#Duke and steph I would even say enjoy his company

[oifaaa]

I think one of the reasons why people think Duke is the least insane or most normal member of the batfam (aside from the just not knowing much about him) is bc hes the only bat who hasn't had beef with another member of the family I mean Duke even gets along with Jason - anyway my solution to this is that Duke should get to physically fight another member of the family and my personal pick is obviously Tim Drake

#Dc #Dc comics #Tim drake #duke thomas #Bullying is okay as long as its Tim drake #I'm ngl I do have selfish reasons for this #Someone commented on my Tim post the other day #That Tim is the only bat that Jason tolerates #Which what is that nonsense #The 3 bat's Jason tolerates are babs steph and Duke #Duke and steph I would even say enjoy his company #And then I started thinking about how Duke does have the best relationship with every other bar #And then I jumped to maybe that's why people think he's normal #He needs a good insane fight with another bat #Anyway Tim vs Duke when dc

[dcxdpdabbles]

Cave boy Danny starts talking about one of the debates Tucker and Sam without mentioning their names when asked who the two are,Danny panics again and says that Sam is Selina since that's not that big of a jump when he starts saying her name

"One of my best friends would agree with you." Brucie suddenly speaks up one night at Dinner when Damian rants about his school not offering enough Vegetarian options. "She is an ultra-recyclo-vegetarian."

Bruce blinks having never heard the term before. A quick glance around the table tells him that neither have the others. Must be slang from his universe then. "What does that mean?"

"She doesn't eat anything with a face," Brucie explains. The curve of his lips has the tiniest amount of bestowed fondness that could only come from infatuation. Oh, Brucie is sweet on the girl. Bruce feels mildly alarmed as all his kids and Alfred sits up in interest when spotting it.

Unaware of what he just unwillingly gave away Brucie continues "Not to be confused with being a vegan because she will eat bread and cheese, but not often. She gets real mad when people mislabel her."

Dick grins, leaning over his forgotten dinner to pin Brucie under an eager stare. "I bet. Mislabeling is the worst."

"It is!" Brucie agrees, seemingly satisfied that someone else feels the same. "Especially when getting her to like you is like trying to get a cat's approval. But it's totes worth it when you do. No one has your back better than her."

A....cat's loyalty? Oh no. Surely it couldn't be-?

"What's your best friend's name?" Steph speaks up asking what's on everyone's mind. They all lean in a little closer as Brucie mindlessly gathers some rice on his fork.

"Her name is Sa-" Brucie takes a bite of his rice before swallowing. It takes everything in him not to quote Alfred and scold him for speaking with his mouth full. How Brucie grew up with such manners, Bruce would never know. "Selina! Her name is Selina."

Oh.

It seemed even in another world Bruce's heart would fall into Selina Kyle's hands.

His kids all but burst into cheers. Even Jason, and that was very hard to accomplish in the last few years.

"I knew it! I knew it!"

"Of course, it's Selina! Who else could it have been?"

"I suppose Kyle is not too horrid a partner for Father."

Duke and Cass high-five while Alfred seems to be glowing in parental pride as the other kids chat about his on-and-off girlfriend again. If a civilian version of himself still fell for her, Bruce could convince his Selina to quit the crime life and be his permanently.

Brucie stares a comprehensive eye around the table, so Bruce takes pity on him.

"I have a Selina as well. My kids....enjoy her company." He says, watching blue eyes swing at him as tiny black bangs fall slightly over them. It's adorable, and he finally understands why he had so many admirers. He bets civilian Brucie breaks just as many, if not more, hearts than he did at that age. "How long have you known Selina for?"

"Um...since she moved to my school when we were ten, so about four years, give or take?" Brucie shrugs, a slight blush overtaking his face. "She's great."

Oh, Bruce bet she is.

"Wait." Tim suddenly speaks up, eyes narrow in mistrust. Bruce had noticed before that the second youngest was suspicious of their dimensional visitor. He had been meaning to pull him aside to talk about it. "You said one of your best friends. Who is the other?"

"...Ethan. My other best friend is Ethan," Brucie says after a moment. He must mean Ethan Bennett. Bruce thinks wistfully of the old days when he would play basketball with his dear friend before he was lost in Clayface.

But why did Brucie pause on Ethan's name like that? It almost seemed like he was very carefully selecting that name or was trying to control his facial reaction to it.

A familiar blush bloomed over Brucie's checks and- oh. The boy had spoken about wishing he was from a world where bisexuality was more common, didn't he?

It would make sense. It's not like Ethan hadn't crossed his mind once or twice when Bruce was a teenager, either.

Tim's eyes narrow further. "I don't believe you."

"And I believe you can't stand the sight of your reflection because you're convinced no one will ever want it either." Brucie cheerfully chirps back before closing his eyes and sighing as if tired. He slumps in his chair, leaning his head against the headrest. "Sorry, that was mean. I'm trying to be less mean."

Bruce frowns at him, aware of Tim's eyes going glossy to his right but his son doesn't seem to want to step away. All conversation stops as they glare daggers at Brucie. Dick especially seems the most upset. "That was uncool Brucie"

"Yeah, sorry force of habit. My older sister and I-"

"Your what?" Bruce cuts him off, wondering if he heard right.

"My older sister?"

"You have a sister?"

"Yeah, don't you?"

"No," Bruce whispers. "No, I don't. I'm an only child."

"Oh. I'm the second youngest. I have an older sister, an older brother, and a younger sister." Brucie turns over to Tim to offer a sincere apology that the other gracious takes, but Bruce can't hear him over the sound of blood rushing between his ears.

"Mother and Father had more children?"

"Kind of." Brucie's face twists slightly in consideration. "Tommy and Harley are adopted. They are technically cousins since they were made by my uncle Vlad. Kate.....my older sister Kate, is my aunt Alicia's bio-kid but she was raised by my parents since she was one since Aunt Alicia wasn't...in the best mental state to care for her. No hard feelings are between them."

"Tommy, as in Tommy Elliot?!" Dick gasps, springing to his feet. "He is your adoptive older brother!?"

Brucie appears startled by his reaction, but he nods all the same. Bruce feels dread sink into his stomach.

"He's evil!" Dick shouts.

"I know." Brucie shrugs, uncaring. "Tommy has some issues, and he had them since he was...fourteen, but he's not dangerous.."

"Did you all miss that he said Harley is his younger sister? Harley as in Harleen Quinzel?" Jason cuts in, twisting to pin Brucie with a hard stare. "That's her real name, isn't it?"

"Well, her real name is Harleen Wayne, but she prefers Harley," Bruice says carefully. "Why? Do you know her?"

"She's evil too!" Dick gasps. "Brucie, you're in terrible danger with those two around!"

"Nah, Kate will stop them." Brucie waves his hand. "Sides Tommy and Harley are always traveling. Neither are home much these days."

Bruce feels a headache growing behind his eyes as Dick desperately tries to explain what happens to Brucie's adoptive siblings in their world. At the same time, his counterpart argues on his sibling's behalf.

(No one knows about the electric candles disappearing from the dinner table as the house descends into madness, trying to make the dimension travel realize his danger. Even fewer are aware of Danny's silent apology to Sam, Tucker, Jazz, Dan, or Dani for butchering their names and somehow still connecting them to someone in this world.)

Master Post Link

#dcxdpdabbles #dc x dp crossover #cave boy #Part 5 #everlasting trio #Danny has a crush on his best friends #Bruce is having a heart attack #Yes Danny did feel bad about his knee reaction #Tim forgot already once he found out about Danny's adoptive sibs #Deeper and Deeper the hole has become #misunderstanding #Danny once again picked random names and they somehow all fit

[dramatic-squirrel]

Daminette December Day 19- Hands

@maribat-calendar-events

They stood side by side, neither talking in the oppressively, haughty atmosphere. At that moment, Marinette hated Jagged more than words could describe. He forced her to attend this event knowing full well it wasn’t who she was. There was no one she knew besides Jagged and Penny, no common interests with the millionaires and billionaires that roamed around and worst of all, the pastries and finger foods weren’t even good. If you’re the richest person in the world, the least you could do was get decent food for your party.

The only brightside to the situation was that she wasn’t entirely alone in her discomfort. The downside to this was that her companion in misery had an aura of ‘if you talk to me I will gut you’, making him hard to approach. Instead, they ended up occupying the same corner of the banquet hall in an attempt to avoid other people. At least that was the intention, but it seemed like Marinette was truly the odd one out as a group of people approached where the boy was standing.

“Damian! So this is where you were hiding.” A tall man with black hair and blue eyes walked up to the boy. “I don’t know why you insist on running off the second these things start but it’s more bearable if you just stick with us.” The boy, Damian, looked away, a sneer on his face, but not saying a word.

The arrival of these new six people made Marinette feel more uncomfortable. It was bad enough that she had been standing silently next to a stranger for at least half an hour by that point. But now, she felt like she was intruding upon the group, despite being in that corner first. So she attempted to leave, quietly as possible, but she didn’t get far. Whether it was her simple presence or the fact that she moved, all of their attention shifted to her immediately. Stiff, she smiled and waved in greeting, before attempting, unsuccessfully, to leave again.

“Pardon us, Miss. We didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation with our brother.” The first man spoke. 

 “No, it’s ok. I was just hanging out here for a bit.” she fiddled with her fingers, trying to look anywhere else. “You didn’t interrupt anything so I’ll just be on my way, Monsieur…” She waited for a name or introduction. What she got was the stunned expressions of everyone there, except for Damian.

 A man with a white steak in his hair was the first to respond. “Oh my god. She doesn’t know.”

“Jason!” A blond girl hit his arm. “Don’t ruin this!” She hit his arm again for good measure. 

“Wouldn’t dream of it Steph,” he threw his arm around the girl before gesturing towards Marinette. “She’s a rare species, got to protect the endangered wildlife.” Feeling thoroughly weirded out, Marinette established that, while they were more interesting company, they were also the kind of company that would lead to unspeakable trouble if she hung around for too long. 

Glaring at Jason and Steph, the other man finally decided to introduce themselves. “I’m Dick. The people here are Jason, Tim, Stephanie, Cass, Duke, and Damian who you’ve met.” He pointed to each person in turn. 

“Oh, sorry, again, I was just hanging out. Trying to get away from the crowds over here. I didn’t really… I mean I don’t know…” She gave up trying to explain or escape. “I’m Marinette. Nice to meet you.” And just gave in to whatever was happening now.

“How are you enjoying yourself so far?” Dick asked. 

At the question, Marinette went stiff as she tried to come up with the nicest way of saying it sucked. “Well… the venue is beautifully decorated.” It was the only thing, not a lie, that she could say about the party. With her answer came a chorus of muffled laughter from everyone, even Damian, who she assumed was the most stoic of the bunch, cracked a smile. The tension in her shoulders eased a bit. 

“Oh yeah, she fits right in. Actually she’s more polite than any of us.” It was Tim who spoke this time. “I can see why Demon Spawn likes her.” The comment made the blood rush to her face, while Damian attempted to tackle Tim. 

“What are you talking about Tim?” Dick asked. 

Tim tried to answer but it was difficult when he was simultaneously fighting for his life. “I can’t… believe your… a… detective,” he finally pushed Damian off. “Jesus Christ Dick, get better deduction skills.” Discomfort filled the air once again as they calmed down and Marinette just stared at the group. 

Jason punched Tim, “Nice going, Timbo. Way to ruin the atmosphere.” Just as things became unbearable, music began to fill the hall and Dick started ushering his siblings away, leaving Damian and Marinette alone once again.

“Excuse my brother, he wasn’t raised.” Damian spoke up first. “You don’t need to pay attention to anything he says, half the time he speaks utter incoherence from sleep deprivation.”

Marinette nodded to show her understanding. After a moment she spoke up. “I… Would you like to dance?” She wasn’t sure what she was thinking, if she was thinking at all.

Damian paused to consider her offer. “I suppose dancing would be more entertaining than standing next to a wall all evening.” He held out a hand to her. 

When she placed her hand into his, a feeling of unexpected warmth radiated from his hand.  She also noticed how it was scarred and calloused, rough from some type of physical labor. Not at all what she was expecting, but comforting nonetheless.

When they reached the edge of the dance floor, a slow song began to play and not knowing how to formally dance, they gently swayed side to side in beat with the music. “Um… just so we’re clear on this…” Marinette gathered her courage. “I don’t really mind if what Tim said was true.” Then her fear overtook her again. “Or not! I mean, either way, doesn’t make a difference, really.” her eyes flittered to anywhere other than Damian’s eyes.

Damian raised an eyebrow at her contradictory interlude, but otherwise didn’t speak, and they lapsed into silence. The song was almost over and Marinette couldn’t help but think about what if. For years she had a crush on Adrien and never confessed, only to lose any chance. Now that she was over him, why shouldn’t she take a new chance? 

The warmth from his hand gave her courage once again. Looking Damian in the eyes, she said what was really on her mind. “You seem like a really nice person and I was wondering if you’d like to get a cup of coffee with me sometime before I leave for France.” she didn’t pause for breath. “Of course if you don’t want to, that's fine too. I just figured there’s no harm in asking.”

This time it was Damian who couldn’t look her in the eyes as he replied. “I think I would like that. Your company is… enjoyable.” 

A big smile appeared on her face as the song ended. “Great! It’s a date then.”

#daminette december #daminette December 2022 #daminette #maribat event #maribat

[catxsnow]

PROM DATES

Request: Hey, could I request a batmom where the topic "prom" comes up (idk how) and batmom says she never went there and regrets it and batfam makes her her "own" prom and she dances with all of her sons.

