ones Robin was trying to imitate, live up to, make proud. That’s why Dick always insisted on being called Bruce’s partner and not his sidekick. Sure, he absolutely loved being Bruce’s partner, but that doesn’t mean that ultimately that wasn’t just a means to an end for him....a way to ensure he was allowed to keep going out at night doing what he damn well intended to do anyway. He wanted to work WITH Bruce but he never wanted to BE Bruce. Because he already had a concrete vision of who he wanted to be like, who he wanted to be.

(And of course, this is also why I always get so annoyed with the take that Bruce didn’t bring up adopting Dick earlier in life because he didn’t want to replace his parents, he was trying to respect Dick’s feelings towards them, etc.....because uh.....that doesn’t really track, considering that co-opting the Robin identity and annexing it as part of the Batman identity, BRUCE’S to take and then dole out as he wished.....like, hello, dumbass, what did you think telling a kid that you were forbidding him from using HIS mother’s nickname, HIS family’s colors, etc, like....what the hell do you even call that other than replacing Dick’s parents and disrespecting Dick’s connection to them - you pretty much literally told him there that screw who inspired it and what his reasons for being Robin were, Robin still only existed according to Bruce’s say-so).

Anyway. And yeah, that’s also why I’m eternally grumpy at the usual fandom take that Tim does and should resent Dick for ‘taking Robin away’ and giving it to Damian, because....a) that’s not really what happened, Dick literally said that he couldn’t treat Tim like a sidekick because he saw them as equals, that it was time for Tim to figure out his own identity and see who he was outside of Robin, who he’d become thanks to his time in that role.

And also b) because.....like, it was Dick’s right, like it or not. That situation WASN’T comparable with Bruce taking it from Dick in the first place, or giving it to Jason, because the problem there wasn’t that it happened at all, it was that Robin wasn’t Bruce’s to take, or restrict, or regulate, let alone give away. Fire Dick from being his partner, yeah, sure, whatever. But telling him to hang up the last vestige of his family and former life that Dick had managed to hold onto all this time despite every attempt to take it away from him? And that’s the difference with what happened with Tim, because Dick was clear - this had nothing to do with his respect for Tim’s abilities or not thinking he was good enough to fight at his side, it was about thinking Tim was TOO good to be stuck JUST fighting at Dick’s side.

And while Tim is completely justified in feeling any way he wants about not being Robin anymore, it was after all a huge part of his own identity.....like.....you don’t get to resent the guy who created it to preserve his own heritage and family identity, for having the nerve to think like....it should be up to him who wears it and when and why. If that doesn’t work for someone, if Jason or Tim had a problem with the idea that Dick specifically should always have more of a say in where the Robin mantle goes, like....that’s valid! BUT in the sense of like....they could’ve insisted on making their own identity/mantle in order to be Bruce’s partner/sidekick, if they didn’t want the originator of THAT particular mantle to have more of a right to it and its succession, ultimately.

Especially because the whole reason Dick made Damian Robin was he recognized that Damian needed it, in the same way he had needed it. Jason becoming Robin had nothing to do with Dick, and Tim approached Dick with his own perception of Robin and what it meant already firmly cemented in his mind - Robin was the light to Batman’s darkness, a necessary flip side of the coin that balanced Bruce out and kept him focused. Again, its totally valid for Tim to view Robin as whatever he viewed it as, for it to mean whatever it meant to him.....the problem is in acting like Dick’s perception of it should ever reflect that, or be altered to include that, or become less important than Tim or other Robins’ take on it as time went on. Not when Dick made it as a time capsule for his family and history, to make sure that WASN’T forgotten just because there were no more Flying Graysons on the trapeze anymore.

So when you factor in that for Dick, Robin always meant family and always will mean family, his offering it to Damian was him doing the only thing he knew of that would give Damian a reason to stay, now that Bruce was dead. Robin was the only thing in the world that Dick had, that didn’t come from Bruce. As Bruce’s son, Damian was already entitled to anything that they inherited from Bruce, the same as his brothers....anything Dick gave Damian that came from Bruce originally, Damian honestly would’ve been justified in saying he had just as much right to it as Dick already. It wouldn’t have meant anything. Robin meant something though, because it was Dick making clear to Damian that he wanted him to stay, not just because Dick felt obligated to Bruce, to take care of Damian....but instead, Dick was saying he didn’t view it as obligation, he was offering Damian the one part of HIS family, Dick’s family, that Damian WASN’T already entitled to, by being part of Bruce’s.

