#Tim drake is doomed by his actions | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

damianbugs · 2 months

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thoughts on bruce x jack drake?

hello anon apologies for the late reply but when i first received this ask i immediately assumed there was a leak in mine and @plutoslvr messages because we were literally talking about it about two seconds beforehand. i could barely sleep that night.

my thoughts are that old man yaoi is so enjoyable when it's just slightly ridiculous and entirely impossible. there are three ideal sections of the brujack ship (enjoyed by population NO ONE, apparently, but with our combined efforts i imagine we can spark this flame):

rivals to lovers

bruce wayne vs wanting to bone people who want him dead

doomed by the narrative

1. rivals to lovers.

bruce and jack competing in the worlds most intense "who is the best average-leaning-towards-okay dad" battle. trying to outperform in casual "okay dad" actions to win "okay dad" points from tim, something that is totally normal and entirely possible (jack is always in the lead and bruce has not yet realised that he will never overtake him).

this one is so fucking funny to me. silly events such as them fighting on who gets to take tim to his school events, comprising on taking turns (for tim's sake, not because they want to) or attending them together (the pta now think bruce wayne and jack drake are in a relationship). jacks like im taking tim to the skate park and bruce is like well i told tim i'd take him to lunch — now it's bruce and jack taking their kid to the park then lunch together and the paparazzi have no idea how to headline this.

i imagine eventually tim can't handle this truly bizarre tension filled dynamic anymore so he cancels last minute and bruce and jack are like, well, we've already booked a table at this super expensive restaurant AND that cool movie afterwards, so we might as well make use of them.

at some point the "i HAVE to one up the other guy to impress my son" becomes "i HAVE to one up the other guy to impress our son AND so he realises how i'm obviously a catch"

i imagine eventually when they form some sort of established relationship ("do not call me your damn boyfriend, bruce, are we fifteen?") the rivalry doesn't really stop, but it's far more fond and well, tim's just glad he doesn't need to set aside two days a week to make sure he spends time with each of them.

2. bruce wayne vs wanting to bone people who want him dead

now we all know bruce's ideal type is someone who is either a) actively a danger to his life or b) was at some point more inclined to being a danger in his life or a secret third thing that is c) would become a danger to his life if pushed slightly in that direction. we've no time to psychoanalyse this but it's hardly a point that needs to be explained after taking a look at his long list of exes.

now, after this, is it truly out of the realm of possibility that after jack drake finds out that bruce wayne is the fucking batman and is to partly blame for tim's dangerous life choices he stomps over to the man's house and threatens to SHOOT HIM, that bruce wants him carnally. my exact words when reading this scene was "rather reservedly, i imagine this level of foolish and almost stupid bravery impressed bruce, regardless if it it was for entirely unselfish reasons on jack's part or if it was genuinely out of care for tim" i then say "i also think this would have moved bruce, emotionally, figuratively, poetically, sexually WOAH"

we all know that canonically when bruce falls in love or becomes even slightly interested in someone, he goes STUPID and impulsive. he's sending jack rare artefacts and really specific gifts and throwing galas with the sole purpose of inviting jack all without even considering that is actually not a normal response to have after someone threatens to kill you. perhaps he doesn't even realise this is something more than just paranoid obsession, and he tries to rationalise it like "i'm only trying to convince him to come with me to the museum so i can work out what kind of person he is in casual date settings and also to kiss him WAIT"

this one is funny if jack is just not interested at all and he's like okay what the fuck what kind of mind games is this guy trying to pull. tim is your mentor trying to tell me something through the purchase of these front seat opera house tickets and tim is like i can't believe this is real life i hope this is all a nightmare this can't be happening to me. bruce is hopelessly infatuated and jack is like don't think i won't file a restraining order against you BATMAN.

or it can get funnier if jack is like I WONT FALL FOR YOUR SEDUCTION TECHNIQUES BATMAN (proceeds to fall for batman's seduction techniques).

bonus alfred is actively praying on jacks downfall (canon) and is experiencing war flashbacks when bruce begins to display lovesick behaviour

3. doomed by the narrative

now as you may have noticed most of these work before the bright red alarm that is JACK DRAKE'S TRAGIC DEATH. his death in and of itself is already so sad, because he was changing, he was better and tim was so close to having everything he wanted, and jack was truly hopeful to be present and good to his son.

if we now throw in the mix of this shortlived romance, wherein canon bruce is already swamped with guilt about janet's death and feels as though he OWES it to tim to save jack as well, it becomes all the more heartbreaking. i would actually change nothing about how it happened in canon. jack still leaves that phone call for tim, tim and bruce still race to get to him, tim still finds his father's dead body and bruce still holds tim away from the corpse.

because the best part about this potential relationship is that it is born from the shared want to look after tim. it's what connects them and what causes any sort of interaction between them. so even at this point, bruce's first priority is tim, because it will always be tim first, but also because that is what jack would have wanted from him.

just another love for bruce to hide in his heart, let it consume and damage him, let it make him colder and harder to approach, another layer on this already unbreakable foundation. it probably causes problems between tim and bruce, for the sake of mourning but not reacting and simply because loss can make people very unkind. bruce's guilt is now more than just what he already feels for somehow failing tim, but also for not being able to save someone he loves, again.

OR jack lives au and bruce is even MORE obsessed and insufferable about it and tim literally has to help his own dad break out of the manor because batman is holding jack hostage (bedrest for almost dying).

or we have our obligatory bruce wayne "I almost lost you, so now im going to push you away for both our sake" arc to which Jack drake probably threatens to shoot bruce again and then they do it silly HAPPY ENDING EVERYONE GO HOME

#me vs making up romance that isn't there but could be but probably not but WHAT IF #i didnt even mention the what if jack moved into the manor to recover post coma #or what if jack and bruce were together during no mans land #or short college romance jack and bruce #IM NORMAL #this is zafs fault tbh #bruce wayne #jack drake #tim drake

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marshmallow---pillow · 25 days

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What Am I To Live For When I Have Made My Body My Casket? / Where Am I To Go From Here?

Word Count: ~400 words

Warnings: Serious Injury, Aftermath of Torture, Non-consensual Body Modification, Dehumanization Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Reverse Robins AU, POV Tim Drake, Tim Drake is Red Hood

Jason's hollowed features are drawn in a snarl, broken teeth bared and dripping blood from where he slammed into a wall, but Tim's frozen to his bones, he can't move, as if the gravity has pooled around his ankles and wants to pull him into it's core. He can't help but utter in horror, "Jason, no"

Jason falters, and then stumbles from the inertia, unfocused features twisting in confusion and anguish, and it kicks Tim's brain into action, Jason responds aggressively to anger. He tries again, in the gentlest voice he can croak from his dry throat, "Hey Jason, I'm not going to hurt you-"Jason turns towards him. He's panting heavily, his misshapen ribcage rising and falling, he looks like he can't decide if he wants to attack or cry, maybe both-and he stumbles toward him again, gait unsteady, with the same unfocused look, "-that's right-I'm not going to hurt you, Jason, I'm going to get you out of here, okay?"

Jason stumbles towards him, foot after crippled foot, "Yes Jason, good, that's really good-come on-you're doing such a good job-"

Jason stops right in front of him, crying, silent heartbroken sobs, his frail shoulders rising and falling- how long has he been crying like this? unheard and unanswered-

He calls again, arms open, a foolish, foolish decision-"Come on, I'm not going to hurt you" Jason looks out him, a lick of recognition in his bleary gaze, and Tim tries to smile- that's supposed to help right- reassurance-to show that everything isn't as doomed as it seems, that everything's going to be alright, and Jason lets out a sob that echoes in the empty hall, and then just falls into his arms, as if his body's lost the energy as if his fight has ended, as if he can finally rest, and Tim holds his frail body and murmurs nonsense, but Jason doesn't seem to mind- eventually Jason passes out, somewhere in between the desperation, Jason had ended up half sprawled on him, his weight is barely there, he's so small and so exhausted, Tim gathers his broken body and carries him home.