Warning: fluff

A/N: This was so freaking cute!! I loved writing it, all the fluffy feels 

GIF not mine

Word count: 2.4k

Bruce Wayne's kids didn't get along. They fought, argued, and even threatened to maim each other. However,  they would also die for each other, avenge each other, and fight anyone that tried to hurt them. They had a messed up family, but if there was one thing that they could agree on, it was how much they loved you.

Each Robin grew up with you in their life. You were there to support them, help them when needed, and be the person to look to when they needed guidance. They might not have been your own kids, but you loved them like they were. Bruce loved you for that. It was a crazy family that you had formed, but you wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

Alfred had worked far too hard for you family. He never showed that the work was ever too much for him, but you knew that when you offered for him to take the day off and relax that he appreciated it more than you could imagine. You decided that it was your time to clean the massive Wayne Manor.

Hours of washing and scrubbing as your family worked themselves away down in the cave. It was nice having the place to yourself. Music was blasting and you were able to dance around without any of your kids teasing you for it.

By the time that you reached the study, you had found an old album of Bruce from high school. He looked far younger than he did now. Stress free, no wrinkles, still the same smile that he gave you now. He looked handsome, but that never changed with his age. You couldn't stop yourself from flipping through the album to see what his life was like before you.

He seemed so different back then. Sports, hanging out with his friends, being irresponsible. You didn't think Bruce was ever capable of that. It was when you reached his senior prom pictures did you stop to admire. He looked better than ever with his suit on and a smile on his face. No lines of stress or thick scars were on his skin. 

"(Y/N)!" You nearly jumped as you name was called out. You were far to engrossed in the album that you hadn't noticed Damian and Tim exit the cave. They looked excited to see you - as they always did. Tim moved to stand behind the chair you were sitting in and Damian stood at you side.

"Bruce looks so different," Tim looked at the pictures in shock. Damian analyzed his father, at that age he looked the spitting imagine of Damian. "His prom date doesn't even compare to you. Who was your prom date in high school?"

"I never went to prom," you sighed. High school was a long time ago, but you still regretted not going to your senior year prom. Getting to dress up and get your hair done, it was something that you never got to experience. It had been decades and you still missed not having that night.

"No one ever got around to asking me and all my friends had dates already. I didn't want to go alone," you explained to them. Tim placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. He had seeing you upset about things - especially so mundane like this where there was nothing that he could do to fix it.

"It seems lame anyways," Damian scoffed. He didn't enjoy the idea of wearing a fancy suit just to stand around in some gym with half-ass decorations and people who didn't wish to be there. To him, it was pointless. But he could see that this night meant something to you. He didn't want to see you upset about it.

You suddenly closed the album, not wanting to think anymore about your own past anymore. Tim and Damian looked between each other. It didn't take being the son's of Batman to realize that you were upset. You kissed the tops of their heads and ushered them to to the kitchen for lunch.

Tim and Damian walked far behind you and paused to glance at each other once more. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Tim asked.

"For once, yes."

><

All week you had been suspicious of your family.

For the first time in a long time, Jason had come home without your request. Dick was more giddy than normal. Even Damian seemed to hint at a smile every time he looked at you. Whatever they were scheming, you wanted no part of it. Last time they had those looks, a prank war nearly broke out.

Saturday morning, Bruce had offered to take you out for brunch. It wasn't very often that you got to lavish on dates, but he claimed that the media needed to see you out and about together - you were just happy to spend time with him. He also encouraged you to dress fancy since the place you were going to was rather expensive.

You loved getting dressed up for him - mostly because you got to hear the endless amount of compliments from him.

Brunch went as you expected it to. Delicious food, pictures from the paps, and the best kind of company with the man you loved. No matter the time or place with Bruce, you always loved getting to be with him.

He took the long way home, wanting to show you the new development that WE was working on. It was going to be a beautiful new building that would help thousands. You were always amazed at what Bruce could come up with. He held you hand the rest of the drive back, gazing over with love in his eyes.

There was a hint of a smile on his face as he drove up to your home. Something had been up with him all morning and you still weren't sure what it could have been. Nonetheless, you graciously accepted his hand as he opened the door for you and walked up to the doors of the Manor.

"What's with you?" You stopped him. You hand rested on his chest while the other was still intertwined with his own. "You look far happier than you ever are."

"Am I not allowed to be happy when I'm with my beautiful wife?" Bruce leaned down to kiss you again. You smiled into it, even more so when he pulled away. Only with you, did Bruce's gaze ever soften. "Come on, let's go inside."

Bruce pushed open the front doors and you were nearly taken aback with shock. Your front entrance no longer was the spotless floor that it usually was, but instead, was covered in classic high school decorations. A picture backdrop was in the far corner, a balloon arch right as you walked in, there were even streamers hanging from the high ceilings.

You felt like you were back in high school again. However, it was the decorations that caught your attention, it was how beautiful and handsome your adoptive kids looked standing in the middle of the foyer. For the first time in a long time, everyone had gathered together, just for you.

Dick, Duke, Tim, Jason, and Damian were in the best suits they owned. Their hair was styled and the all had gleaming smiles as they watched your expressions. Steph and Cass were there as well, both of them in gowns that looked so perfect on them that they looked way more grown than you ever remembered them being.

"What's all this for?" You asked. You broke away from Bruce's hold and did a full spin of the room to see everything that they had done for you. Finally, you had seen the prom poster with the year that you had graduated hanging up. "You recreated my prom?"

"You said you regretted not going," Tim spoke up. He looked over to Damian, who had been the one to help him get everything set up for you. "We wanted to let you have that special day, too."

Tears brimmed your eyes at the idea that they had gone through all of this just for you. Getting everyone together was hard enough as it was, you had no idea how Damian of all people was able to swing something like that. That was the thing, they all loved you enough that they didn't have issue to clear their plans for the day just for you.

Damian was the first to notice the tears in you eyes. He broke the formation that they had and approached you. He looked up at you for a brief moment before latching around your waist. You knelt down so that you could be eye level with Damian instead. He didn't say anything, but you knew what he had on his mind. "I love you too, Damian," You kissed his cheek.

He went back to his original spot and just as he did, music started to play. You had just noticed Alfred standing off to the side with a record player by him. Bruce stuck his hand out for you to grab, "May I have this dance?"

"Of course, my love."

Your afternoon had gone nothing like you expected it to that morning. The surprise of having your kids recreate something so irrelevant in their lives, just for you, warmed your heart. The conversation about prom with Tim and Damian had been so short, you never assumed that they even thought twice about it.

You were wrong, very wrong. They had managed to create you the perfect prom. They even played all the same music that was from your year, it was incredible. You had finally gotten the prom that you wanted, and this was far better than what it would have been in high school.

With this, you had the chance to dance with each of your sons, and the love of your life. Dick had been the most giddy to ask you to dance. The second that Damian had brought the idea up to him, he was all for. You were the most important person in his life growing up, he would do anything to make you happy.

Dick was grand and dramatic as he twirled and dipped you. As the oldest, and having known you the longest, he wanted to make the best first impression of your prom. You were laughing and smiling the whole time he danced you around.

Jason didn't look overly thrilled to be there, but his attitude changed as he danced with you next. Growing up, you were always his biggest supporter. Even now, with Bruce opposing all of his new morals, you still saw that excited little boy in him. For him, you were his voice of reason, you respected him in a completely different way than the rest of his family.

It was moments like those did Jason realize just how lucky he was to have you in his life. When your song ended, Jason had pulled you into a tight hug, muttering words of thanks quiet enough that the others couldn't hear. No matter what he did, he always wanted your praise.

Tim had been next. "I can't believe you did all this for me," You told him. "I don't think I can ever thank you enough, this is... this is beyond incredible."

"Of course I did it for you," Tim smiled. He spun you around in your dance before continuing. "I think if Damian and I can agree on something then it must be very worth doing. We love you, (Y/N). You're the best adoptive mom we could ever ask for."

"As crazy as you kids are, there's no other family I'd rather be in," You agreed. As the dance ended, Tim kissed the top of your head and allowed Duke to take his spot. Duke grinned as he grabbed your hand.

He always felt like he didn't have the same kind of connection with you as the rest of the kids, but he couldn't be more wrong. Duke was an excellent kid, and you were so beyond proud to say that you had a part in making him who he was today. "You look so grown up in that suit."

"I am grown up," Duke argued. He was. All of them were. They weren't the young Robin's that showed up broken and alone to your home. They were all - besides Damian - grown up. You wanted to hold onto Damian's youth forever, you feared the day that he would leave you and Bruce.

Finally, it was Damian that offered his hand to dance. His hair was slicked back and he looked just the image of Bruce. The older he got, the more you saw his father in him. "Thank's for doing this, Damian. It means a lot to me."

"It wasn't difficult," Damian tried to play it off. He was much shorter than the rest of your dance partners, but he had more skill than the rest. He didn't twirl or dip you, but you swayed around the entire 'dance floor'. "I'm happy that you're enjoying yourself."

As the last song ended, you were left feeling happier than you had in ages. Seeing all your kids together, getting along and chatting? That was all you wanted in your life. You hated seeing them fight, but you knew that they all had their reasons - as well as their reasons against Bruce. As much as he wanted to keep them safe, he was too hard on them at times.

Bruce joined you once more, snaking his arms around you from behind and kissing along your jaw and cheek. You looked around the room at everyone. Tim was dancing with Steph, Cass with Duke. Damian and Dick were chatting while Jason was talking to Alfred. This had been the most peaceful your home had been with everyone in it.

Bruce spun you around so you were facing him. His hands were low on your waist and he pulled you as close as he could. Once again, there was a loving smile on his face that was reserved only for you. "Today was perfect, Bruce."

"I'm glad," Bruce kissed you. He did a dramatic dip in the middle of the room, gaining the attention of everyone else. Dick had snapped a photo just at the right time. That picture would be better than any high school prom picture you would have had all those years ago. "I always wish you to be happy."

"I'm always happy when I'm with my family."

#batfam #batfam x reader #batfam imagine #batmom #batmom imagines #batmom x batfamily #batmom!reader #bruce wayne x batmom #bruce wayne #dc imagine #dc one shot #dc #fluff

[youwerenevermeanttofeelalone]

can you write christmas headcanons with the batboys, the batgirls, and bruce? like setting up the apartment/house and baking blablabla

✦ a/n — I’m writing this with the holiday celebrations as a secular thing in mind.

Bruce Wayne

Bruce honestly doesn’t have enough time to set up the manor, but he makes it up to you by actually helping you choose the decorations.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, he’s enthusiastic about it, he’s just busy. And he makes as much time as possible for you and the family.

Bruce enjoys baking for the holidays. I’m sure that’s one of the few activities he enjoyed as a kid when Alfred tried to keep his mind off how sad the holidays would be without his parents.

December is like Gala Time™︎ so the season is hectic for everybody at the manor. Never a dull moment is spent at that house.

And he likes it that way. I think Bruce prefers the erratic nature of having the entire batfamily around him throughout the festivities, it’s a reminder that he isn’t alone even though he feels like it sometimes.

He goes out of his way to get everybody a special gift. Alfred helps, of course, but Bruce takes his time to give his input and think about them.

Dick Grayson

You find out he’s a good singer while decorating the apartment. He starts by whistling and then he’s full-on belting while singing different Christmas songs.

He claims he isn’t a “Christmas guy” but he enjoys the cheer the season brings. He finds it contagious. (He sooooo is a Christmas guy, but don’t tell him I told you.)

Dick’s less impulsive throughout the holidays because he doesn’t want to miss any party or event.

Really indecisive as to what to get his family for Christmas. He low key panics when it’s time to choose Damian’s present.

You will never get Dick Grayson to bake. I’m sorry, but he’s a menace in the kitchen. He also hates measuring ingredients.

Buuuuut, he’ll happily watch you and keep you company. He might take place in decorating cookies. They don’t turn out that pretty, but it’s a blast.

Jason Todd

Setting up the apartment with Jason is really fun. And he can reach anywhere so he does all the hard work.

However, when you get to the Christmas tree it isn’t as fun anymore.

You see, Jason is very protective of the people he loves. He loves you very much. And Christmas trees are a fire hazard.

He’s almost ready to throw out the tree but he can never say no to your puppy eyes. So he agrees. And he turns into a clean freak because “artificial trees collect dust and that makes them a fire hazard.”

I have this headcanon that Jason is a great cook and I also think he’s a great baker. The apartment usually smells amazing, and it smells even better throughout winter.

Don’t tell Alfred, but Jason’s cookies are the best in the world.

Tim Drake

I see him as somebody who’s really into the festive season.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” he says, unironically and with a sweet smile on his face.

Colors everywhere, stockings, mistletoe, ornaments... decorating the apartment takes you a few days because neither of you can decide how much is too much.

Not much of a baker, but he’ll give it a try just to have some festive fun.

He’s an expert at wrapping gifts. Seriously, he does it quickly and without a struggle.

I think everybody from the batfamily enjoys doing charity work around the holidays, but especially Tim.

Damian Wayne

I’m certain Damian didn’t grow up celebrating the holidays to the same level westerners did, and he probably started tolerating them in his late teens.

That being said, he prefers simple decorations. Too much color is headache-inducing and he thinks it doesn’t look good when a pallet isn’t being followed.

Tease him about how colorful Robin’s suit is and he’ll send you the deathliest glare you had ever seen.

Damian takes decorating cookies very seriously. And he’s a really good artist, so as expected, his cookies are gorgeous.

Never take him Christmas shopping, please, the world isn’t ready for that catastrophe. He does all his shopping online and he always knows what to buy for everybody.