Because Robin is a family tradition, always was. Its just not a WAYNE family tradition. Its just the latest version of the Flying Graysons, and thus all of Dick’s brothers became honorary Flying Graysons in his eyes the second he affirmed that they were Robin now, that he was okay with it, that he wanted them to be.

And you just....can’t cut out that one connection you have to the family with generations of history behind the mantle, that inspired it, that is the entire reason it exists for you to take up in the first place. Like, if you want to be part of a legacy, specifically, as in, you want to take up where a predecessor left off, you want to continue something that someone else started INSTEAD of starting something of your own, even something in a similar spirit and clearly inspired by it....well, you don’t get to pick and choose which parts of the legacy are worth acknowledging. Especially not when the person who created the mantle in the first place, specifically to carry on with his family’s legacy, is still around to have his own opinion on who currently needs it most.

Like don’t get me wrong. I love every single one of the Robins, including Stephanie, but in a comic book universe where the entire concept of legacies is given so much focus and priority, Robin ends up being a very weird outlier in that its originator and inspiration is only given as much weight as fans of his successors feel like giving at any given moment. Nobody ever writes fic or headcanons around the idea that upon Bruce coming back from the dead, he’d have just....no opinion on who should be Batman, let alone any right to have an opinion on that. Y’know? And again, its made all the more frustrating given that Robin’s the one mantle in the DC ‘verse that was created by its original holder as an homage/tribute to his family’s memory, rather than emblematic of some abstract idea or ideal.

*Shrugs* So yeah, I find myself very much in disagreement with most everyone in fandom on this one particular subject lol. Because I love Tim too! I do! And I’m definitely not saying that the other Robins weren’t just as iconic as Dick, just as deserving as the title or whatever, like I definitely don’t mean that any of them weren’t AS much Robin as Dick was.

Just that from an IN universe perspective, viewed from the POV of the characters, I think it just ends up being very skewed for any of the later Robins to act like they’re entitled to MORE say over Robin than Dick himself, when he’s the only connection any of them have or ever WILL have, to the ultimate origin and inspiration for it and everything its come to mean.....and that’s just....not Batman.

Its the Flying Graysons.

#lol this is more of a fandom inspired post than a canon inspired post #because canon has of course largely moved past all of these events and isnt even referencing them anymore #but like....again I do love Tim almost as much as I do Jason and Dick #but it gets really frustrating reading the twentieth fic in a row where Dick has to grovel for forgiveness for giving Robin to Damian #before Tim relents and decides things are okay between them again #siiiiiiiigh #and also minor related pet peeve #given that one of the other fandom takes Im most frustrated by is the almost universally accepted headcanon that Dick hated Jason pre death #and was just the worst to him #when like....no....they had a few rough interactions initially (all while Dick was brainwashed but lol NO ONE remembers that storyline)#but Dick of his own volition got over his issues with Jason within a relatively short period of time in universe #and reached out on his own to make peace with Jason and try and be a resource for him and building a relationship #Jason died before they had a chance to add much to that relationship but that doesn't mean it didnt exist #and it definitely doesnt mean Dick hated Jason and Jason believed Dick hated him #but my point is....given how everpresent in fics and headcanons the idea that Dick was a terrible brother and has a ton to make up for #with Jason #its really frustrating that nobody bats an eye at the idea that Tim is completely justified in holding a grudge for 'being replaced' by Dami #when even IF you're writing based on the take that this was a direct parallel to Bruce taking Robin from Dick and making Jason Robin #that STILL doesnt work out because in that parallel Tim would be in DICK'S original position #which should either mean he now understands and sympathizes with Dick for how hard that was for him #and why Dick initially had problems with Jason #OR it should mean Tim recognizes that he's doing the same thing EVERYONE constantly gives Dick grief for bc of Dick doing it to Jason #back then #but i mean #how does it make sense to say Tim vs Damian is exactly like Dick vs Jason #and Dick here is like Bruce was back then #only to then turn around and make Tim the sympathetic victimized party #while Dick is STILL the one who was in the wrong even back then too!#I just #I honestly dont get it

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