Another excerpt>>

Title from poetry by Fatima Ammer Bilal

#jason todd #arkham knight #arkhamverse #batman #tim drake #reverse robins #Tim Drake is Red Hood #Tim Drake rescues Arkhamverse Jason #Reversed Robins in the Arkhamverse #Let's see how it goes #Kay's scribbles

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noras-dc-shenanigans · 10 months

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Friends | Surprise

Sam and Tucker were acting weird. They hadn’t had any arguments about animals, or meat, or who’s turn it was to have the Doom controller… nothing.

It was suspicious.

And yeah, okay, they were all 16 now, so they could maybe just be getting more mature. Danny, himself, had stopped being a gremlin to Vlad, which after two years had actually messed with the guy more than anything Danny had done, so that was a plus! The Fruitloop had spent the last few months constantly on guard, expecting some prank to befall him. It was fantastic!

But back to Danny’s dilemma.

His friends were acting weird, and Danny couldn’t help but think it was because of the Big Reveal.

No, not Danny telling his parents about Phantom. That had gone well enough, as by then they’d realized that Phantom was helping and sentient, not just a pile of malicious ectoplasm.

No, the Big Reveal had been from Danny parents, who after hearing Danny’s confession has given one of their own:

Danny was adopted. In itself, not a big deal. They were still his family, they all still loved one another, it didn’t really change anything.

No, the Big part of the Reveal had been the fact that his birth father was none other than Bruce Wayne. The Bruce Wayne.

Apparently, as a just-legal adult he’d had a pretty serious thing going on with a woman named Selina Kyle, but she left him at the alter when they were both 20, only for her to discover her pregnancy. By then, Bruce had taken in an orphaned Dick Grayson, and Selina had decided that she didn’t want to overwhelm him with a newborn on top of a nine-year-old. But she also didn’t think she’d make a good parent, but wanted to be sure the baby would be safe and loved and cared for, and so decided to look for a family herself.

Eventually, she’d come across the Fenton’s file on her advocate’s desk, saw that they were rejected due to their ‘line of work’, and decided to check them out.

Anyway, long story short, she liked them, they loved him, Selina used some of her ‘contacts’ to get the paperwork sorted and legalized, and Bam! New baby Daniel Thomas Fenton, ready for action!

… Yeah, Danny thinks Selina was probably into some stuff, and left Bruce because of a scam gone wrong or something.

But again, he’s waaay off topic. His friends are being weird, he’s like 87% positive it’s about his birth parents, and now they’re both obsessively checking their phones like—

Knock knock kno— INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT! INTRU—

“Oh, sorry about that, we must have missed one when we were disabling them. Please, come in!”

Aaaand now there’s apparently people over? From the noise, it’s like five people or so, though they all walk so quietly on the carpeting it’s hard to tell, even with Danny’s enhanced hearing. He turns to ask his friends if they remembered his parents saying something about guests, only to see two identical grins.

‘Uh oh. Those looks combined usually mean bad news for me. Maybe I should take off while I’ve got the chance?’

Unfortunately, his friends knew him too well, and they both instantly blackmailed him with embarrassing Phantom PhailsTM videos.

So stayed he did, and down he went, once his mom called for them. The entire way down the stairs, his friends are grinning and smothering laughs and just generally acting like elementary school all over again.

Taking one, bracing breath, Danny prepares to see whatever the h*ll kind of prank his ‘besties’ have set up for him, and turns the corner into the living room.

…’Is that Bruce f*cking Wayne on our couch?!’

————

Indeed. Indeed it is, along with Dick Grayson, who grins and ruffles his hair; Jason Todd, who offers an eye roll and a fist bump (and hoo-boy, that’s some very corrupted ecto in there, Danny’d better check that later); Tim Drake, who very distractedly shakes his hand before diving back into a conversation with Mom about their security system; and Damien Wayne, who gives him the stink-eye and only very grudgingly shakes Danny’s hand as well after Bruce nudges him into it.

So. That’s a thing, now. Meeting his super-famous estranged family members because his friends thought it’d be good both as a ‘parents-blew-themselves-up-and-Danny’s-not-a-legal-adult’ back-up plan (which, Danny can admit, is necessary, after he’d already had to put out several fires down there this month), and of course, a great prank to play. No doubt Tucker has several videos of Danny’s gaping.

After the awkward introductions comes an even more awkward dinner, though thankfully the atmosphere is due to all around lack of conversation skills and not a re-run of Night of the Living Food. (Thought Danny’s pretty sure he saw the meatballs wiggle a bit)

Eventually, everyone winds up at the front door, with yet even more awkward goodbyes and see-you-laters and a few, yes, awkward hand shakes.

By the time they door closes behind them, with a promise to join Danny and his friends at the mall tomorrow, he has decided one thing, for absolute certain:

‘I am soooo getting them back for this! Watch out for your own surprises, friends.’

————

In case you’re curious:

Bruce- 36

Dick/Barbara- 25

Jason/Jazz- 18

Tim/Steph/Team Phantom- 16

Duke- 14

Damien- 12

#DPxDCFamilyWeek #Danny Fenton #sam manson #tucker foley #the batfamily

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toomanyf4ndoms7 · 1 month

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@ohbee-whatcanyoube

Okay, now that I’m not sleep deprived or rushing in my work mandated break, I can explain my concept of the DC fighting game in greater details:

Part one: Basic rundown is here:

Roster:

Justice League lineup: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Shazam, Flash, Hawkgirl. Nightwing.

Legion of Doom lineup: Joker, Lex, Cheetah, Sinestro, Deadshot, Black Manta, Despero, Black Adam, Captain Cold, Grundy. Harley Quinn.

Secret character: Doomsday.

DLC:

Riddler.

Star Sapphire.

Catwoman.

Killer Croc.

Black Canary.

Alred.

Robin (Tim Drake.)

Part two: Gameplay and Presentation:

The gameplay is based on Injustice, because I think that system of light, medium, heavy and a character specific power is a great way to handle a superhero game.

However, there are some differences: Characters who can fly have air specific combos, while characters who can’t fly might have some more and longer ground combos. IE: Let’s say Superman has seven ground combos in total, and eight air combos, Batman will have fifteen ground combos, some of which juggle, Some of which knockdown or can be special move cancelled.

There’s a meter system and super moves, because it’s cool.

A special feature is when two characters land a hit at the exact same time, it triggers a brief quick time event where the fighters have a brief close range action scene. The winner lands a hit that rests the characters to neutral distance.

The presentation is stylised, with the attempt to give it a comic book feel. Like, you can have scenes where Superman’s cape is billowing as he stands with his hands on his chest, a counter hit will have a brief hit stop effect where the screen gains a comic book like filter.

There’s intro dialogue because I personally love that stuff and end of quotes because I’m a sucker for that.

The sequel game adds on some new layers to the gameplay, but nothing too crazy, as I keep saying, this idea is the safe point, getting all the foundations set before building the house next.

And, as a preview for the sequel, one of the concepts is an optional ‘tag team system’ and if there’s something Comic Books have lots of? Sidekicks and other rogues.

So... what do you think? Is this worth making posts about?

#revelations and stupidity #justice league vs legion of doom

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ketchup-monthly · 2 years

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Batfam members favorite sci-fi shows:

with the help of @space-specs

Bruce- Doctor Who (i vote he’s either a 12 fan or a 9 fan -ketchup)

Dick- Star Wars: The Clone Wars series (2D and 3D)

Babs- Firefly (just look at the cast.)

Jason- Babylon 5 (also probably a big Star Trek TNG fan)

Tim- Star Trek: Discovery (but grew up watching Voyager and is definitely a Harry Kim fan)

Cass- Star Trek: The Animated Series (has so many of the gifs and screencaps to use as reaction images)

Steph- Star Trek: Lower Decks (its so much goofier than live action star trek stuff and she really vibes with Beckett Mariner)

Duke- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (there’s so many complex interpersonal stories and also Commander Sisko is a badass and a fantastic dad that a kid who lost his dad would look up to so much)

Damian- Astroboy (just look at it. just look at it. like gently holds -specs)

Cullen- Star Trek: The Original Series (idk he just seems like he’d enjoy some really homoerotic-not-at-all-homoerotic space dramas)

Harper- The Mandalorian (just LOOK at the suit designs, omg -specs)

Kate- The X-Files (gay people. also badass hot redhead)

Alfred- The Twilight Zone (its a classic, and he’s a classy man. plus i imagine that when he has time off, he just wants to indulge in something wacky and lighthearted instead of all doom and gloom)

Terry McGinnis- Quantum Leap (i have no explanation except that i think he’d like it -ketchup)

Matt McGinnis- Cyberchase (”it’s so retro!~” -ketchup, as Matt)

Jarro- Futurama (it just is. look at him. then look at futurama. then look back at him. then look back at futurama. now look back at him. now it makes sense to you.)