Expect a gift that could only be considered as a lot. Damian doesn’t know what a small present is — or if he does, he chooses to ignore the concept.

Duke Thomas

The two of you slow dance surrounded by the Christmas lights when you’re done decorating the apartment.

Movie marathons are a usual thing for you, and they only get more frequent as the holidays approach because there are a lot of holiday movies and he loves most of them.

The entire month, he tries to take a peek into what you buy in case his gift is there. Sweet Duke doesn’t know you bought his gift earlier because of that specific reason.

He tries to get you to spill what you bought for him. Mostly with spontaneous kisses. He makes it reaaaaally hard to keep the secret, but you manage.

He’s a decent cook, but he cannot bake to save his life. He can bake pre-made stuff and even that turns out burnt sometimes.

Look, he’s busy rather often and he can’t remember everything he has to do — that includes that there’s good in the oven. BUT IT’S OKAY, HE’S CUTE, NOBODY’S PERFECT.

Barbara Gordon

Babs gets you matching Christmas sweaters for every occasion. You don’t know where she finds the ugly kind but she manages to get her hands on some atrocious stuff (in a fun way.)

The two of you most likely spend Christmas Eve at her family’s. She’ll be okay with visiting your family too, and will probably try to bring something special to charm your parents.

She’s already charming as she is, but festive!Babs is 100x more charming.

You have a tradition of giving each other awful gifts on Christmas Eve and good gifts on Christmas Day. She switches it one year and it’s chaos.

So. Many. Cute. Photos. Together. Dressed as elves, as Santa, as reindeer; with your Christmas sweaters; on your pajamas; dolled up for a party... you could fill an album with photos exclusively taken on the holiday season.

Christmas Day is for cuddling and eating candy you found on sale.

Stephanie Brown

Picture her in one of your sweaters, stretching her arm to teach the top of the tree so she can do the finishing touches. She’ll refuse your help, but will kiss you as soon as she’s done as a thank you for being helpful.

The two of you host a small holiday party at your apartment and the preparations are the most fun you’ve ever had.

Like finding Christmas markets in Gotham is hard and the city is awful sometimes, but the process is fun and Stephanie’s excitement makes it even better.

And the party is a success. Your friends are there, and your girlfriend is so happy because the apartment feels so much like home that you can be comfortable with hosting parties.

Instead of baking cookies and being a cute couple by smearing royal glass over each other’s faces only to clean each other, you have a gingerbread house competition.

It gets messy, and Steph laughs throughout the whole thing. Nobody wins, but it’s fun, and it isn’t particularly cute, but you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Cassandra Cain

Like Damian, she didn’t grow up celebrating the holidays as westerners do.

Cass isn’t the most open person in the world. She tries, but it’s hard for her sometimes. She makes more efforts around the holiday season. As cliche as it sounds.

If she’s spending the holidays with the batfam, she partakes in the family traditions Bruce has set up for everybody.

If she’s on her own with her S/O, I see her doing chill stuff. The two of you cook your favorite food and watch movies the entire day, perhaps indulge in a bottle of mauled wine or something of sorts.

She’d be okay with going to your family’s Christmas celebration as long as you also get time for yourselves later.

Cass will give you hands down the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received. She’s observant so it’s hard to hide things from her and that means she knows exactly what you want or need.

#bruce wayne x reader #dick grayson x reader #jason todd x reader #tim drake x reader #damian wayne x reader #duke thomas x reader #barbara gordon x reader #stephanie brown x reader #cassandra cain x reader

[nightwingbb]

What jobs do you see the Bat family having in an ideal future?

THANK YOU for this question, anon, bc i have OPINIONS

im gonna start with dick, and this MIGHT be controversial, but i dont HATE dick as a cop. i mean ACAB but i rlly like the canon motivation behind him becoming a cop, wanting to free the bludhaven pd of corruption. plus cmon that one nightwing issue where dick is chasing after deathstroke in his police uniform and his partner is like what are you DOING is gold and i want more content like that lmaoo

okay so jason. this one’s a little trickier. if you’d asked me what i think jason would’ve majored in in college, i 100% would say english lit, but as for what he would do w that degree... i can’t reeeally see him becoming a professor, maybe he could work as a publisher?? so long as it involves books, i think it would be right up jason’s ally lol but ofc this is in an ideal world where jason todd isn’t legally dead

like jason, i think duke would end up studying english in school, but unlike jason, i actually could see him becoming an educator, though i see him more as a high school honors english teacher than a professor solely bc i think he would enjoy working w kids

tim is easy. wayne enterprises. in the r&d (research & development) department.

so damian. i read a lot of future fics where people have him working at wayne enterprises bUT GUYS damian as a vet!!! is so superior to damian as a business man!!! i mean he LOVES animals, and in the comics he’s shown to know a fair bit about human medicine. so in conclusion, damian as a vet.

now steph i see as a nurse. her mom was a nurse, and i could totally see steph wanting to follow in her footsteps. 

i could see cass working in dance some way or another. joining a dance company or maybe even working as a dance instructor?? she’s so in tune with her body and dance is such a passion of hers that i think she would enjoy working in that field.

and while i know in canon barbara works as a librarian and i think at one point even a professor?? i kinda like the idea of her becoming a professional hacker or working in some sort of computer science role

THAT WAS A LONG ASS RESPONSE, BUT THOSE, DEAR ANON, ARE THE JOBS I SEE THE BATS HAVING IN AN IDEAL FUTURE

#batman #batman headcannon #batfamily #batfamily headcanons #dick grayson #jason todd #duke thomas #tim drake #damian wayne #stephanie brown #cassandra cain #barbara gordon

[ereawrites]

Tim Drake x Reader - Envy

The first time he realises it's more than a stupid crush is mid-summer, sweat across the back of his neck, ice in his drink. Bruce has had a tough few weeks, and he's learning to surround himself with the people he cares about in times like these: besides, the weather is gorgeous, a rarity for Gotham, and so Bruce throws an extended family barbecue. 'Family' has always been a little tough to define, for Tim and for many others who share the Wayne name. Some - Dick, Jason, Damian, Cass - feel as though they could be his blood siblings, like they share more than a name and a vigilante identity and a proclivity for violence. Duke, Kon, and Jon have somehow become his annoying cousins who say, let me play the games on your phone, Tim, I know you get the unreleased ones, don't lie, but he loves them all the same.

It's when he sees you talking to Steph, the distant ex who he now considers one of his closest friends, that the depth of his feelings really hits him. You're in a swimsuit - he shouldn't stare, he shouldn't, it's summer and it's hot and it's perfectly normal for you to want to enjoy the pool while you're at the manor - with a cocktail in hand, golden sun catching in your hair, a warm smile lighting up your features, eyes crinkled up at the corners with laughter. Maybe Steph is telling an anecdote about the family; perhaps you're just enjoying this perfect day.

A giggle spills from your lips, shiny with the cherry-flavoured lip balm he knows you use, right as your gaze wanders across the pool and meets Tim's own. Although he's quick to react, transforming his face into a friendly smile and giving you a small wave, he has to fight back a blush from the shame of almost being caught staring. He isn't a creep. He isn't.

"Tim!", you exclaim, as he crosses around the pool and makes his way over to you and Steph. "I didn't know you could even come out in the sun! I hope you're wearing sunscreen."

Steph smirks. "You're all... milky. How long has it been since you left your computer screen?'

Tim feels your eyes drag down over his body, probably only because Steph's just pointed out how pale he is, but he's in a swimsuit too and he can feel your gaze burning hot on every inch of exposed skin. He huffs out a sarcastic laugh. "Funny, both of you. Duke attacked me with a bottle of SPF twenty minutes ago."

You and Steph dissolve into another fit of laughter: clearly the image of his assault is amusing to you. Tim would pretend to be more annoyed than he really is, maybe play it up a little to make you both feel bad, but he knows that you're only in a good mood. Why wouldn't you be? This is the first day you've had fully to yourself in weeks - he makes a point to stay updated on your activities, but he's not a creep, it's normal to take an interest - between your schoolwork and your internship. The hard work has paid off, though, and you've just graduated at the top of your class with a path straight into a major company. He can cut you some slack for now.

"Do either of you two know where I can find Damian?", Steph pipes up suddenly after a sip of her own drink. "I've gotta talk to him."

Tim exaggerates a disgusted tremble, which only earns him a playful slap from Steph and another little giggle from you. "Poor you. He's probably walking the dogs on the other side of the garden, or something - antisocial little shit."

"Damian, antisocial? I haven't heard from you in almost three weeks, Timothy Drake! You hypocrite!", Steph cries. Three weeks? He could've sworn it was only a week ago, at most; he FaceTimed her for a catch up, and she was talking about her crush on Kon's dad, and he'd explained he'd been busy because he'd been helping you write your thesis - but, wait, it hadn't even been the final section, so it must have been longer ago than he thought, because you submitted your final draft five days ago - shit.

Tim sighs. "Sorry, Steph. Actually, sorry to both of you. I... lost track of time, I guess?"

"I'll let you off this time, Drake-", Steph narrows her eyes at him, and tips back the last of her cocktail. "But you better repay me by having another drink ready for me when I come back."

She grins widely, and heads off to find Damian: God knows why she wants to talk to him when he's being so antisocial, but she's always had a way of drawing the young boy out of his shell. Tim chuckles under his breath, and turns to smile sheepishly at you.

"And you? What do I have to do to make you forgive me?", he offers. He's half-teasing, but there's a part of him that feels guilty. It's selfish. He knows it is; he's the one who finds himself wanting to spend so much time with you, not the other way around, and he sees you more than enough. You probably haven't even realised it's been four days since you last spoke to him.

You swirl the last dregs of your drinks thoughtfully, smiling at him - God, your smile is perfect, so soft and warm and kind - and then reach out to pat him on the shoulder. "I think I'm the one who owes you, you know."

Your touch lingers for just a fraction of a second and Tim is forced to suppress a shiver. "Meaning?'

"You've spent most of your free time for months helping me with schoolwork, Timmy! There's no way I would've been able to - actually, no, I would have managed fine without help - but you made it so much easier. I wish I could do more to thank you."

Tim waves away your gratitude with a small smile. "You've done plenty - besides, I enjoyed helping you."

"Why?", you grin, and the previous playfulness you'd exhibited with Steph is beginning to spark back up in your eyes. "Because my area of study interests you so much? Or is it just because I'm your favourite person?'

There are a million ways he could play this. This stupid, summer crush has been eating at him for weeks now, and Tim knows all too well that he's bad with emotions. He has no idea which course of action he should choose: flirt, or tease, or act aloof? Dick would dazzle you with a charming grin and a compliment - Jason would make a ridiculous, suggestive joke that somehow would be flirty instead of creepy - Damian (and Tim feels indescribable shame at the fact that his younger brother would be better at this than him) would brush the teasing off in a way that only drew you in.

"...Spending time with you isn't the worst thing in the world.", Tim settles on, and he mentally kicks himself as soon as the words leave his mouth. God, he isn't a creep, but he's stupid. So stupid. Almost as stupid as he is for developing a crush in the first place.

By some saving grace, your smile only widens. "So I am your favourite person?'

He needs another drink.

"You're in danger of losing that title.", he shrugs, and begins to head for the drinks table that Alfred so thoughtfully set up - you follow without question. "But, well, I wouldn't have spent all that time with you if, you know, I didn't like you. It was actually... kind of fun."

You fix yourself your own cocktail at the same time as him. It must be your favourite, since it's the same as the last one you were drinking, and Tim has to remind himself again that he's not a creep as he wonders how it would feel to kiss the taste of sweet alcohol off your lips. It's just a crush. He's going to get over it.

"Aww - I knew you loved me! Seriously, though - I did really enjoy spending that time with you. Even if you did spend half of it vibrating from caffeine overload, and the other half shouting at me for drinking caffeine myself.", you say.

He shrugs. "It's bad for you." Hypocrisy normally gets to Tim, but he can excuse the bad habit for himself. He can't help but worry about you.

The words that spill from your fruit-stained lips in response - teasing, as always, no more than that, stop it - and the glint in your eye and the little quirk of your mouth upwards; something about it just feels different and it makes his stomach lurch. "You're a bad influence, Timmy. I like it."

Fuck. He sips at his drink, too much vodka for his liking and too little ice, but oh well: he's got bigger things to worry about, like hiding how thickly he swallows. Like pretending he doesn't notice the faint sheen of sweat coating your collarbones, and the dip of your throat, spreading across your shoulders and down, down, dipping to your stomach - he pretends he doesn't notice. It's hot. You're warm. And a bit of sweat shouldn't get to him as much as it does.

"Every person here is a bad influence. You asked me for help, anyway. I'm starting to regret doing it.". That's a blatant lie and you both know it, but Tim doesn't know quite how to react other than with sarcasm. He feels like he's dancing with you every time he speaks to you, skating on paper-thin ice but loving the thrill - don't be so fucking dramatic, it's just a crush, stop it.

You roll your eyes and place your glass down onto the table. "I'm sorry. You're a fantastic influence, and you've made the last few months far more bearable. Thank you. I mean it."

And then you bring one hand to his shoulder, a feather-light touch that still sends him practically careening into ecstasy, and before Tim quite realises what's happening, you're pressing a friendly kiss to his left cheek.

You pull back with a smile. "I'll stop giving you shit for today, but only because I'm so grateful."

You just fucking kissed him. You were barely an inch away from his lips, close enough that he could almost smell your drink on your lips, and it was only a friendly gesture and he knows you do it with everyone and he knows it doesn't mean anything, to you, at least - but, to Tim, you've just punched right through his chest and grabbed his heart and squeezed, tight, snatched the breath right from his lungs and all rational thought from his brain; he wants, so badly, to lean forward and kiss you for real this time. He would, if he had the courage. He would, if he knew you felt the same way.

This is more than a stupid, summer crush.

Tim wants you to kiss him again. He wants to take your hand and parade you around the barbecue on his arm. He would lick the sweat off your fucking collarbones, if you would only let him. Maybe he is a creep. He doesn't care anymore.

Another sip of his drink. He's so fucked.

You don't notice the way his jaw tenses, or the way his breathing quickens; why would you? You're not looking for any kind of reaction, because, for you, it was just a kiss on the cheek, nothing more, nothing worthy of a revelation of his feelings.

"Oh, Tim - look, Kon's coming over!", you nudge him with your elbow, drink back in hand. Tim's too shellshocked to do anything other than follow your gaze, right over to where Kon's walking over to the two of you. He must have been in the pool with Jon and Dick, because his hair is wet and rivulets of water are running down his chest - Tim doesn't think he'll ever really get used to his best friend being so absolutely ripped. He hates it.

Kon fixes you with a beaming grin. "Hey, guys! What's with all the drinking? I though barbecues were for having fun and eating, not an alcohol club."

Tim forces a smirk: Kon will see right through him if he isn't careful, figure out what’s going on. The smile on your face, though, is wide and genuine, almost as big as Kon's.

"Says Aquaman over here.", you giggle. Kon shakes his head, flicking water at you, and you squeal and dash behind Tim.

Droplets of pool water land on Tim's face, filling his nose with the scent of chlorine instead of the scent of your drink, and he mourns the loss. "Careful, Kon. Chlorine can burn our skin right off. You wouldn't want to hurt us, right?"

The other male's eyes widen comically, and he mouths a seriously at Tim, concern evident in his gaze. Having a half-alien best friend has its drawbacks, but it's worth it for the tricks Tim gets to play.

You peek over Tim's shoulder and, upon determining that the coast is clear, step out and pout at him. "Don't tease - Kon, don't listen. He's stringing you along."

Tim scowls at you. "Fuck - you couldn't have played along for a few minutes? Seriously?"

Kon lets out a hearty chuckle, and out of nowhere he reaches his hand out towards you - for a moment, Tim just stares at it, wondering why his best friend is offering his hand to you. Then, you take it, that soft smile on your face, and Kon's pulling you into his chest and you're squeezing his hand and he's kissing you gently on the forehead.

"I knew I could rely on you.", Kon smiles, brushing a stray strand of hair away from your face. The penny begins to drop for Tim, but it's as if it's in slow motion - he sees the grand reveal coming, but he it doesn't quite sink in just yet.

You turn back to face Tim, keeping your fingers interlaced with Kon's so his arm wraps around your body and settles on your waist, pressing you into his side. "I - uh, sorry, Tim. Kon's still... getting the hang of how much PDA is acceptable."

Oh. Tim should have seen this coming. He should have noticed the signs; they all spring up in his mind now, the way Kon only ever seemed to blush around you, and the way Tim's noticed you checking Kon out during training a few times (he'd not thought much of it, you'd be blind not to), and the way both of you have been so suspiciously quiet about your love lives lately - maybe to protect his feelings, to make him feel like he's not the odd-one-out of the group, to avoid excluding him.

"It's fine,", he lies. "But, well - PDA? I didn't realise you two were... close like that."

Why is he torturing himself by asking for details?

You offer him an apologetic look. "I know you've been really busy, lately - you know, with work, and stuff. I thought it would be best to hold off on telling you about anything going on until you had less on your plate."

You don't say it with pity, like you know that he's been harbouring feelings for you: no, it's just friendly concern, knowing that he would want to know about your new crush and help you navigate it, because Tim is shit with his own feelings but he's got a penchant for helping others with their own.

"Thanks for being considerate. I wouldn't have minded helping you, you know.", Tim says. Another lie. It would have absolutely fucking killed him to help you, but at least he would have seen this coming. At least he could have prepared.

Kon squeezes you into his side, and then releases you so he can pour himself a drink. His bright blue eyes, kind and piercing, prompt Tim to speak again. "And, Kon - come on, buddy. Why didn't you say anything to me?"

Kon chuckles warmly. "I guess I didn't really realise what I was feeling, you know? I mean, I knew that it was different, but I didn't exactly know what it meant... or how to explain it."

Another piece of the puzzle falls into place. There's a domino effect in Tim's mind and right now he hates how intelligent he is, wishes he could turn it off for a second if only so that he would stop making deductions about this relationship that's sprung up right under his nose.

"You made the first move, then?", he asks, directed at you, and he can feel his smile starting to slip. There are beads of water on your waist in the wake of Kon's touch.

You let out a small, almost embarrassed laugh - Kon returns to your side, not touching you this time, but still standing in a way that makes it seem as though he's protecting you. "You could put it that way. I mean, nothing's official yet - no one even knows other than you and Steph and Jon, we're still figuring it out. We don't wanna make a big deal, you know?'

Tim doesn't know. He nods anyway. "I'm happy for you both."

The smile on his lips - vodka, ice, fruit - falters just a little too much and he knows Kon notices it. Bright blue eyes soften in worry, his mouth moves to ask if Tim's alright, but Tim just glances back at you; small smile on your lips, golden sun in your hair, happy.

"I'll have to go make sure that Bruce and Jason aren't in danger of blowing us all up in a gas explosion. I'll catch up with you two after.", Tim says, just before Kon can get any words out. He gestures aimlessly in the direction of the barbecue, and you and Kon nod in unison - together, a couple - and Tim throws back the last of his drink before he leaves.

He should be happy for you - he is, in a way, glad that Kon's found someone he can be vulnerable with and you've found someone who makes you happy. He should have been more convincing - he doesn't want either of you to worry. He should have seen this coming. Stupid, stupid, stupid. He should never have let himself start feeling anything for you in the first place.

Maybe, Tim thinks as he heads into the cool air of the manor and slips into a quiet room, closing the door behind him - maybe, if you hadn't have kissed him on the cheek, it would've been easier. He could've kept telling himself that this was just a stupid, summer crush, and it would've went away by the time the first snow fell in Gotham, and if worst came to worst he could've called Steph and distracted himself for a few nights. The thought of that, of touching anyone else, makes him feel sick now.

Tim runs his hands through his hair and tugs desperately at the ends. He has no idea how he's meant to come back out to the barbecue, watch Kon kiss the taste of sweet alcohol off your lips, think about Kon's hands on your body - he can't do this. He can't.

#dc #dcmultiverse #dc heroes #tim drake #tim drake x reader #timothy drake #Timothy Drake x reader #kon el #kon el kent #conner kent #kon el x reader #conner kent x reader #red robin #red robin x reader #superboy #superboy x reader #angst #batman #batfam

[whereflowersbloom]

Alfred’s farewell

The sky had begun gloomy since even before the sun had the chance to rise. Mist was overshadowing the city of Gotham, and drops of dew are still littering every surface. The birds were unusually quiet, nestling safely under the warmth of their nest. A large group of grey clouds lingering above the place, promising unpleasant weather to deal with later on. Lighting crackled in the grey sky and snatched away any hope of a golden day. Only songs of sadness spread around, feeling the sorrow taking place. Even the world is holding its breath and everything is still, the earth seemed to be mourning as well the unexpected loss. The atmosphere was exceptionally dark and lifeless, each face filled with silent and bitter grief and regret. Tears do not fall, there’s a blackhole forming in place of his heart. This date…this date would be burned into his soul for the rest of his existence, it would be a permanent reminder to himself of how foolish he was, how everything…could change in matter of seconds. Seconds only a few more seconds would have made the difference. The tree that was once full of life, the one Alfred looked after kindly, because he planted it himself after coming to work for Thomas and Martha Wayne, was now barren as the weather grew colder and the icy wind blew the leaves away.

There’s people gathering, familiar faces and unknown ones. The solemn mode had settled between them, and soon the ceremony comes to an end. It’s time to say farewell.

Will I always, from now on, be this cold? Was Pennyworth really gone? He didn’t dare to pronounce his name. He discerned the sounds of footsteps slowly fading away and all that was heard afterwards was the thud of knees hitting the ground. Grayson. Even Dick was so lost and crushed, the man who always looked so high-spirited and brave, so even-tempered and filled with honor, seemed so weak now.

“Alfred, I am so sorry…” Richard whispered with a low-pitched and desperate sob as he caressed the stone with his trembling hand. His face, marred for life, had an even more painful expression plastered on his face as tears started to fall slowly onto the dirt. But it’s not your fault. Damian wanted to let him know. He wasn’t there to stop it. Unlike you his mind whispered.

Jason Todd remained silent. Todd had always been quick to emotion in general, to tears when someone else was sad, to contagious laughter when their siblings were smiling, quick-tempered, choleric when provoked. Surprisingly an empathetic sensitive soul, spent many years alone, hungry for tenderness and familial ties. And yet he was wearing an expressionless mask, but his body betrayed his affliction, shaking so badly that Tim had to grasp tightly at his arms to prevent him from going down. Drake. Tim was clearly having so much invisible burden on his shoulders. His curved jaw clenching tight, and his dark blue eyes cast downwards and unblinking. He didn’t have his daily cup of black coffee. No, he didn’t have a single drop of his precious caffeine today. He kept his head low the entire ceremony, maybe he didn’t have the heart to look up at the crying mess everyone was. Perhaps he thought somebody had to tough it out, specially considering Father’s absence.

Stephanie standing close to him, blonde curls dancing with the autumn wind, biting her lips the entire time. Stephanie who tried to be strong and now, after holding in for too long, the tears break out like a leaking dam. She was devastated and weeped openly, clinging to Tim’s coat as if her life depended on it, as if she were drowning, the sight made the hole in Damian’s chest squeeze around his heart. Guilt. Distress.

Cassandra was hardly moving from her spot. She had a deep crease on her brow, and face as hard as rock. She hugged herself in the arms, shielding her frame from the icy wind, when Duke swiftly placed his Armani cashmere coat on her shoulders, her hands were going cold, and the moment Duke noticed the way she shivers with small movements. He considerately held them between his, providing temporary warmth, trying to find some kind of comfort in each other, but Cassandra avoided making eye contact with anyone, her mind was really blank as a void. Possibly still attempting to process the reality. Duke Thomas, the only one that hasn’t lost his mind amid this consequent emotional instability, drops of tears still hanging from the corner of his eyes, while the rests were slowly drying on his cheeks. Damian wasn’t exactly close to Duke but he wondered how he managed to carry on. Where did he find the strength to persist? Damian walked closer to the tombstone, feeling resignation seep into his bones.

Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth, beloved father, grandfather, mentor, friend, heroic veteran, a talented cook, a man of family, with a great big heart. Alfred Pennyworth had been a man with many facets. He brought balance to this dysfunctional family, he was the peace and voice of reason. Alfred who made Dick stay in bed when he was badly injured and encouraged him to eat proper meals, lectured Jason for his vulgar language, introduced Jason into the culinary arts, trusting him with the top secret Pennyworth recipes, who secretly switched Tim’s coffee for decaffeinated when he had too much, who prepared Stephanie waffles after a night out patrolling, didn’t say a word of the nights she sneaked out with Kara, who enjoyed the company of Cassandra lurking around the manor, when she’s having a bad day he used to watch the stars with her, listening to Cass make up stories about each star, Alfred who never had to fix anything Duke broke because Thomas instantly apologized and offered to fix it himself, Alfred that found intriguing sudden Duke’s interest in gardening. Alfred... who who spend each and every Damian’s birthdays with him ‘every birthday is special and must be celebrated Master Damian’, gifted him a cat because it made him think of him, offered him a cup of hot chocolate or tea sleepless nights. Alfred, who told him he was proud of him. Alfred, who raised him and loved him wholeheartedly until his last breath.

Damian ran his hand down a large polished stone, ‘Wayne’ carved into it expertly. He sighed wearily and stood beside a gravestone, right next to the family stone, he absentmindedly ran his fingertips along the engraved letters.

‘Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth’

August 16, 1943

-

October 10, 2019

‘The light of our household is gone. Leaving only haunting echoes lingering in this home. A place is vacant in our hearts, which will never be filled.’

It was indeed fitting. Their light was Alfred and he was gone for good. For good the words echoed in his head like an incessant prayer. He felt a pang of pain surge through him as he recalled his last moments with the man who raised him. It felt as if his life was torn apart just yesterday.

‘I miss him already.’ Cassandra gestured in sign language, a single tear rolling down her cheeks. Damian didn’t know if she was saying it to him or his siblings, maybe she just wished to get the weight off her chest, when he didn’t think it could, his heart broke even more.

“Fuck.” Jason swore with pained voice, his turquoise eyes blurring with angry tears that he wiped away roughly. Not particularly at his siblings but himself. For not being able to protect the man who offered a ray of kindness to him, who nurtured his severely malnourished body to health. He didn’t blame Bruce or the others. He was supposed to be better, strong enough to defend his father. Dick was a fucking mess in the dirt,embracing the tombstone with all his strength, like it would somehow bring the dead man back to life. Steph wouldn’t stop crying. Tim was silently punishing himself in his own way, and Cass had been in a mental limbo until a a minute ago. Bruce wouldn’t leave his room for Pete’s sake. He isolated himself from everything and everyone, he simply existed in his bedroom. Not surprised. He should be here, saying goodbye to Alfred, who dedicate his entire life to help him, instead of retreating to a dark room and lying in bed, brooding over his problems. Damian. Damian was so young, he looked like hell, devastated as everyone else. Jason could detect the shadow of regret in his green eyes. He’s seen it before because he experienced it and he saw it every day in Bruce’s eyes. But at least Damian was here, dealing with the crude reality and his anguish.