Drake Winston- Westworld (he’s a batfam member in my heart and deserves to be here. also he just would be, and specs agrees with me -ketchup)

Carrie Kelley- Misfits (robert sheehan. -ketchup)(enough said -specs)

Jim Gordon- Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (yes it was a show. he’d like the books as well (all 5 of them), and the movie)

Bette- Lost (she just seems like she’d enjoy it)

Luke Fox- Battlestar Galactica (i vibe-checked it and it checks out -specs)

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esonetwork · 8 months

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The Earth Station DCU Episode 344 – Legion of Super-Heroes

New Post has been published on http://esonetwork.com/the-earth-station-dcu-episode-344-legion-of-super-heroes/

The Earth Station DCU Episode 344 – Legion of Super-Heroes

This Week on Earth Station DCU! Drew Leiter and Cletus Jacobs review the Legion of Super-Heroes animated movie! It’s hurry up and wait as Lady Cop wants some answers from the Commodore in Danger Street #7. Things get a little weird for Clark when he can’t decipher the past from the present in Superman: Lost #5. The sidekicks struggle to trust each other as a mysterious villlain attempts to build his on team in World’s Finest: Teen Titans #1. The members of the Doom Patrol meet with their psychiatrist, Jerry, to discuss their issues in Unstoppable Doom Patrol #4. Deadman learns the origin of the nigthmare stone and well as Insomnia in Knight Terrors #1. Hal Jordan goes from a plane crash, to his father’s funeral, a meeting with Abin Sur, and before the Guardians of the Universe as he face his greatest fears in Knight Terrors: Green Lantern #1. Tim Drake and Jason Todd are thrown into the same nightmare in Knight Terrors: Robin #1. Mary attempts to save the family, but Billy has more devious plans in mind in Knight Terrors: Shazam #1. Wally West takes on Gorilla Grodd alone and loses claiming something is wrong with the Speed Force in Knight Terrors: The Flash #1. Zatanna and Robotman take on the Sleepless Queen in Knight Terrors: Zatanna #1. All this plus, DC News, Shout Outs, and much, much more!

————————

Table of Contents

0:00:00 Show Open

0:01:07 DC News

0:12:28 Danger Street #7

0:18:00 Superman: Lost #5

0:22:40 World’s Finest: Teen Titans #1

0:26:48 Unstoppable Doom Patrol #4

0:30:39 Knight Terrors #1

0:33:25 Knight Terrors: Green Lantern #1

0:39:24 Knight Terrors: Robin #1

0:43:28 Knight Terrors: Shazam #1

0:48:28 Knight Terrors: The Flash #1

0:53:00 Knight Terrors: Zatanna #1

1:00:46 Legion of Super-Heroes

1:13:06 Show Close

Links

Danger Street #7

Superman: Lost #5

World’s Finest: Teen Titans #1

Unstoppable Doom Patrol #4

Knight Terrors #1

Knight Terrors: Green Lantern #1

Knight Terrors: Robin #1

Knight Terrors: Shazam #1

Knight Terrors: The Flash #1

Knight Terrors: Zatanna #1

Adventure Comics (1935-1983) #247 (Cletus’s Read More Comics Pick)

Action Comics (1938-2011) #351 (Drew’s Read More Comics Pick)

Earth Station DCU Website

The ESO Network

If you would like to leave feedback, comment on the show, or would like us to give you a shout out, please call the ESDCU feedback line at (317) 455-8411 or feel free to email us @ [email protected]

#Cletus Jacobs #Danger Street #Drew Leiter #Earth Station DCU #ESO Network #Green Lantern #Knight Terrors #Legion of Super Heroes #Robin #Shazam #Superman Lost #The Flash #Unstoppable Doom Patrol #World's Finest Teen Titans #Zatanna

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ao3feed-brucewayne · 17 days

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The Awaken of It's Mephistopheles

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/mAaciTs by Notmaincharacter It all started with one person in power, torturing the fate of a man consumed by grief and desperation. It ended up in the hands of a son he failed, awakening the devil inside of him. As it grew stronger and stronger with a mission to end the bloodline of the Wayne family, the little boy learned that perhaps life is not as dark as his grandfather had told him. But it had already happened—the doom, the destruction of the world. The one he once believed he had a plan for. It all backfired once he understood the consequences of his actions. (or, Damian Wayne possesses the power to manipulate others to achieve his goals. He devises a plan to eliminate all members of the Wayne family and bring destruction to Gotham at the behest of his grandfather. However, upon realizing that life encompasses more than darkness and pain, Damian comes to regret his actions. Can he halt the destructive path he has set in motion?) Words: 1966, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence Categories: F/M Characters: Bruce Wayne, Damian Wayne, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Jason Todd, Batfamily Members (DCU) Relationships: Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne, Talia al Ghul/Bruce Wayne, Ra's al Ghul & Bruce Wayne, Batfamily Members & Damian Wayne Additional Tags: Angst, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Manipulation, Damian Wayne-centric, Damian Wayne Needs a Hug, Good Parent Talia al Ghul, Out of Character Damian Wayne read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/mAaciTs

#IFTTT #bruce wayne #batman #the caped crusader #the dark knight #dcu #ao3 #ao3feed

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supersilversleuth · 3 years

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Your Words Aren’t Real (So Why Do They Hurt So Much?) by SuperSilverSpy

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Fandoms: DCU, DCU (Comics), Batman - All Media Types Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Dick Grayson & Batfamily members, Dick Grayson & Jason Todd, Dick Grayson & Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson & Stephanie Brown, Dick Grayson & Tim Drake, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne, Stephanie Brown, Tim Drake, Hurt Dick Grayson, Dick Grayson-centric, Dick Grayson Whump, Whump, Dick Grayson Needs a Hug, Hurt, Hurt No Comfort, I seem to be doing a lot of that these days…, Whumptober 2021, Mind Control, fear toxin, Hallucinations, anyway, Angst, SuperSilverSpy, SilverGrayson, SilverWhump, Taunting, Insults, ”who did this to you?”

Summary:

“Sometimes I wish you were my father, but I know you could never be. Bruce will always be my real father. You were just an inadequate stand-in.”

Dick choked, barely noticing the swift kick to his ribs before he was already stumbling back, ducking around Steph’s fist as he fought to regain his balance.

“You were a terrible brother,” said the voices of Jason and Tim. “All you ever did with me was make mistakes.”

OR Mind Control with a heaping of Angst

No. 3 - STICKS AND STONES MAY BREAK MY BONES BUT… taunting | insults | “Who did this to you?”

Series:

Part 3 of 2021 Most Whumperful Time of the Year - Dick Grayson-centric

Language: English Words: 1,645 Chapters: 1/1

Nightwing awoke in a warehouse, surrounded by Batman, Red Hood, Robin, Spoiler, and Red Robin. They were all passed out on the ground, strange devices wrapped around their heads. They seemed relatively unharmed, not a bruise or laceration or twisted limb in sight. He sighed in relief.

Looking around, Dick noted the absence of visible hostiles. He turned to Robin, who was closest to him and inspected the device around boy’s head; whatever it was, it couldn’t be good. He felt along the smooth metal, searching (or feeling) for a way to remove it.

A moment later, several ding! sounds echoed in the warehouse, emitting from the head devices. Damian’s eyes opened, glowing a vibrant yellow. Dick backed up as the rest of his family began to rise around him. He knew mind control when he saw it, though that didn’t stop him from asking, “Uh…guys? You still in there?”

Their faces remained expressionless as they turned threateningly towards him.

“Guess not,” he answered himself. “Looks like it’s just another exciting day in the life of the great and eternally stressed out Nightwing.”

He’d probably have to come up with yet another insightful and compelling speech to snap them out of it, par for the course for him at this point. Oh but how he wished it wasn’t. Every single time somebody in his family got brainwashed, or mind-controlled, or possessed (all of which happened way more often than it should), he was pretty much always the one to talk them down, or get beaten up and nearly killed for his efforts. It had reached a point where he wondered if Bruce was actively trying to get one of Dick’s siblings to accidentally kill him.

Well, at least one thing was different this time—he was facing off against five family members at once, instead of one, or two, or his entire f***ing team. But that was a story for another day.

Maybe, he could actually fight close to his full capability against them, without too much fear of hurting them. He didn’t have to knock them out or sedate them after all, he just needed to damage those device things around their heads.

Hood lunged at him first, guns drawn. Dick dodged, wrenching one of the man’s guns away with a grunt. He threw it across the room, knowing it did nothing for him in close quarters combat wherein he was attempting not to hurt, kill, or maim any of his would-be killers. There was no time for him to contemplate Jason’s likely reaction to the discovery of his ruined gun that would surely come later. Batman was already springing into action, fists swinging through the air in an unnaturally aimed-to-kill way.

Dick flipped around, dodging attacks from the two. He needed to bide his time, wait for the right opportunity to strike. He tried to electrocute them to short-circuit their metal head-band device things, but it didn’t really seem to do anything. He did, however, manage to get in a good hit to Jason’s head, which disoriented the man—and likely the person in control of him. Bruce went down next, Dick slipping the man’s belt out from around his waist in a move no one else in the world knew, and throwing a flash bomb in his face.

Pocketting what he could from the belt before tossing that too away (the emergency beacon didn’t work), he turned to face his new opponents. Spoiler and Robin, the short little duo wreaking havoc to his right, with Bruce and Jason getting back up on his left.

Whoever was controlling his family wasn’t the best at it, though forcing them to attempt murder against their own instincts was a feat in itself.

“You failed me,” said two very familiar voices in unison. It was Bruce and Damian.

Dick was so startled he almost didn’t manage to dodge the sneak attack Red Robin was attempting from behind.

“You failed the mission, our mission, you’ve failed the family I’ve given you, and the city I put in your responsibility.” It was just Bruce now, speaking blankly, words flowing out with no restraint.

Dick swallowed, but forced himself to ignore the man, ignore the words. It was probably just a program to detect negative emotion associated with thoughts of Nightwing and force the mind-controlled victim to...to say the thoughts out loud. Logically, he knew this.

Logic couldn’t prepare him for what came next.

“Sometimes I wish you were my father, but I know you could never be. Bruce will always be my real father. You were just an inadequate stand-in.”

Dick choked, barely noticing the swift kick to his ribs before he was already stumbling back, ducking around Steph’s fist as he fought to regain his balance.

“You were a terrible brother,” said the voices of Jason and Tim. “All you ever did with me was make mistakes.”

His vision had blurred at some point in time, he wasn’t sure when. A fist slammed into his jaw, a bow staff swiped at his feet. Purple flashed in the corner of his vision as his wrist was brutally snapped. Dick opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

“They say never meet your heroes. I guess they were right then, hmmm? Except you were never my hero, and yet you still managed to disappoint me anyway.” Steph’s tone was sharp and biting as she jammed a shuriken into his shoulder.

Dick pushed her away, doing a messy backflip to land on Bruce, using what little momentum he had to push off towards Jason, tackling him for the umpteenth time.

“You were unfit to be a mentor, just look at you now. And the students become the masters…” said the scathing voices of Dami, Steph, and Tim. Laughter echoed in his ears, sounding cruelly amused. No, this wasn’t them, they would never say such things…

“Oh it’s all true,” said a voice from behind him, Jay’s voice. “What is it, Goldie, can’t handle the pressure?”

Dick tried in vain to block the voices out, focusing just long enough to knock the device around Tim’s head askew.

The boy fell to the ground, reality mixing with fantasy as Tim’s eyes looked up at him, cold and lifeless, as blood pooled around Tim’s twisted body, as if he’d fallen… Corpse-pale lips parted, harsh words spilling out onto unforgiving ground, “You think I’m just like you, but you’re wrong. I’m better. You couldn’t beat me if you tried. I’m too pure, somehow untainted by your doomed soul, even after all this time.”

Crazed laughter echoed in Dick’s ears, even as he blinked and saw Tim as he actually was, lying unconscious—and alive, on the ground.

“Look at that, failing to protect those you love most? You’re worthless to them, and to me. I should never have taken you in.” The words were growled in a familiar deep register, and yet...the tone was unusually cruel—

Dick found himself sprawled on the ground, back still smarting from where he’d been kicked. He struggled to his good hand and knees, only to hear the sound of a gun cocking. He looked up. Jason stood above him, Steph and Damian on either side.

“Tt, Grayson, always so pathetic.” For a moment, Dami seemed to be wearing an older version of his uniform, from when he was still Dick’s Robin…

Steph tossed her hair back, giggling, and Dick saw her in a different costume, that of Robin, and then it changed to Batgirl. Gah, he was so confused.

She wasn’t. “You’re not going to make it this time around. How does it feel knowing we’d all be glad? You’ve hurt us more than helped us, Dick. It’s time you’ve faced that fact.”

Jason smirked down at him. “Any last words? We all know you don’t deserve them, but, well,” he smirked, “I’m feeling charitable today.”

Dick lunged upward, body tensed as if to tackle, arms outstretched as if to hug. Dick himself wasn’t quite sure what it was meant to be, what he wanted anymore…

Bang!

The gun went off, bullet burying itself in Dick’s side.

Three pairs of feet began to kick at his prone body from all sides. He curled in on himself, clutching desperately at the bullet wound, mind hazy with blood loss and something...else… A scraping noise, close to his ear. Dick barely registered it through the pain of the systematic blows raining down. Another pair of feet entered his vision, Bruce’s Batman boots. Dick panicked, using one hand to staunch the blood flow while the other went to his neck, to where he instinctively knew the real problem was. There was a device, attached to his neck, like a mini version of what the others had, but missing a few parts. He yanked it off, and immediately, he heard the thumps of his hopefully just unconscious family members falling to the ground.

Dick squinted at the device, as he felt himself joining them in the land of darkness. A familiar scarecrow label stared back at him, Jervis Tetch craftsmanship was practically written all over the thing as well…

—

Jason woke, groggy and disoriented. He found himself amongst other bats, all lying on the floor in a circle like some kind of crazy sorcerer spell gone wrong. The others were slowly waking, blinking and shaking their heads as if to clear the fog away. And in the middle of it all, at the center of their little coming-back-to-the-land-of-the-living circle, lay Dick Grayson, covered in blood, close to passing out.

The guy was nearly unrecognizable, but Jason would recognize that ridiculous hairstyle anywhere. Scrambling over to his brother’s side, Jason ignored the way the room spun, placing a hand on Dick’s shoulder and looking down at the man, brow pinched in concern.

“Dickie?” he asked, “Who did this to you?”

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butwhyduh · 3 years

Note

I love titans!Jason a whole ton because of just how bold and cocky he is. He's a prime example of how people his age are, less inhibitions and more carefree life. He fits into that phase of thinking he's invincible (at least until what happens with Deathstroke.) Knowing what's coming up for him kinda makes me sad because we only have so much precious time with him as Robin, and I was enjoying it. Like, I'm excited to see the next part of his character, but it seemed to come so fast. Especially since they're already going to be running so many plotlines this season, with the Scarecrow stuff and the Blackfire situation, not to mention Raven going to help with the Donna issue. Jason being, well, Jason Todd and not Red Hood, is running on borrowed time and I just want them to do him justice.

- 💌💋 swak anon

I’m tentatively excited but don’t want to have too much hope of that makes sense. I write a lot. And I have ideas of how plots tend to go. I’m the worst to take to see a detective movie because I high key will spoil it in the first 20 minutes a lot. Like shutter island I called in the first 10 minutes. Loved that movie. Anyways, I’m very off topic lmao. But I just don’t know how they’ll fit it all in with both Red Hood and Blackfire storylines and introducing Barbara Gordon AND Tim Drake, especially since Jason is still Robin (!!!). I love scarecrow so I hope that goes good 🤞🏼

Unpopular opinion: But the actor playing Jason gets undue hate. Is Titans very canon compliant? No. But is any adaptation? No. Canon isn’t even canon compliant at this point. But everyone wants Jason todd, larger than life murderer and vigilante that’s been doing it for years. They also want him hypersexualized that isn’t even in the comics. That’s not the story of Titans. He’s a teenager that is Robin.