It felt unreal, like this was only a horrible slow-motion nightmare and they would wake up any minute, a sharp knife that bore a hole through their hearts yet they kept on standing still.

Perhaps it was time to fulfill Alfred’s wishes. He wanted Bruce to set his thirst for justice aside and find happiness, maybe a companion, spend quality time with the children, who clearly weren’t children anymore. The youngest being Damian, who just turned fifteen a couple of months ago. He wanted Richard to start a family of his own with Barbara. He wanted Jason to come back home and stop fighting with a Bruce. He wanted a Tim to seek professional help, see a counselor, quit drinking that damned coffee in excess. Stephanie to stop denying her feelings for Tim and give their relationship a chance. Cassandra constantly suppressing her emotions, fearing to get attached, she was human not a machine trained to commit murder when ordered. Duke should leave behind any doubts to forge his own path and accept he was loved by their family. Damian who Alfred loved like his own grandchild, no matter what he did or what type of person he decided to become, Alfred would always be proud of Damian. ‘In the end, you makes you. No one else, Master Damian.’

“How are you holding up, shortstack?” Jason asked him unexpectedly, snapping out of it, he didn’t know how long his mind had been replaying fond memories with Alfred, he felt the weight of Jason’s hand falling on his shoulder, wearing a genuinely concerned expression.

A cold wind passed by, gracing the leaves and making some brief sounds. The wind leaving with a trail in the form of chilly, close to freezing air. Damian weighted the question in his head. There was only ever-growing emptiness in his chest. After a long moment he spoke.

“I will live.” Damian answered softly, eyes completely fixed on the stone. “I’ll miss him, too...brother.” The young Robin unreservedly confessed, Jason looked slightly taken aback at the words Damian muttered. Damian’s emotions were expressed with snarky comments, throwing daggers and knives, making deadly threats and intimidating stares. He had an aggressive and confrontational demeanor. Damian has never called Jason brother, but it made his lips curl into a small smile. Yes, he was his brother.

Damian was vaguely aware of Jason’s body heat now at his side, followed by Richard who was helped by Tim to stand up, his chest sore from sobbing, black suit covered in dirt but he didn’t seem to care. Meaningless material assets, nothing compared to the irreparable loss they suffered hours ago. Steph took a couple of steps closer to them, her eyes, twins pools of sadness, red and swollen, soon the Wayne siblings gathered around their youngest brother. Embracing tightly the teenager into a group hug.

They shared the same deep numbing pain, but it's more agonizing for Damian because he had been there when it happened, they all knew Damian was suffering so much. The feeling ate him inside, consuming and breaking every part of him miserably. But he isn’t alone anymore, he has his family with him. Damian’s tears are hot and travel down his tanned cheeks, he didn’t want to cry but he couldn’t hold it in any longer, the heartache, the loss, agony, guilt, everything was hitting him all at once. It hurt so much knowing full well that Alfred won't wake up ever again from this neverending deep sleep, buried under the ground lonely and cold and breathless. His grandfather.

It'll be just the the eight of them and it is frightening to accept the truth, that Alfred wouldn’t be around anymore to look after them like he did after all these years. Ever since he first set foot in the Wayne manor. He would me missed every single day. Rchard’s heart broke at the sight of Damian in such crumbling state, his characteristic composure fallen and so alien after living together so many years. Damian was broken too. Dick did the only thing he could think of, patted him affectionately on the back, rubbing it soothingly, mumbling quietly “We are here, Dami.” Letting him know they were all there for him in every possible way. They would try to carry our Alfred’s last wish, for them to get along, integrate, be an harmonious family. Be true siblings. Always Alfred’s children. Together they sang farewell to Alfred with broken chords.

I am not sure if I want to edit this later but here s the progress. I might add Bruce’s part later or tomorrow. My tribute to Alfred 💜❤️❤️❤️

@sofiii @chromium7sky @deep-in-mind67

#alfred pennyworth #bruce wayne #damian wayne #dick grayson #jason todd #tim drake #stephanie brown #duke thomas #cassandra cain #barbara gordon #dickbabs #timsteph #batman universe #batfamily #batsiblings #angst and feels #character death #nightwing #oracle #red robin #red hood #batwing #batgirl #batfam #dc fandom #dc comics #dc universe

[griffle-musings]

This is so dumb but:

In FTMWU, all the kids have to do rounds for the upper class- however most of the time, it falls on either Bruce, Dick, Tim, and Damian, as the others will use any and all favors to get out of those hellholes (the main reasonings is mostly "You're from that world/you're white/no" and then running off to work on a case or mission.") And when Jenna comes around, Dick is pretty much retired due to not really having the spoons to handle it anymore, so it falls on Damian/Tim/Bruce. Except Bruce keeps foisting it to Damian and/or Tim, and they've been low-key hating it, but been getting a long a bit better because misery makes company or something.

ANYHOW, Jenna, at age 10, is foisted along to these galas/events, and for the most part, it goes well, except she's a child, and she had plans those nights, plans involving chocolate milk and Star Trek before Dad goes on patrol, not having to deal with the bloodthirsty ways of the elite.

And she, having watched a couple of telenovelas with Duke and Steph (cause those two would be the type to get into them, I feel like) suggests, randomly, that she wants a cape with her dress "like in the telenovelas."

And Damian and Tim get an idea.

So the next couple of events, all three of them roll up dressed like they just go away with murdering Bruce and taking his company (I mean, it's true on one count) and both Damian and Tim enjoy subtly implying that Bruce is dead, so sad, he was so old, with Jenna also implying by not saying anything at all. And no one says anything, because they know it's not real, but also, when was the last time they've seen Bruce...? No, you don't think...?

Bruce, who was on a JLA mission, returns back to a bunch of condolence cards and flowers. The paper reported his "mysterious disappearance" and even Jim Gordon flashes the Bat-Signal to ask Batman if he could help locate Bruce Wayne.

Bruce takes over the events after that.

Damian gets invited over for Trek Time.

Idk I just like the idea of Tim and Damian dressing like a dramatic divorceés and implying that Bruce is dead as a revenge plot against Bruce making them skip patrol to be at these things. Also just, Damian and Tim bonding over Star Trek, with Jenna between them on the couch.

#grifflemuses #FTMWU #batfam #tim drake #damian wayne #Jenna OC

[ranger-jedi-knight]

A New Hero Ch 21

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20887313/chapters/63774805 Taglist: @bluesimani (OPEN)

Ok so here’s the next chap!! Date night for Daminette and...i still dont got a ship name for em...Dick/Alya/Xavier. Please help my sad ass out n suggest some possible ship names for em. Could be their names mashed together like daminette or even somethin bout personality or jobs. Idk, just somethin that fits em n doesn’t sound weird. Thank you very much. Anyways, it’s the date chap!! Next chap, idk maybe it’ll be xanila(Xan/Lila does that sound fine or ew?), or it could be a battle....ehehe or somethin else~. Ok, enjoy!

Alya giggled as she took the offered rose from Dick. “How long have you had this?” she asked with a tilt of her head as the officers around them cooed.

“I ordered it at lunch and had Sarah pick it up for me on her way back from her break an hour ago,” Dick replied with a soft smile as he took Alya’s other hand as she returned the smile.

“Why not wait to get it for when you pick me up after I get changed? While sweet, I’d rather not go out all grimy from a day of hard work,” she said and Dick gave a small shrug as he gave her hand a squeeze.

“Maybe I wanted to give it to you before we part?” he asked with his signature charming smile on his lips as he watched a faint blush decorate her cheeks.

“Oh! God, I forgot how cheesy you could be,” she said as Dick moved his other hand to push a strand of her hair behind her ear.

“Only for you and Xavier,” he whispered with a smile as she turned her face away from Dick because she knew she’d be blushing harder if she was looking at him.

“We should get going,” she mumbled and he nodded agreement.

“Yes, lets,” he agreed, leading her out of the precinct, waving to their coworker friends.

“Go get it, Alya!” one shouted causing Alya to laugh while her blush deepened knowing exactly what they meant.

“Maybe after the next date!” she shouted back before the doors closed behind them. Dick chuckled softly next to her as they reached her car.

“See you in an hour,” Dick whispered raising her hand to his lips to place a kiss onto her fingers.

“An hour,” she agreed, squeezing his hand before letting go and slipping into her car as he then held the door open. She smiled softly at him as he closed the door for her. Giving one last wave she left the precinct and he went to his own car to head home to get ready for his date. Once he was home, he ran past his brothers to clean up and put on a blue button-up and black pants. As he walked down the stairs he rolled the sleeves up to his elbows.

“Lookin spiffy Dickie boy. Got a hot date?” Jason asked with a smirk and Dick rolled his eyes.

“Yes, I do. Two hot dates even,” he said with a smirk, and that had Jason pausing.

“Damn, you actually asked them out. I’d have thought it’d take longer,” Jason said, causing Dick to once more roll his eyes.

“Har har har. I’m off now, hopefully, I’ll be able to beat rush hour. Go tease Damian for me,” Dick said grabbing his keys and Jason smirked as he started turning around.

“Not on your life, Todd!” Damian yelled out as his voice echoed thru the manor before it disappeared.

“Damian is leaving as well, Master Jason,” Alfred said and Jason turned to find Dick already out of the manor as well and frowned. “Please fetch Master Tim from work if he’s not back by 7,” Alfred said and Jason nodded. Getting the nod, Alfred turned around to continue what he was doing. The drive to Xavier’s home was quick. Xavier waved as he made his way to the car and slipped into the passenger seat, giving Dick a sweet smile. Dick returned the sweet smile as he looked over Xavier who seemed to be in his usual attire of a button-up shirt(a deep ocean blue instead of the white he wore at work), black pants, and his usual bowtie in a deep green that went well with the blue shirt.

“Hey. You look amazing, Dick,” Xavier whispered, taking Dick’s hand into his to give it a squeeze before they pulled away from the apartment complex.

“Hey, you look great yourself, Xavier. How’s your family?” Dick asked as they started toward Alya’s apartment.

“Melody is done with everyone at the hotel and the dance company is not appreciating her busy schedule. However, for mum, everything is fairly smooth sailing at the boutique. How are your brothers?” Xavier asked looking over at Dick, watching as the flickering on street lamps light up his face.

“Lovable pain in the asses. Jason gets a kick when he has to pull someone from their work, Tim gets distracted by his work so he’s the recipient of that. Damian is actually going out on a date with the girl he’s been crushing on for a while now. Duke is finally getting back tomorrow at some point, it really depends on how many stops the buses make. Steph and Cass. We have no idea when they’ll get back but they said things are going well over there so here’s to hoping,” Dick explained with a chuckle that Xavier shared.

“Tim is co-CEO of WE right?”

“Yes, why?” Dick tilted his head curiously at the question while Xavier chuckled.

“Melody said she had to go talk to CEO Tim about some things the board order her hotel have done since her GM is hiding from doing it even thou she’s not the most qualified too,” Xavier explained and Dick nodded at that.

“Ah, lazy people. But knowing Tim, hearing what’s wrong he’ll try fixing those mistakes,” Dick replied and Xavier nodded agreement from what he'd seen of Tim. They soon reached Alya’s apartment complex and watched with smiles as Alya seemed to be telling Xan something before hugging him and heading out. “Wow,” was all that left the two as they took in Alya wearing a fit and flare deep purple dress. A slim black belt around her waist covering the seam at the waist. She kept on her studs from work and had a black string necklace tied in a bow around her neck. She kept her makeup much the same with only eyeliner and pink lipstick. Her hair was braided and tied with a black ribbon and on her feet were small black, kitten wedges.

“Hi,” she whispered shyly when Xavier slipped from the car and held the door open for her so she could take the passenger seat. “You look great. You kept on your bow tie,” she said moving to straighten the bow tie since it moved since he left his apartment.

“Obviously, they’re part of the package. And may I say, you look lovely,” Xavier said, causing a faint blush to dust her cheeks when she smiled at him and squeezed his hand before he closed the door.

“Xavier’s correct, you look beautiful,” Dick said causing her blush to deepen. She was used to the precinct being silly what with complimenting everyone, especially her after she dressed like a Greek Goddess for Dick’s Halloween party for their coworkers(she couldn’t even remember who she dressed as, Dick remembers tho). She would have thought that conversation would have stopped since it’s been at least a couple of years. But alas. But hearing her dates say it, that was different than a friend.

“You two look quite handsome yourself,” Alya replied, happy to see faint blushes on their faces as well.

“I have a feeling, this will go well,” Dick said as they started toward the restaurant Dick got reservations for.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

Damian had a small smile on  his lips as he waited for Mari to come down. He glanced at his watch, pleased to see they had some time still before it was time for their reservation.

Lila smiled at Mari as the girl twitched beside her in the elevator. “Everything will be fine, Mari. You look amazing! That dress you made is amazing, it will knock his socks off. He clearly really likes you, I doubt you could do anything to make him change his mind, ok?” Lila asked and Mari nodded. She rubbed her hands down the red spaghetti-strapped dress, along the hemline were hidden ladybugs. Around her waist was a corset-like lace up belt that clipped together in the back, around the ribbon lace-up was black floral lace with hidden ladybugs. She left her purse in the room but Tikki and Kalki(along with Kalki’s glasses) were in her dress’s hidden pockets. She had a cropped black jacket over the dress with the lining inside red. She had on simple blac, kitten heels.