And live action Jason Todd is so complicated because his character goes through a physical transformation that would be harmful to an actor. Like they really have 3 choices which is to get someone that fits Robin, that they did, and make him seem bigger and more intimidating through movie magic (which they can make tom cruise look bigger they can certainly make curren Walters look bigger). We don’t want him on steroids or something. They could have hired someone that is big and Red Hood-ish and then it’ll be like Terry Cruz wearing the tag that says 9 year old child and he looks ridiculous next to Dick Grayson because he’s supposed to be a kid next to Nightwing’s adult. Or the third and cursed option is hiring one actor for robin and another for red hood. And that’s horrific unless they happen upon a family where they look almost identical but one is a few years older and they happen to be able to act. That’ll never happen especially since we are supposed to care about this character and changing actors is almost a guaranteed way to kill a character in most shows.

Also most people who say he acts nothing like Jason todd haven’t read his stories before turning into the red hood. After under the red hood came out they decided to add in the fact that he was an angry Robin that basically deserved and was doomed to die but that’s not true. He was happy, enthusiastic, and a nerd. He was sometimes naive and sweet and made mistakes.

But it wasn’t his hubris that killed him, it was his heart. He genuinely thought his mother was in trouble and tried to save her; not that he thought he could take on the joker by himself.

Same thing for the people that want sunshine unicorn fanon dick Grayson. Nope! He gets angry and dark and isolates sometime. And holy hell does brenton thwaites look like him.

2 characters I think titans got totally wrong? Bruce Wayne and Garth. Garth looks like Arthur curry in comics and I don’t get it tbh. And Bruce Wayne has the personality but he’s not a DILF. Playboy is right in his title and that guy isn’t it. But he’s a side character anyways.

#titans tv #titans s3 #titans!jason todd #titans!dick Grayson

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preciousthingsareprecious · 3 years

Text

With a Heart of Scars Ch. 10

Hey guys! I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy. This chapter splits POVs between Dick and Stephanie because both of them had short scenes.

AO3 Link

Dick woke to a splitting headache.

He blinked up at the roof of the cave and wondered how he’d gotten there. The last thing he really remembered was the building coming down around him. So, who had gotten him home?

“Grayson? Are you awake at last?” a small voice asked from beside him.

Dick turned his head and saw Damian, curled up in a chair, hands wrapped around his legs, wearing a Nightwing hoodie of all things.

“Dames?”

The boy scowled, “Tt, I see you finally recognize me. Perhaps you did not lose all your sense when you allowed a building to fall on you.”

At that, Dick remembered his rescue. The image of Nightwing’s symbol the only clear thing on Damian’s then blurred figure, his terrified tone, and unrelenting grip as he dragged Dick to safety. He swallowed, at the memory of being lost in grief over Bruce, and wondered how much he’d admitted out loud.

“Hope I didn’t worry you too much.”

Damian rolled his eyes and laid his head back down on his knees, facing away from Dick, which Dick took as “yes, you did worry me.” He wouldn’t have needed the eye roll to know that. Damian had come after him, hardly dressed to be on patrol with little more than a domino and utility belt to help him, and was here sitting by his bed. Yeah, the kid was upset.

“Drake should have been there.” Damian mumbled, voice muffled due to one cheek being squished against a knee.

Dick pushed himself up so he was sitting, his chest twinged at that, but wasn’t nearly as painful as it might have been. His legs, however, were not pleased with the movement, and Dick winced at the sharp pain in his thighs.

“It’s not like he bailed, Damian. I planned to go out on my own.”

The boy squeezed his legs tighter, “He failed in his duty as Robin.”

“Batman used to go out all the time without Robin. I mean, when I was growing up I only went with Bruce on the weekends for the longest time. A partner is not a requirement, Dames.”

“He has not been a partner though, has he?” Damian asked, raising his head suddenly to level a serious look at Dick, “He has hardly been here for weeks, he left Batman at one of his most crucial times, while you were getting used to the cowl, and now because no one was by your side you almost--” he broke off, swallowing whatever he was going to say, “a building crashed down on you. It is not a question of what Batman has done in the past, but what he needs now.”

He dropped his legs to the ground, and balled his hands on his thighs, “You need a partner, Robin or not. This is a different Gotham than Father’s, if only because you are a different type of Batman.”

Dick was surprised that Damian didn’t tag on a jab at his skills as Batman as he’d done regularly. He expected to be told that he needed a partner because he wasn’t good enough to be Batman. What he had not expected was a heartfelt --for Damian-- speech about Dick needing to be safe.

He leaned forward and took one of Damian’s hands in his own, Damian hadn’t released his fist, so Dick ran this thumb over the top of his hand, “I’m sorry I made you worry. Thank you for looking out for me no matter what, and thank you for being so patient with me while we sort things out.”

He wanted to tell Damian he’d been thinking the same thing, and how much he wanted to bring him out as his partner, but he bit back those sentiments. He still needed to talk to Tim.

“I’ll talk to Tim when he’s back, see if he can stick around a little longer or something.”

Damian pulled his hand out of Dick’s and stood, “Good.” the word was clipped, “Let us hope he decides to stick around long enough to keep you alive this time.”

“Are you leaving?” Dick asked, frowning at him.

He hesitated, “I was going to get Pennyworth and let him know you were awake.”

Dick reached his hand out again, “Stay for a bit longer? You haven’t even told me just how much damage the building did to me.”

Damian sighed, and flopped back down into the chair, “You are surprisingly indestructible. Between your armor and pure luck you only need contend with a concussion, some heavy bruising, and mild lacerations to your thigh.”

“I’m sure Alfred will insist I stay in bed for a week.”

His brother shrugged, “He mentioned something of the sort. Brown and Cain have also agreed to look into the explosion while you are incapacitated. They would have gone after I returned with you, but by then emergency crews had arrived on the scene."

He wrinkled his nose, which made Dick raise an eyebrow.

"It took far too long to rally any kind of emergency response. Considering the time it took me to arrive and find you, firetrucks should have been swarming the area. It is as if something had delayed the signal."

"We'll have to look into that too then." Dick hummed.

He was about to ask Damian for more details, when the sound of a bike roaring came into the cave. Both Dick and Damian looked to see who was arriving. Robin's Redbird bike pulled in, and Tim was just turning it off.

“Damian, don’t start a fight, okay?”

“Tt. I will go get Pennyworth.”

This time, when Damian stood Dick did not stop him from walking away. He hated it, but the kid was dealing with a lot of emotions right now, and one of those was profound anger at Tim, maybe not Tim himself, but the fact that Dick had gotten hurt without Tim there. It was understandable, and Dick was willing to let him go and cool off a bit. Something told him that the longer he and Damian spent together, the more likely he'd become just about as overprotective as Bruce could be.

Dick shook his head, and put on a smile for Tim.

A light, angry, set of stomping feet preceded Damian’s entry to the kitchen. The sound was enough to alert Stephanie of the kid’s mood. She eyed Cass who nodded, having also picked up Damian’s emotional state even before seeing him. It wasn’t like it was a hard guess. Beyond Cass, the kid was the only one who was still small enough to make a sound that light while also stomping, and Dick was downstairs hurt on a gurney. One plus one equals two, or in this case injured mentor plus stomping feet equaled an upset Damian.

The boy stopped short at the door to the kitchen, his face a veritable movie of emotions as he flipped from deep concentration to surprise, irritation, and at last settled on mild annoyance.

“Brown. Cain.” he said, by way of greeting.

“Hey.” Steph said.

Cass waved, and said, “Cocoa is on the stove.”

Both of them waited for Damian to pour himself a mug of the still warm hot chocolate, and settle on a stool across from them at the island.

“So, what’s the news? Did Dick wake up at last?” Stephanie asked him.

Damian scowled down at his drink, “Yes, the fool is awake.”

Steph raised an eyebrow, Damian wasn’t usually so grumpy when he talked about Dick. At least not anymore, especially since they’d gone out and bought all those art supplies. A genius stroke on Dick’s part, one she’d been planning to make him take if he hadn’t caught on sooner or later. Really, the kid screamed artist.

“What did he do to earn your ire?”

The boy tsked at her and sipped at his cocoa.

“We are not mind readers, Little Brother.” Cass said, gently.

Damian huffed, and looked up, “Drake has returned.”

Ah. That made sense. Steph stifled a smile, Damian’s little rivalry with Tim was pretty one sided, and while it had originally be born out of a need to fit in, it was obvious now it was about Dick’s attention.

“He’s been away a while, I’m sure Dick missed him.”

“Tt. That is not why I am upset.”

“Because Dick got hurt?” Cass asked, though they all knew it was the truth.

The boy squirmed in his chair, his scowl deepening.

“It’s pretty obvious.” Steph said.

“You two are insufferable.” Damian declared and took a large sip of his hot chocolate.

Now Stephanie did let herself laugh, “You know, if you gave Tim a chance I bet you’d find him as ‘tolerable’ as you find the rest of us lately.”

Damian tilted his head back, adding an air of superiority to him, even as he sat there in a hoodie too big for him, cupping hot chocolate in a Superman mug, “If he were here more often, then perhaps I could.”

“That, I can't fault.” Steph said, “But I won’t judge him for his actions either.”

“How is Dick?” Cass asked, changing the conversation.

Damian looked relieved he didn’t have to answer any more questions about his ‘rival’ and tapped a finger on the side of his mug.

“He is surprisingly well, and in far too good a mood for a man who had a building fall on him.”

There was something fond about Damian’s tone, even if he meant it to be dismissive. Steph was oh so tempted to tease him, but held off.

“Good.” she said, shifting in her chair, “Hey, what do you say to a trip to the park tomorrow? I need to get out and get some fresh air that’s not tinged with doom, gloom, and nighttime, and you told me you were bored of painting Alfred’s garden. A change of scenery would be fun.”

“You are trying to ensure I do not start a fight with Drake.”

Steph dropped her mouth open in an imitation of surprise, “Me? Never. I just thought you might want a change of scenery, and --since you’re ten and most certainty grounded from being alone in any kind of vehicle after tonight-- might need a ride.”

Damian groaned, “Pennyworth told you?”

She grinned, “A good deed does not go unpunished.”

The kid glared at her for a moment before nodding, “Fine, but I will not go to the last park we visited. The duck pond had no ducks at all.”

#Dick Grayson #Damian Wayne #Stephanie Brown #Batkids #fanfiction #precious posts #fluff #with a heart of scars #chapter 10 #wahos

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hains-mae · 4 years

Text

Flowers - Pt. 3

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 (end)

(Damian x Reader) Soulmate AU

Rating: T

Ages: Damian and you are 16, everyone’s ages follow after.

Summary: Soulmate AU where the wounds on your soulmate turns into a flower tattoo on your skin, if it heals with no scars the tattoo goes away, if it heals with a scar then the tattoo stays.

It just got worse.

Disclaimer: I do not own DC. If I did, I wouldn’t make it as confusing as it is now.

The convention hall was huge. The lights shone brightly at the many innovative inventions made by the young minds of Gotham City. the entire city was invited to participate after all. As Wayne Enterprise made the whole event international, we had guests from all over the globe looking for potential students to take under their wing. Rumour has it that everyone on the guest list was hand picked by the man, Bruce Wayne, himself.

I looked around in a daze as I clutched the metal briefcase that held my project.

Running in an hour or two of sleep and caffein, I made my way through the growing crowd. Finally I was able to locate my designated table, a small booth in the chemistry section. I made quick work on unpacking the projector and placed it square on a folding table. It would play the presentation of what my project was about and all the necessary details to explain the chemical compounds and a quick scanned blueprint.

“I feel so nervous.” I mumbled to no one in particular.

Then placing a black cloth on the table as my workspace, I made sure to put the specifically designed gun carefully on a stand that I had quickly melded together. The projectiles rested in the container. Only two remained. I stared at it for a while as the scene of that fateful night replayed in my head.

I had found my soulmate.

Which was good.

He was Robin.

Which was bad.

There was a chance he could be Damian Wayne.

Which was worse.

This relationship was doomed from the start. My soulmate was a freaking vigilante! He was running around at night, putting his life in danger. Death was a constant in my mind after that. Knowing that one day I might loose him. It was a weird thing, this soulmate bond that we shared. Somehow meeting him solidified his existence in my life. Now every time I received another flower on my skin I would know what might’ve caused it. Worry started to form in my gut as I thought about the bullet wound in his shoulder.

I shook my head to get any more lingering thoughts out as I willed myself to focus on the task at hand. I needed to get my head in the game.

Pulling the beakers and flasks out as carefully as I could, I placed them each on the other side of the table. I filled them with their chemicals and started the burner. I had wanted to show them the process as a prototype. I doubted anybody here wanted to be encased in rock.

I was so deep in thought as I mindlessly tinkered around to keep my hands busy that I didn’t even realise a figure standing before me until he cleared his throat.

Looking up from my notes my eyes grew wide.

Mr. Bruce Wayne, owner and CEO of the Wayne Enterprises was standing at my table. He had a charming smile plastered on his face.

“My, what an interesting piece we have here. Don’t you agree Damian?” His voice was calm and even.

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

“I do, father.” He agreed. His eyes caught mine, and all I could do was stare into his green orbs.

“Oh forgive me.” Mr. Wayne chuckled and held out his hand. “Bruce Wayne.”

I returned the gesture and shook his hand telling him my own name.

“Pleasure to meet you.” He said. “And this is my son, Damian.”

“We met.” He said simply, but still took my hand and shook it.

“I’m really interested in your work.” Mr. Wayne continued. “I’d like to come back after I make the opening speech.”

“Of course.” I plastered on the best smile I could muster.

It wasn’t too long after that when Mr. Wayne came back, but this time he had an entourage. To his right he had his sons, all 4 of them. They were exactly as the magazines showed and described them to be. Each one was dashing. I didn’t know much about them, but hearing their names tossed around every day in school made me involuntarily learn anyway.

Richard, the eldest had a polite smile and kind blue eyes. They were warm in a comforting way and his manners were that of a well bred socialite. He waved at some of the students and nodded at a few of the adults he passed.

The one beside him was Jason, his cold glare could strike fear into anyone’s hearts. Especially when he is backed up with high status and money. No one dared mess with him. But even I had to admit there was a certain charm to his features, he had a bad boy kind of vibe.

Tim was next, walking just a few steps ahead of his older brothers. His nose was buried in an iPad and his fingers were flying through the screen at top speed. He was just a few years older than me, and I’ve actually seen him around the campus before, but I never met him.

Lastly, Damian. He stole a glance at me as they walked towards my table and turned to Tim, mumbling something before looking ahead.

To Mr. Wayne’s left were two well renowned chemists that I personally follow. Their works and research papers were incredible, it was actually the basis of my own invention. Instantly the butterflies in my stomach fluttered around.

After introductions were made, I presented my work and did a sample test before leading their attention to the finished product which were the glowing orbs.

“And what inspired you to create such an invention?” Mr. Wayne inquired.

“I just wanted to help.” I said truthfully. “We’re aware of the crimes around our city, and I thought it would make the job of catching the criminals easier.”

“And it will.” He smiled. “I’d like to offer you an internship in my company. And if you wouldn’t mind, a mentorship with my two top scientists there.”

“It would be an honour!”

This had to be the greatest moment of my life. For the first time that day I felt my mood get better.

The rest of the days passed on in a blur. My invention was one of the top picked topics in the scene, much to my pleasure, and the interview for the internships and mentorships went well. I honestly couldn’t ask for more.

Mr. Wayne’s secretary handed me, and a couple of other students he scouted, a form to fill out and sign. Our parents/legal guardians were immediately informed and the school assured them before any action is taken they will be holding another meeting. Everything seemed to be going smoothly. Many of us were able to grab great opportunities, both in and out of the cities.