Mari gave her friend a small smile. ”Thanks, Lila. And tomorrow, I’ll help you prepare for your date with Xan on Saturday,” Mari said and Lila nodded agreement as they reached the lobby.

“Ok, see you later. Don’t stay out too late. Have fun,” Lila said, pulling the girl into a hug. Mari returned the hug before pulling away and leaving the elevator. With one last wave, Mari went throu the swinging door and left the hotel with a smile.

“Hi, Dami,” Mari greeted shyly as she reached Damian’s car. Damian was leaning against the car and smiled at Mari.

“Hello, Angel. May I say you look gorgeous,” he said, taking one of her hands into his and raising it to his lips to press a kiss to her hand. Mari smiled softly at that as she blushed.

“As long as I can return the sentiment. You look quite dashing,” she said and Damian smiled as he opened the door for her. When she was in and settled, he closed the door and made his way to the driver's seat. “Be prepared for in case our date gets interrupted, Dami,” she warned and he nodded with a smirk.

“Of course. Should you need help, I came prepared as well,” he replied, jerking his head to the backseat were a duffle bag sat inconspicuously. She smiled thankfully at that and took one of his hands into her and gave it a squeeze.

“Thank you,” she whispered, holding his hand between hers as he started driving.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tim sighed as he scribbled some stuff down into his notes. He glanced up at his laptop to continue skimming over the report. His comm buzzed and he stopped writing to press a button to talk to his secretary. “Yes, Carrie?” he asked, tilting his head a bit.

“A, Miss Reeves, is here to speak to you. She works at the Crown Coast Hotel as an OM. Her hotel is housing the internship class,” Carrie said and Tim hummed in thought as to what the OM would need.

“Send her in,” Tim sighed out, he was so close to escaping the company. The door to his office swung open slowly to reveal a woman who looked similar to Dick’s date Xavier, her skin a couple shades lighter, which means this must be his sister Melody. She was wearing her Hotel’s uniform which was a white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, the logo right where a name tag would go. Her shirt was tucked into a black pencil skirt, and she had on black ballet flats. She somehow got her wavy-tight curls under control to be in a ponytail held by a red ribbon, no doubt there was a hair tie under it. “Hello, you must be Melody Reeves,” he greeted her and she gave him a smile as she went to shake his hand after moving a file to her other hand.

“Good evening, Mr. Drake-Wayne. I’m sorry to come on such short notice but your board that oversees all the hotels WE owns have made a mistake for my hotel,” she started and Tim nodded as he sat down behind his desk and pushed his notebook away to focus on the woman in front of him as she sat down across from him and leaned forward a bit to place the file onto his desk.

“Really? If that’s the case how come you came down and not the GM?” he asked curious since this seems to be something above her position's duties. A scowl painted her lips as she shook her head, her hair flying behind her.

“It’s because my GM doesn’t like to do the duties assigned to him. I brought it up to him when I realized but he didn’t want to come here and disturb you sir. But this cannot wait,” she explained and he nodded as he opened the file. While nothing stood out, he knew that Melody would know more since she was working at the hotel.

“What seems to be the problem then? I’m not well versed on the ins and outs of running or working in a hotel,” he said and she nodded and pointed to the first thing listed that the board agreed on.

“Starting here, the board ordered us to supply our sister hotel with spare microwaves and such appliances. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue, but as it is, most of our supply is in use. The few remaining we have we can’t give out since most of our’s are on their last legs. As it is, we are keeping a couple rooms unoccupied to strip them of anything we can to give to other rooms. And we’ve asked the board for help but they are leaving us to use the money we make to place the items but we don’t have enough money. Any money left is being squirreled away to either pay our employees or the repair men we call in when something major breaks,” she started pointing to different things under the first point so that he could understand better. As she explained he nodded along and started writing in the margins of the file.

This is how the next hour is spent for Tim, listening to everything the board decided for the next few months will go for a hotel is bad. They were just finishing up when Jason knocked as he pushed open the door. “Ready to go, Timmy-boi?” he asked with a sideways grin. Tim shook his head, glancing between Melody and Jason.

“Not yet, Jason. Give me a few more moments while I finish up this meeting with Ms. Reeves,” he said and Jason nodded and went to sit on one of the couches in Tim’s office. He glanced out and watched as two shadows, a girl and boy he could make out, jump across roofs. His eyes widened and he glanced back to Tim who was shaking the woman's hand.

“Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I’ll speak to the board about this in the morning and make the appropriate changes,” he said and the woman had a grateful smile, seemingly brightening up the room in Tim’s opinion.

“No, thank you, Tim. Have a good night,” she said standing up and walking from the room and closing the door behind her.

“Tim, tell me you have binoculars in your office,” he said and Tim nodded wondering what Jason saw as he snatched the binoculars out of Tim’s hands. As he zoomed in on the two, he could tell the girl was in her early 20s and the boy late teens. They had stuff covering their faces, probably a precaution to protect themselves.

“What is it?” Tim asked, looking over Jason’s shoulders and making out the two shadowy figures.

“It seems there’s two people training. For what, I don’t know,” Jason said as he gave Tim the binoculars. Tim looked at the two and nodded agreement. They knew each other definitely and the moves they did weren’t filled with any intention besides practicing. As he lowered them, the two took off and Tim hummed. “What do you say?”

“I say those moves look familiar no?” Tim asked and Jason slowly nodded agreement. “There’s only a few people who know how to fight like that and most are busy. So that means that that is Xan. Which most likely means Lana’s with him. He’s probably training with her to prevent what happened to him happening to anyone else in the family,” Tim said and Jason slowly nodded.

“That would make sense, but Joker was the only one crazy enough to work with the League. And he’s out of the picture. Thank fucking god tho,” Jason muttered the last part under his breath. Tim couldn’t help overhearing tho and he couldn’t agree more with him. “But I guess, you can never be too prepared,” he continued and Tim nodded.

“Let’s not tell Bruce. We can’t stop people from preparing themselves to defend their home or family when they get caught up in a Rouge attack,” Tim said and Jason nodded agreement.

“Now, we need to get home. I don’t want to have Alfred giving me his disappointed look,” Jason said and Tim nodded, picking up his stuff and following him out. As he left his office he smiled at Carrie.

“Goodnight, Carrie. Don’t stay too late,” he called and Carrie nodded, pushing back some hair that had left her perfectly styled bun. He’d have told her to relax but knew she didn’t need to. The one time he brought her soup when she had laryngitis showed him that when she was at home she was relaxed. He could respect that she liked having everything look perfect when at work.

“Will do, sir. Goodnight,” she called back as she sent emails to assistants to make a meeting of the board for tomorrow morning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Come on, Alya should be getting back soon. I want to know everything,” Lana said smiling over at Xan who nodded.

“Alright. We can continue tomorrow. Would you be ok with Damian and Mari coming along to help? They know more than me,” Xan replied and Lana nodded.

“Alright. If your sure they can help,” Lana agreed and Xan smiled with a nod.

If only you knew. Of course, they may tell you when they hear what your doing....we should also tell Als, Xan thought to himself as they ran across the rooftops to reach Alya’s place.

Alster @Bi_Arrow Had the best time with these two. Can't wait to go out with them again #datenight #wentwell #hadagreattime #poly *Alya smiling happily at the camera as her arms are wrapped around Dick and Xavier’s arms. The two are smiling softly as they lean in close to her*

Mari-aculous @MDC_Designs Can’t believe we waited so long to do this. But it was worth the wait #untilnexttime #cantwait #date

   Damian @BloodBorne    I’m glad you had a good time as well. Sleep well.

Ok, so here’s the next chap!! This was fast(relatively since it was delayed by my want to update a different fic but I got this out in like three days about). I hope you guys enjoyed this new chap!! I had fun writing this chap and we saw some things happening~~!! Maybe you can guess! Anyways, until next chap! -Love Willa<3<3<3

#fanfic #fanfic update #update #my writing #A New Hero #ANH #chap 21 #maribat #daminette #ml x dc #lana grayson #alya grayson #xander grayson #ocs

[batfam-imagines]

Outed

Prompt: One of the batboys( dick?) is outed as gay, and the media make a big deal out of it. batmom being supportive and defensive of him. Angst and mother/son fluff pls. If you don't want to that's fine, but please tell me so that I know tumblr is working. Thanks so much

I did my best! Finals are coming up, so I’m not sure when I’m going to be able to post again! Let me know if you like this one and if you want a part 2!

 --

Dick knew that it was dangerous to show any kind of PDA while out with his boyfriend. Wally West understood why he couldn’t, he knew that Dick was constantly in the spotlight and that he hadn’t told anyone that he liked guys. But Wally couldn’t help leaning forward to press a kiss to Dick’s smiling mouth. The red flush that stained Dick’s cheeks and the small smile that he got in return made the kiss worth it. If they’d only seen the man taking pictures outside the restaurant, they might not have been so free with their affections.

--

The headline breaks the next day.

‘WAYNE HEIR SPOTTED WITH ANOTHER MAN: PUBLICITY STUNT OR RELATIONSHIP SCANDAL?’

You quickly click the news off and sit in silence.

“Miss Y/N, breakfast is served”

“Alfred, have you seen the news today?”

The older man hums softly, “I read the newspaper every morning, Miss. So, if you are referring to the news coverage about Master Richard, then yes, I have indeed seen todays headline.”

“Have you -” Suddenly your phone starts ringing, a picture of Dick hanging upside down and grinning flashing across the screen, “Good morning, sweetheart”

“Mom! Don’t watch the news!”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing! Just don’t watch the news and don’t let Bruce read the paper. Please, mom – just … just please”

“Baby, are you on your way here?”

Dick clears his throat, “I’m actually standing at the front door”

You quickly stand up and make your way to the door, thankful that your husband had decided to sleep in today. As soon as the door opens Dick flings himself into your arms, sobbing into your chest like he hadn’t since Jason had died.

“Oh, sweetheart”

“M-m-mom! I m-messed u-up”

Turning to glance over your shoulder and lock eyes with Alfred, “Alfie, I’m taking Dick to the study, don’t let anyone in”

“Of course, Miss”

When you manage to get Dick into the study and settled down you speak, “Now, what’s gotten you so worked up, bluebird? I haven’t seen you this upset in a long time”

“I messed up, mom. I messed up big time”

“Is that why you didn’t want me to watch the news?”

Dick sniffles, running a trembling hand though his hair, “I have to tell you something … something I’ve been keeping a secret from everyone for – for a long time. I just didn’t know how to tell you -”

“Is this about that picture of you kissing Wally?”

Dick’s head snaps up, almost colliding with your jaw. His mouth is open, eyes wide in shock, “W-what?!”

You give your son a soft smile, “Is that what’s got you all worked up, bluebird?”

“I-I-”

“I mean you do have a thing for red-heads, Babs, Kori, you even flirted with Roy, so you dating Wally isn’t that far of a stretch”

“Mom -!”

“What I just want to know is why you’re so upset” You level your oldest son with a stern look, one that’s been dubbed “The Batmom”, “Start talking, sweetheart”

“I didn’t want you to find out like this! I wanted to – I was going to invite Wally over for dinner and tell everyone then!”

“That still doesn’t explain why you were hysterical earlier” Dick’s fingers flex, reflexively tightening in your shirt, he dips his head so his hair falls in his face and mumbles something, “What was that?”

“I thought you’d hate me”

“Richard Wayne-Grayson, look at me” Dick’s head snaps up at the use of his full name, “When have I ever done something like that?”

“You haven’t, but -”

“But nothing! I have always been about equality, you know that! I have never cared who any of you have loved as long as they make you happy! Shit, you could tell me that you were going to marry a rose bush and I would just tell you to watch out for thorns! Dick,” You gently cup his cheeks in your hand, “I love you, I will always love you because you are my son. This is your life, darling, and I have only ever wanted you to be happy in it. Now, I need you answer a few questions for me”

Dick’s eyes are wide, “O-Okay”

“Does being with Wally make you happy?”

“Yes”

“Does Wally treat you right?”

“Of course”

You let out a soft breath, “Good, if that changes I’ll cut off his legs, without his legs he won’t be much of a speedster, will he?”

“Mom!”

“You’re my baby, it’s my job to protect you. Just wait until your siblings hear about this, their threats will probably be worse”

“Oh god! I didn’t even think about that!”

The two of you look up when you hear the front door slam open, the sound of several pairs of boots being taken off makes you smile, “MOM! HAVE YOU SEEN DICK!?!?” Jason voice seems to echo through the Manor, “WE NEED TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT SOMETHING!!!”

Quickly wiping the tear tracks from his face you hand your oldest son a tissue, “You had better clean yourself up, bluebird. If your siblings see you crying they are going to blame Wally, and then it’ll be a full-on witch-hunt”

“Hide me!”

“Nope, you have to talk to your younger siblings, and then you’ll have to talk to your father”

“NO!!! This is like some form of torture! You can’t torture your own child!”

The door to the study bangs open and in pour the rest of your children Cassandra, Jason, Stephanie, Tim, Damian, Duke, and last but not least Barbra. Jason is he first to speak up, “Alright, Dickie, it looks like you have some explaining to do”

Your oldest son turns big pleading blue eyes on you one last time, “Please, mom”

But Cassandra quickly steps forward and takes her brothers arm, “Come, brother, explain”

Unable to deny Cass anything, Dick lets out a resigned sigh and stands up, “Fine, but I’m hungry so we’re doing this over breakfast”

Steph grins, “I was hoping you’d say that! I can’t wait to have an Alfred cooked meal!”

Once all of the kids file out, giving you either a quick hug or a kiss on the cheek in greeting, Alfred appears in the doorway, “Is there anything I can get for you, Miss Y/N, before I am preoccupied with the children?”