I looked around and saw all the doors opening up for the next generation in Gotham. Happy smiles and excited chatter filled the room. Promises of a greater future were announced. I realised, this was probably history in the making. This would be where everything turns around for the better. I might sound overly sentimental, and perhaps a tad bit exaggerated, but I was feeling hopeful.

The interviews were over, and after the last of them had been held, the announcement came to remind us of the upcoming gala. We had an entire day to prepare – “Therefore, use it wisely.” Our professor advised.

Many of the girls had rushed out in groups (with a teacher chaperone) as they headed towards the fancy boutiques and malls. I on the other hand decided to be practical. My roommate and a couple of friends that I had made during my stay, required it be essential that I tag along with them. I was peer pressured (and I say that lightly), but it felt good to explore the city without the danger.

“Oh my god I just saw the Wayne brothers!” Someone squealed at the store front that we were in.

“What? No way! Where?” Another piqued.

We heard the teacher sigh and ask us not to make a scene since we were in public. I felt myself tense at the thought of him and his green eyes.

“They’re heading this way!”

I dove behind one of the clothing hangers and hid as best as I could. Good lord, is this some kind of drama series? My new friends sputtered out a greeting as I imagined them walking by, and all I could do was concentrate on not self-combusting.

“Y/n?”

My eyes darted up from the spot on the floor that I was staring at. I didn’t want to come out, but the longer I stayed behind the wall of clothes, the more embarrassed I became. With a defeated sigh, I walked out.

“H-hey.” I waved lamely.

“What were you doing behind the clothes rack?” Damian cocked a brow at me.

“I was looking at it, kinda the reason I came here.” I said, not really meaning to sound defensive but it came out that way anyway, and I already wanted to take it back.

“You’re that girl with the blue marbles.” The eldest said smiling broadly. “Y/n L/n, right?”

I nodded meekly.

Dick smirked and went back to his smoothie.

“The one Damian wouldn’t shut up about?” Jason teased wickedly. I felt my blood rise up to my face.

Damian kicked him behind his knees which only made the man laugh.

“You know better than to tease.” Tim rolled his eyes at his brothers antics. “You’re embarrassing him in front of his crush.”

I just wished the floor would swallow me whole right now.

Tim immediately hid behind Dick and the laughter was nearly uncontrollable from his brothers. Damian was currently fuming, and tomato red in the face.

“I’m going to kill you Drake.” He said through clenched teeth.

Dick groaned. “Cant you guys behave?” He strolled over to me and tapped my shoulder lightly. “You’re embarrassing y/n.”

“Sorry, it was just meant for lil-D over here.” Jason apologised.

“Alright boys, that’s enough.” The teacher called out. “We’ve got a schedule to follow. I’ll have to cut this meeting short.” She was right, and I was so thankful at the moment that we did.

Dick apologised again, and pushed his brothers to move along. As soon as they were out of earshot the girls bombarded me with questions, demanding they know the details. There wasn’t anything to tell, since I’ve only known them as long as the length of this trip, but they didn’t let the subject go. I thanked my lucky stars that the rumours I heard about the boys and their fanatic fangirls did not exist in the group I was in. They had gushed about how lucky I was to catch their eye – I really wish they didn’t – and how amazing it must be for them to hold an interest in me – I honestly could care less. But girls being girls, I had to let them be.

The evening of the gala arrived faster than I anticipated, and true to their promise, the girls had all squeezed themselves into my room.

“You guys really don’t have to do this.” I said, slightly exasperated.

“Nonsense.” They quipped back. “We’re all going to look fabulous and make a great impression.”

They rolled out their brush pouches and stacked their make up on the vanity table. I eyed it all wearily.

Sometimes I had to hand it them, females can be terrifying when they need to be.

“Do you think this will be it?” One of them asked out of the blue. “Is this what is going to turn this city around.”

“I hope so. Thing’s are getting worse around Gotham, if this works, we can secure a safer future.”

“Look at us sounding diplomatic.” We laughed at that.

“I think it’ll work out.” I told them with an air of confidence. I saw the looks everyone had at the gatherings. It wasn’t just hope. There was a sense of motivation. An active decision in every one of them that wanted to strive for more. It was encouraging and empowering.

We all shared a unanimous agreement and continued on preparing.

I wasn’t joking when I said I would be practical. I pulled out one of my mothers old gowns from a battered box that was hidden deep under my suitcase. It was off white, with a few hints of lavender and creamy grey. The dress was long-sleeved, made with loose and flowy material. The collar tapered upwards and into a modest keyhole neckline. On my waist rested a silver strap embezzled with crystals. It’s length reached the floor and the slightest movement swayed in the wind. It made me look like I was floating.

As we made our way to the entrance of the gala, men in black suit tailcoats took our coats and opened the grand doors. I was in shock at the beauty of the room.

The entire ceiling look painted on by Michelangelo, in between hung massive sparkling chandeliers. The windows were from ceiling to floor and draped in expensive red velvet curtains. I gazed in awe at the marbled floor that were polished so well we could see our reflection from it.

Light music hummed tastefully in the air as my friends were whisked off by the boys for a dance.

“Y/n!” A savvy voice called out from across the crowd. Turning around I found the Wayne brothers around a table. I managed a wave.

They waved back and invited me over. How could I refuse? Steeling my nerves, I walked towards them.

“Good evening.” I said politely.

“You look stunning.” Dick complimented. Beside him was a woman with incredibly dazzling red hair, it almost looked like it was on fire. Her bright smile reached up to her green eyes. “This is Kory. Kory Anders. Kory, Y/n.”

She stood up tall and shook my outstretched hand.

“Pleasure.” I said as I introduced myself.

“It is glorious to finally meet you.” She said. “I have heard many things.”

I noted her slight accent and choice of words. She must’ve come from another country.

“All good I hope.” I chuckled nervously.

Her smile only widened. “You need not worry.”

“Would you like to sit with us?” Tim offered.

I looked across the dance hall and saw that my friends were already at their own table. I accepted it and sat down at the last seat which was available, and as fate would have it, it was next to Damian.

When I moved to take my place, his perfume infiltrated my senses, leaving me slightly light headed. I pushed my qualms away not wanting to look rude.

“Hello again.” I spoke to him.

Damian nodded, his expression unreadable.

We made small talk, and discussed about the what I should be expecting when I started working at their fathers’ company. They gave me the basic ropes and tried to ease the pressure away.

Then the topic moved to my invention. I told them how I actually got the idea from my dad, they found it honourable in a way. I felt a sense of pride blossom.

Jokes went around as the food was being served. I quickly learnt Dick had the worst case of pun-overdrive, yet it still had me giggling because of how bad it was. Jason was not any better at his come backs to his brothers play on words. They made quiet the duo. Kory laughed heartily between them. Tim and Damian were taking turns lightly jabbing one another, it was almost endearing. As I looked at them from where I sat I couldn’t help but miss the simpler times my family and I shared.

The melody from the band took a slow turn and I saw Dick stand up.

“May I have this dance?” He offered his hand to Kory and exaggerated a bow.

“I would be delighted.” She giggled and let herself be swept onto the dance floor.

I watched as they danced to a slow waltz. Her hands were on his neck as his was kept firmly on the small of her back. They looked lovely together.

“That’s my cue.” Jason spoke up, his eyes gazing the crowd for what I assume was a possible dance partner.

Tim followed shortly behind, but not without leaving us with a wink and tap on his nose.

Damian cleared his throat, breaking my reverie.

He stood and offered his hand. “Would you like to dance?”

I blinked at him, surprised that he actually asked. I gingerly put my hand on his and nodded.

He expertly sashayed us to the middle and twirled me around before moving us to the rhythm of the music.

“You’re good.” I should’ve known he was a skilled dancer.

“You’re not so bad yourself.” He replied.

His scent was overwhelming, especially being this close to him. I reminded myself that his boy could very well be Robin.

Robin, the vigilante. I sighed inwardly. How could I have forgotten? But if he was then… My hand that was on his shoulder tightened ever so slightly as I remembered the gun shot.

“Is everything okay?” Damian asked, squeezing my hand.

“Yeah, everything’s fine.” I lied. The urge to just ask him never felt so powerful until this moment.