“No, Alfie, I’m actually about to go upstairs and wake Bruce up to talk to him. You go enjoy the company of your grandchildren”

Alfred smiles, “It has been such a long time since everyone has been under the same roof”

Squeezing Alfred’s hands as you pass, you call over your shoulder, “I hope you made enough food, those kids looked hungry”

“I always make enough food, Miss. Do try not to insult me in such a way”

Your laughter echoes down the hall, blending in with the sounds of your children all eating and talking over each other. Spotting Dick’s smiling face as you make your way past the dining room, you can’t help but be relieved. Dick realizing that his family loves him no matter what is exactly what your oldest son needed. Now, if only you can convince Bruce that Dick dating Wally is a good thing your day will go a lot smoother.

#dick grayson #dick grayson imagine #dick grayson x wally west #birdflash #dick x wally #batmom #batmom imagine #batmom is supportive #angst #fluff #dick is gay #or at least bi #Alfred Pennyworth #alfred pennyworth imagine #Jason Todd #jason todd imagine #cassandra cain #cassandra cain imagine #Stephanie Brown #stephanie brown imagine #batfamily #batfamily imagines #everyone accepts Dick

[secretlystephaniebrown]

Why Rebirth’s Stephanie Brown isn’t the Same as Preboot Stephanie Brown

Hi I’ve got opinions about how the reboot has been handling my girl. 

I’ve been enjoying Detective Comics for the most part, but I’ve been frustrated with Stephanie Brown’s role in them for a while. And I think I’ve finally put my finger on it. 

Special thanks to @renaroo for all her help finding panels and issue numbers!

Below the cut is 2k of screaming and panels. 

Stephanie Brown in the preboot era was a kid with a bad past. Her mom was a drug addict, her dad was abusive and a villain. She lived in poverty for at least chunks of her original run as Spoiler. She dated older guys, one of whom got her pregnant and ran away, and has been implied to be a sexual abuse survivor.

And as Spoiler, her life wasn’t necessarily better. She dated Tim, and they had a pretty decent relationship, but Tim didn’t tell her his secret identity, on orders from Batman. For reasons. (Bruce later told her his identity without Tim’s permission, which… doesn’t really make things better.) From day one, she was an outcast from the family; she regularly got locked out of the Batcave, wasn’t informed about major developments in the family, and Bruce denies her training and resources. She even suspects that this is because of her family life. 

(Robin (1993-2009) #100.)

@renaroo and I have talked about this, and a part of Bruce’s reaction to Steph during this time period was clearly based off Bruce’s recent trauma because of Jason’s death. Steph, Cass, and Tim’s relationships with Bruce in the preboot were all tied to that event. Tim stepped up as Robin, providing Bruce with the balance and support that he knew he needed, so Bruce couldn’t really send Tim away. Cass had no secret identity, no life to return to. Bruce looked at her and saw his own morals concentrated, a dedication to the cause that he thought makes Cass an ideal protégé and possible successor down the line. (Not that it ever happened of course because of course it didn’t.) Besides that, Cass was a better fighter than he was, and had been looking after herself for years. Firing her wasn’t very effective, although he certainly tried in the later parts of Cass’s initial Batgirl run.

But Steph?

Steph was none of those things. Bruce didn’t need her, she wasn’t trained and capable like Cass. Instead, everything that Bruce saw when he looked at her probably remindd him of Jason. A mother lost to drug abuse, a father entrenched in crime and violence, a kid from the less great parts of the city. The parallels were right there to Bruce. But Bruce was too late to save Steph from this life, unlike Jason. Instead, Steph had decided to save herself. But he looked at her, and he saw a kid with no training and no experience. And he’d just lost a partner from a background very similar to hers.

He told her to go home. He never really stopped, not until she became Batgirl. (Although they had some amazing bonding moments as well, which I’ll probably make another post about later)

As a result Steph was an outcast for the majority of her run as Spoiler. She got brief flashes of integration and family; she teams up with Cass, works with other heroes like Black Canary, Huntress, and Oracle. She worked with Tim and Bruce as well. But just as often, Bruce did things like forbid Cass to patrol with Steph and the aforementioned locking her out of the Batcave and not telling her that the family was undergoing a MAJOR crisis at the time.)

(Batman: Bruce Wayne: Murderer? Robin (1993-2009) #98 - Yes Bruce was in prison at the time, but you’d have thought that SOMEONE would have thought to tell her he was unavailable.)

The end result of this should happen when she becomes Robin. Steph becoming Robin should have been cathartic; a culmination of Steph’s hard work paying off and Bruce recognizing her place in the family. And it was for a while!!

(Detective Comics (1937-2011) #796. Making me nostalgic for what could have been. Steph with anger issues and a complicated but growing relationship with Bruce? Amazing.)

Instead, it was a cheap stunt by DC. Steph got fired, Steph screwed up by starting a gang war, Steph died. (And then came back in an outrageously OOC manner, but that’s another story.)

We got some of the catharsis of her becoming part of the family in Steph’s run as Batgirl, but it was undermined by a lot of things. To make her Batgirl, Miller began what Tynion and the Nu52 (and later Rebirth) continues to do.

They take away what makes Steph interesting.

Steph’s anger issues were integral to her early character. She canonically went to visit her father in prison to fight him. Her anger was not once touched upon in Miller’s Batgirl. Her status as a teenage mom was similarly erased. Her trauma at the hands of Black Mask was only hinted at once, after Steph was shot in the head, when she saw him in a flashback. 

(Batgirl (2009-2011) #6. Don’t worry, this will never come up again.)

And her friendship with Cass, a relationship I would say was defining and important to Steph, was washed away, with Cass not even appearing in Steph’s history of the Bat Family. Steph still had to fight for her acceptance in the family; Babs didn’t want her to be Batgirl, her first ever meeting with Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne was a disaster, and she struggled to find her place. There was still catharsis there; she built a team and support network for herself, and it was wonderful, despite my issues with that run.

Miller also started moving Steph away from her roots with her mom; Crystal in Miller’s run was clean and she and Steph seem to have achieved financial stability. But in the preboot, both of those worked, since we’d seen how far they’ve come. Arthur’s abuse wasn’t directly stated, but his attack on her specifically through Black Mercy mad it pretty clear that there were still elements of abuse present, even if the events Steph had referred to in previous stories weren’t shown.

But Tynion doesn’t have that history to build off, because the Nu52 annihilated Steph’s entire history.

Steph in Batman Eternal is from a perfectly happy middle class background, with her parents already split up and with joint custody. Her dad isn’t abusive (in fact, him being a supervillain appears to be a complete surprise to her), her mom isn’t an addict. She’s never been a teenage mom, and although she starts a relationship with Tim off page, she knows his secret identity from the beginning.

(Batman Eternal #3)

And Bruce accepts her into the fold right away in Detective Comics. As a fan of Steph, the catharsis is there on a meta level; Stephanie Brown is accepted enough by the company to allow her to be in the comic which they named themselves after! What a change from the days when Steph was brutally killed off and then banned from appearing in any medium! But in universe? That catharsis doesn’t exist.

So suddenly, Tynion is faced with a character with many of Steph’s traits; the name, the upbeat attitude, the costume, with none of her history or markings.

(Sidenote: Steph’s anger isn’t completely non-existant in the Nu52/Rebirth era: Selina notes that Steph is angry during Steph’s appearance in Catwoman #42.)

(Catwoman (2011-2016) #42. Thank you for this moment, it’s a balm to my soul.)

Steph’s inclusion by Bruce in this initial team he sets up is a fascinating choice. He’s integrating her into the family from the very beginning of her character arc. This could have been a chance to let Steph grow in new directions; she could have grown closer to Cass and Harper, have Bruce and Kate as mentor figures, and explored her relationship with Tim in new and exciting ways. She could have met Duke and Jason and bonded with them over their similarities.

But instead, Steph and Cass barely interact, Harper’s relegated to cameos and sage advice, and Steph’s character is instead defined solely by her relationship with Tim. She has a few nice moments with Bruce, like the hug I’ve been waiting for ever since I got into comics.

(Detective Comics (2016-) #940. THAT HUG)

But overwhelmingly I’ve been left wanting more, and not in the good way. It’s not satisfying. Steph has some great moments in ‘Tec and even some great lines, just like during her run as Batgirl. But there’s a kind of hollowness there for me, lacking the heart and soul of Stephanie Brown.

Tynion also makes some strange changes with Steph; she loses her snark and attitude that even Miller managed to maintain. 

(Robin (1993-2009) #56. Just hanging around, you know.)

(Detective Comics (1937-2011) #796. Poor Bruce has to hang around with snarky teens.)

She’s lacking her relationship with gravity. 

(Batgirl (2000-2006) #20.)

She also no longer loves being a hero and doing good, instead having her arc being dedicated to… saying that superheroes shouldn’t exist… while still functioning as a vigilante… (I really don’t like this kind of arc in comics, not going to lie, so I’m predisposed to not be happy here. But I still think this is a RADICAL departure from Steph’s prior characterization.) 

(Robin (1993-2009)  #100. Here we see Tim planning on retiring, and knowing that Steph is hardly about to stop being a hero.) 

It all culminates, of course, in Steph’s departure from the team after Tim’s death. She calls out Batman for his actions, raises some valid points about how he’s not really parenting Cass (which… Tynion continues to ignore, because what, letting Bruce adopt Cass and teaching her to read? Nah, she’s too busy learning Shakespeare and hanging out with Clayface.) And after that moment of awesome she… leaves.

(Detective Comics (2016-) #947)

She becomes the outcast again. But this time it’s her fault.

And it’s so frustrating to me, this idea that Steph’s isolation is her own fault in Rebirth. That Bruce offered Steph a place and a team, but that she rejected it, is so aggravating. Steph’s isolation is supposed to be Bruce Wayne’s mistake which she pays for throughout her superhero career. Steph wants this place with the family, fights for it tooth and nail in the preboot. Now, if Steph had gone through the preboot arc, fighting for this, trying to earn it, and then turning away from it out of frustration with Bruce? I’d have been willing to listen, and might have even been excited for it.

(Detective Comics (2016-) #957. This is just such a departure from preboot Steph that it boggles my mind.)

But this is a Stephanie Brown who has not been a hero for long. This is Stephanie Brown, who is about the age preboot Steph was when she became Robin, new and inexperienced (meanwhile Tim is exactly where he was in his own timeline when Steph was Batgirl, a frustrating process that’s also familiar.) Steph is younger than she was in preboot and less competent. So are Barbara Gordon and Cass. The Batboys have gotten to grow up and improve. The Batgirls were forced backwards in both age and ability, and yet were older when they started their superhero careers, making them inherently less experienced then their male counterparts.

Part of it is, of course, DC’s refusal to let the Batgirls move forward in the status quo. Babs can’t become Oracle again, Cass can’t become Batgirl, and Steph can’t be Robin or Batgirl. The Batgirls (and Harper) are all now around the same age, and their relationships have been completely and utterly decimated by the retcons and reboots. Steph and Cass aren’t best friends, Babs isn’t a mentor to either Steph or Cass. Steph’s relationship with Bruce is no longer the complicated beast that it was pre-Flashpoint, she still hasn’t met Damian and established their bond, and her first interaction with Dick was an aggravatingly airheaded “kiss me sexy Batman”.

(Batman and Robin Eternal #2. Just. Why.)

And her relationship with Tim is lacking some of the most interesting elements; the drama of Steph’s history and Bruce’s disapproval. But despite its blandness, it continues to be the front and center of Steph’s arc. It’s what drives her away from the others and causes her to isolate herself. Steph functions as a manic-pixie figure to Tim, encouraging him to live his dream, while still being the goofy and funny partner he needs, with her primary motivation being his death.

Her goofiness and mourning are both clearly about to pay off in a manner which I am terrified about. In Detective Comics, Anarchy clones Steph’s phone. A phone which, it was shown in the previous issue, to contain information which could compromise Tim (and by extension everyone’s secret identities). 

(Detective Comics (2016-) #963. Oh look and Tim even told her it would be a bad idea! Haha, how funny!) 

(Detective Comics (2016-) #964)

We could be about to witness War Games, reboot version.

But this time, there will be no one to blame but Stephanie Brown. She chose to isolate herself, she was sloppy with her phone’s security, and she was fooled by Anarchy.

If Tynion does what I’m scared he’s going to do, we’re looking at some next level bullshit.

I live in fear.

#Stephanie Brown #DC #Detective Comics #Steph Reads Comics #DC Rebirth #Steph vs The Bat Fam #Steph Writes Steph (Brown) Meta

[pricetagofficial]

Ghost -Part Seven

Warnings: Language, angst (lots of it), light bending of cannon

Masterlist

Word Count: 3.3K

Tag List: @kishony-the-geek @idkmanicantenglish @unknowntoanyone @subtleappreciation @catxsnow @spxder-mxns @river-bottom-nightmare @screennamealreadyused @woahjaybird​ @bikoncon​

A/N: There are some more familiar faces here! Maybe a few new ones? 

Rory opened her eyes with a groan, the sedative that Bruce had given her was brutal. It made her body weak and her head hurt. Slowly she sat up and saw that she was in one of the cells they kept in the cave for times they needed to hold someone like her there.

There was a shuffle outside her cell and she looked through the glass panel to see someone she did not recognize.

He was sat in a chair playing a game on his phone while he tapped his foot. From the first observation, she could tell that he was older than Damian but not much younger than herself.

She narrowed her eyes. "Did Bruce take in another stray?"

The person in front of her jumped and looked at her. "Oh, hey you're awake. Bruce wanted someone down here to keep an eye on you and they are all out right now, so I took the job," he explained.

"How long have I been here?" she asked.

"Only about twenty-four hours, he gave you a big dose. Said something about you being dangerous or something." he shrugged and looked back at his game.

"I'm locked in one of these cells, pretty sure that means I'm dangerous to Batman's standards." she snapped.

"Well, dangerous or not I doubt you can get out of this cell," he said, leaning back in his chair.

Rory looked him over. Maybe this kid wasn't so bad. "I like you, what's your name?" she asked.

"Duke, Duke Thomas. You?" he asked.

"Ghost."

"So when you were born, your parents named you Ghost?" he grinned, looking at her again with a smile on his face.

"Yup. It's how all of us assassins are born. Fully grown and equipped with weapons ready to kick ass." she chuckled.

Duke laughed at her comment. "At least you laugh like a human, there was a theory that you were from another planet."

Rory bit her lip to try and keep herself from laughing. Even though she had her mask on still, Duke could see what she was laughing. "Another popular theory is that you are from the future, that's how you kept slipping away."

Rory leaned forward. "I am not an alien, nor am I from the future. Who even came up with those?"

"Jason and Steph," he replied. "But of course, after he met you Jason changed his mind. He's actually been really grumpy since then."

"Well, that's because I shot him in the leg." she chuckled.

Duke laughed at her statement, he couldn't see why the rest of them were on edge around her. So far she made no moves to escape and was holding a pleasant conversation, but then again he was on the opposite side of the glass door. Who knew what Ghost would try to do to him if he pissed her off.

Rory was about to open her mouth to speak once more when a bike pulled into the cave. She held her breath, this was what she was not looking forward to. Dick took off his mask and looked over, his expression neutral upon looking at her.

Yeah, he was still upset with her. What did she expect, that he and Jason were going to forgive her? Rory had a feeling that Roy would forgive her, but she had crossed lines and things weren't going to be the same between them.

"I see you're finally up. Batman has questions to ask you." Dick said.

"You could at least look a little happy to see me, Richard."

"Let's go back to last year and sure, I'd be happy to see you. Ro- Ghost, you've murdered people across the globe. That doesn't just go away." he said.

"Oh, but it goes away for Jason when he slips up or just flat out ignores Bruce's rule. You still accept him." she snapped.

Duke sat in his chair quietly, watching the two of them fight. He might have only been around for six months, but he had never seen Dick snap like that at someone; ever. Not unless they did something to hurt his family. Looking at the girl in the cell once more, the pieces started to click.

Dick knew her, and he knew her well. But what was it she did to make him so upset at her?

Dick clenched his jaw, there were many things he wanted to say to her. Most of them consisted of yelling at her for what she did to Tim, dumping him, and then dropping off the face of the earth. It was something he wasn't ready to forgive her for, and from where he was standing it didn't seem like she regretted it at all.

Rory glared, he might not be able to see her face but it was obvious how she felt. Her body was as stiff as a board and her hands were clenched tightly on the edge of the cot she was sitting on.

Neither of them spoke, only glared at the other leaving a very confused Duke in the middle. Several minutes had passed before he went to open his mouth. "Is anyone hungry? Because I am starving," he asked.

"I would love something to eat, I've been locked in a cell for twenty-four hours. At this point, I would eat anything," Rory said, her gaze not leaving Dick.

Duke quickly got up from his seat and went up to get some food, once he was gone was when Rory spoke again.

"Why don't you tell me what this is really about Grayson? I'm sure there are many things you want to say to me, and nows your chance." she taunted.

"You don't want to know what I have to say, it's not very nice," he said.

"Oh, afraid that you'll make me cry?"

"No, afraid it'll make you change your mind and want to stay."

Rory raised a brow at him. "Why would I want to stay in the hell hole of a city?" she asked.

"The same reason you did the last time, but I am not going to let you hurt my brother again. Not if I have anything to say about it."

There it was. Dick was worried that she had come back for Tim, or at least try to talk to him. Little did he know that that was the last thing she wanted to do. Seeing him in Venice was hard enough, and he was distracted. Rory came to Gotham for one reason, and one reason only. She was going to find Samantha Wilkins and stop her.

"That's not the reason I'm here."

"Then what is?"

The two of them looked behind Dick and saw Bruce walk in, the cape swaying behind him. Damian was off to the side with his arms crossed, looking over at them.

"I was wondering when you would get back Bruce, Dick over here has been keeping me company. Along with that new kid, Duke.  He seems smart, resourceful." she commented, getting to her feet.

"Why are you here?" he asked, his tone stiff and firm. It was clear that he was not going to let up on any of this until he got the answer he wanted.

"Relax Brucie, I'm not here for the reason you think I am. I won't go anywhere near him, I don't want to." she clarified.

Damian's eyes narrowed from across the cave. This situation with Ghost was getting weirder and weirder; she knew their identities and Grayson and his father both seemed to be at least kind of comfortable around her. It was like they knew she wouldn't seriously hurt them, but didn't want to push it anymore than they had.

"Then tell me, why are you here Ghost," Bruce questioned, narrowing his eyes at the girl in front of him.

"That's my business, next question."

"Why were you in Venice?" Dick tried.

"Again, I had no idea he was there." Rory huffed as she began to pace in front of the glass door.

"Why were you in Venice?" Bruce snapped. "There was a League base there, and you were seen inside it. Why were you there?"

Rory stopped pacing and stared at him from where she stood. "Do you really think you can intimidate me?" she laughed. Bruce really thought that he could scare her into talking, but Rory was smarter than that. From all the things she had seen in her life, Batman was not at the top of her list. Hell, Deathstroke no longer scared her anymore. Not after he was locked in Belle Rev Prison and she had almost killed him, it was almost poetic how she had quite literally conquered her fear that night.

The thing Rory feared the most, she couldn't get away from.

"I'm beginning to understand why you locked me in here, and it wasn't for your safety." she grinned. "I was for mine, to make sure none of them or you would try and beat me up for what I did is that right?"

Bruce's glare darkened, she was as smart as he remembered if not smarter. The Rory they all knew a year ago was long gone, she was a completely different person now. It was like she enjoyed seeing the pain on their faces, knowing it was her that had caused it.

"Come on, why don't you let me out? I've learned a few tricks, let's see how long it takes me to kick your ass."

"Why the fuck is she here!?" Jason took off his helmet and stormed over, his face contorted in anger. Rory was the last person he wanted to see, especially in the cave. He had been out of town for the last few days and didn't know that she was in Gotham, but when he saw her white suit from across the cave he got pissed.

"Jason, don't," Dick said, moving to stop his brother.

"Did you forget what she did, what she said to him? Or the fact that she shot me? Does any of this ring a bell in that bird brain of yours?" he asked, knocking Dick on the head with his knuckles.

"No none of us forgot, but this isn't the time for grudges. There's a reason she is here, and the quicker we find that out, the quicker she can leave the city." Dick said, trying his hardest to hold Jason back. He was physically bigger than him and could easily throw Dick over his shoulder if he wanted to.

Damian listened to the whole conversation, looking up when Duke came back with two plates and a sandwich on each. Duke decided it was not a good idea to get tangled up in all of that and thought it was a good idea to wait by Damian. He set the sandwich that Alfred made for Ghost down and began to eat his own, watching as Bruce, Dick, and Jason tried to get answers out of her.

"Do you know who she is?" he asked, leaning over towards Damian.

"I have my suspicions, but I want to wait before I voice it. If I'm right, she's an old friend." Damian said, closing his eyes and dropped his head. "But this one time, I don't want to be right."

"Who you think she must be, was pretty important to all of you then?" Duke asked, taking a bit of his sandwich.

Damian gave him another nod. "Yes, but to no one more than Drake. She was his beloved, and about a year ago now she broke his heart and left. None of us has seen her since."

"What if you're right, will you tell Tim at all?"

Again, Damian shook his head. "It's better he doesn't know what became of her."

"Not to be that guy, but that sounds kind of fucked up. Shouldn't he be the first to know, considering that they were a thing as you said?" Duke asked, his brows raised in confusion.

"You didn't see what had happened after she left. Father brought you in several months later, Thomas. The Manor wasn't the same and we all felt it."

"So why do you think she came back then?"

"An excellent question, but I think I can find the answer." Damian pushed off the wall he was leaning on and walked over to the bat computer and began to type things into it, trying to find what it was Ghost was following that night.

Before she had said that she had business to attend to and that they needed to stay out of her way. What he wanted to know, was what exactly it was that she was doing. Whether Ghost was Rory or not, that didn't change the facts that were laid out in front of them.

She was going around, killing members of the League of Assassins. The ones with links to drug trades, trafficking, and other shipments across the world. Damian had already informed them all of this connection, but things got a little weird when she went to Venice, Italy. Up until that point, she had been hunting ring leaders and not attacking bases.

Drake had gone there to try and get some information, hoping that Ra's was in a good mood and willing to cooperate. He wasn't of course, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that she was there for another reason, but why?

Scanning the footage, the voices of his father and two brothers were drowned out as Duke stood there and watched. Damian's eyes didn't leave the screen, let alone blink afraid that he might miss something if he did. There had to be something that gave her away, there had to be. Watching the footage as he followed her, was when he saw a car. It had been in every shot of his footage and Ghost was going in the same direction.

Tracing the license plate, he found who the car belonged to and tracked the name down. Printing the paper, he grinned to himself and walked over with it held tightly in his hand. Pushing past Jason and Dick, he pressed the picture to the glass.

"Who is Samantha Wilkins and why are you following her?" he asked.

"Where's my food? Duke said he was going to get me something to eat," she answered, looking him dead in the eye.

"You'll get it once you answer the question. Who is Samantha Wilkins and why are you following her?" he asked once more.

"Listen here kid, bring me my food and I might talk. I haven't eaten in over twenty-four hours and I am starting to get a little pissed." she crossed her arms, shifting her weight to one leg with a triumphant look to her stance.

Dick turned to look at Duke and waved him over. "Bring the assassin her sandwich," he called.

"One sandwich for the scary-ass assassin coming up," Duke said and slid it through the flap in the door.

Rory's mouth salivated at the sight of the food in front of her, she went to pick it up when she stopped mid grab. The mask she wore covered her entire face, there was no way she was going to eat and keep it on.

Slowly, she looked to the side and glanced at the people who stood in front of her. Most of them already knew who she was, and if Damian hadn't figured it out yet then he wasn't paying much attention.

"I know who you are Sonnet, just take the damn mask off and eat the sandwich." Damian snapped, crossing his arms and glaring at her.

Rory let out a sigh and unclasped the mask from her face, her vision going from the red of the lenses to the natural coloring of the real world. Her hair was a mess of tangles and loose strands hung in front of her face, as she tried to blow them away.

She looked worse for wear than the last time Dick and Jason saw her. The bags that hung under her eyes were more prominent and, there was no life to her face. Her cheeks were sullen and her lips seemed to be in a permanent frown. This new life she led was kicking her ass and slowly killing her, but Rory wasn't going to stop until the job was done.

Setting the mask to the side, Rory sat on the cot and ate her sandwich. They were all watching her, she could feel their gazes without looking up. After taking a few bites, she let out a sigh. "Samantha Wilkins is my next target," she answered.

"So you're here to kill her?" Dick asked.

Slowly, Rory nodded her head refusing to look up. "Yes, but there is more to it than that. She is more than what she seems, Samantha has ties to the League of Assassins and is not a very nice person." she took another bite. "I have no idea how dangerous she really is, but a person with those kinds of connections is not good."

"So you've been trying to take down the League of Assassins then?" Jason questioned.

Rory stayed quiet, that was only partially true. Yes, that was what she was doing, but it wasn't why she was doing it. It was why she left Gotham in the first place, and it was ironic that it was the reason she came back almost a year later.

"You're not going to answer that one?" he asked.

"You won't like my answer, and the fewer people know the better," she said shortly.

"That's bullshit, you just don't want to tell us." he snapped.

She took a deep breath before finishing her sandwich. "I told you before, there's more to this than either of you know. I can't explain because it would only put a target on your back."

Bruce stood there silently, going over the evidence in his head. Rory was smart, smart enough to avoid them all for a year. If she said that there was more to this than they knew, and it was safer that way. It had to do with the League, but she was the one who started hunting down the League members first.

Or, were they the ones hunting her?

That group of assassins from the night before seemed adamant to take her out, but why?

The sound of two more bikes pulling in snapped them all out of their trance. Every single of them turned to look at Tim pull in with Stephanie behind him and they were laughing about something that had happened.

Hearing his laughter, Rory dove for her mask only knocking it to the floor with a loud clatter. Tim stopped laughing and looked up at the cell, dropping the items he held in his hands.

Everything about her was different, from the color of her hair to the color of her eyes but he would know that look from anywhere. She always had that look about her, she wasn't looking at you or through you even. Her gaze was locked inside you, taking in every bit of information she could as she listened. Looking at her now, how could he have not noticed who she was before?

He had spent the better part of almost three years with her, to the point Tim had her body memorized in his mind's eyes. It was either the time away, or the pain she had left him in that pushed those memories away not wanting to make the connection to protect his heart from her.

Stephanie was frozen in place as she stared at the girl behind the glass and then looked back at Tim who wore the same shocked expression she did.

Tim swallowed and opened his mouth. "Songbird?"

#Costly Affairs #Tim Drake #Timothy Drake #tim drake fanfic #tim drake fanfiction #tim drake fic #tim drake x oc #Red Robin #red robin fanfic #red robin fanfiction #red robin fic #red robin x oc #DC comics #The Archer #The Aurora Queen Saga #Aurora Queen