It’s not your place to know. I scolded myself for being presumptuous. This could all have been a big misunderstanding on my part, and I could very well upset him if I asked, not to mention embarrass myself. It wasn’t that I wanted to pry, but the bond I shared with my soulmate only seemed to strengthen these past few days. It drew us closer but I couldn’t begin to explain how. You hugged him, you hugged a stranger – that is a mystery in itself, my inner muse stated.

But then the question of the day was; if he was aware of who I was. There was no way he could possibly tell, there was no proof except for the time I cried out in pain when he got shot. Then again, anyone would’ve screamed if they witnessed that.

I settled with the verdict that he most likely doesn’t know.

“I’d like to apologise about yesterday.” Damian said, sounding solemn. “My brothers have been a thorn to my side ever since I could remember.”

I laughed. “It was embarrassing, but I forgive you, and your brothers.” He visibly relaxed. “It felt like I was reliving some old memories.”

“Do you have siblings as well?”

I shook my head. “No, but it would be nice to. Unfortunately right now it’s just me and my mom. It gets a little lonely but we manage.”

Damian let out a quiet ‘oh’ before lapsing into silence again. I didn’t want to kill the mood so I quickly thought of what to say to keep the conversation going.

“So what about you?” I asked. “I mean, anything you’re comfortable sharing of course.”

The boy sighed and looked up to think before answering.

“I like to paint.” He said. My eyes grew wide at that.

“For real?”

He arched a brow in confusion. “Yes. Is something wrong with that?”

I quickly shook my head again. “No, no of course not. I just, well, it’s surprising. That’s all.”

“Tt, not something you expected?” He teased lightly which only made me surprised all the more.

Was he trying to – flirt?

I laughed. “Guilty as charged.”

Damian looked a little proud of himself.

“What do you like to paint?” I asked curiously.

“Mostly portraits.” He answered easily. “And my pets.”

I gave a fake gasp. “The Damian Wayne, painting his pets. I would never have guessed.”

He smirked.

“So, is it a dog?” I asked.

“Yes, there’s a dog.”

“There’s? Meaning there are more?”

He smirked again this time wider.

“A cat.” I guessed.

He nodded. “Yes there’s a cat too. Though I doubt you’d be able to guess the rest of them.”

Laughing again, I shook my head in disbelief. “You are one intriguing person, Damian Wayne.”

“I could say the same about you.” He told me squarely.

The heat on my cheeks creept up. I looked away a little embarrassed.

He opened his mouth to say something to me, but was cut off.

I heard screams.

Damian quickly pushed me to the ground and shielded me as the glass windows shattered. The shards fell ferociously all around us.

“Fuck.” He gritted his teeth and looked down at me. “Are you okay?”

I nodded. “What was that?” I clutched my head, my ears were ringing from the sound of the blast that shattered the windows. I looked around panicked and scared.

“Don’t know.” He told me gruffly as he pulled us both back up.

Grappling hooks shot up from the broken windows and before I knew it I saw the pointed end of a sword aimed towards Damian’s.

“Damian!”

In that moment I cast aside all the doubts. I still wasn’t sure but if by a long shot; this was Robin, if Damian was Robin, then he could do something about this.

He knew how to fight. Unlike me. If I could give him a head start or a fighting chance, then he and the other superheroes could save everyone.

That’s what I told myself anyway as time stilled and I took the leap.

The blade sliced into my lower back and for a split second all I could feel was searing hot white pain. I cried out as it rippled through my torso. The sword was pulled out just as quick as it was pushed in. I could swear the world was tipping over. The blood had gushed out and I found it staining Damian’s pristine suit.

I could barely hear Damian’s scream as I phased in and out of consciousness. Somehow he had blocked another hit that was aimed at us before kicking the man as far away as possible. He pulled me towards him and muttered something incoherent before dashing across the hall.

The warmth of my own blood pooled over me. Mom would kill me when she saw the stain, if I wouldn’t bleed to death before she finds out that is.

“Shitshitshit, y/n!” He ducked behind a table and grabbed a bunch of napkins, applying pressure as he held it against my stomach. “Stay with me, you’re going to be alright.”

I weakly nodded, feeling sick to my stomach at the smell of iron and sudden blood loss.

“Fuck.” Jason slid next to us as the gunshots started to fire. He noticed me and his features paled. “Oh, shit.”

“Jason, I need to bring her somewhere safe!” Damian said, his voice urgent.

“All citizen, please evacuate the building!” A strong voice bellowed from above us. It was a woman, dressed in purple. Her hair was on fire (literally) as it trailed behind her.

Starfire. But what was she doing in Metropolis…?

The people ran towards the entrance and a man in a tight body suit with a blue winged symbol on his chest directed the crowd flow.

Superboy zoomed in next, his features etched in worry as soon as he saw me. The wound must’ve been worse that I thought.

“What the hell is going on?!” Damian demanded from the superhero. “I thought this place was secured.”

“Kryptonite.” Superbly answered with an ominous tone. “I don’t know what happened but we should get the civilians – uh, you guys, to safety.”

The amendment wasn’t lost on me.

“Y/n, I’m going to find you after all this is over.” Damian promised. “Until then please, hang in there.”

I managed a weak smile and a sad excuse of a chuckle as the blood started to run down the corner of my mouth.

“I still need to guess the rest of your pets.” I joked, hoping to lighten the scene.

His response was a pained smile.

“Take her to Alfred.” He delicately passed me on to Superboy’s arms. “He’ll know what to do.”

Superboy nodded and flew away. The last thing I remembered was Nightwing and Starfire fighting off mechanical robots and ninja assassins. After that, my world went dark.

...

... to be continued ...

359 notes · View notes

edyacouky · 4 years

Text

Journey to the Past (5/10)

What can I say except : I am sorry It's been month since I have the motivation to write again and I could find a way to write this chapter that make me happy. Until now ! Hope you will like it. Have a nice day.

~*~

Since Bruce lost his son during this terrible attack three years ago, nothing in his life was the same.

How can it be?

Jason wasn’t there anymore at the breakfast. His favorite spot in the library is empty; no one dare sit on it since the King’s burst of anger once . His room became also a mausoleum. At first, each day some claimant came to him to demand the place of his son. Then once in a week. Now once in a few months.

But each time a part of him is destroyed when an investigation proves that they were just some liar, some from the poor, some were distant cousin of member of his own Council.

He punishes every person that act this way by malice, make sure the one they act because of some psychological trouble were taking care of.

After he lost Jason, he also had to deal with the horrible rumor about his older son, Dick. Everybody seems to give some credit to the rumor that Dick pays Joker to attack. And every time, he taken his defense people thinks that he is a stupid naive or that he is guilty too.

Not even six month later, the couple Drake, goods friends of him, dies too roughly. Their son, Tim Drake is also godson of Bruce, came to live in the Palace. Since the fortune of the Drake rival with the Royals Family’s, the Council was even shocked that the King “takes so long” to demand to adopt him. They know very well that now the Drake fortune belong to the Royal Family, to the “country” and they will do all they can so they can use this fortune like they want.

And if only it was the only thing that the Council waste.

Before the attack, Selina finally agree to marry Bruce. The Council gives their agreement because they realize that it was the only way to gain an heir that is biologically related to their King.

They have decided to hide it to Jason. He was so impatient about the diplomat mission, and they knew that Jason would have say in every way possible “I told you so”.

But after the attack, they were a mess and can’t imagine marry without Jason and his cocky grin with them, so they wanted to cancel it.

The Council refuses to accept that, they do make sure that everyone knew that this wedding was planned; they lie telling that everything was already paid; they spread rumor about Selina’s pregnancy. At the end, if they cancel or postpone the wedding th e n Selina’s carreer would be over and Bruce will lose many support.

So the wedding happened. But nobody of the Royal Family was happy, no one succeed catch a photo where they smile. Some of the Council suddenly fears that maybe it would bring bad luck. It was a relief for them when two years later; the little Princess Helena was born in good health.

But the Royal Family became even bigger when Bruce meet some kids at one of the Centers Jason helped to created.

Stephanie Brown, Harper and Cullen Row, and Duke Thomas.

Because of their origin, the Council didn’t even want them as pupil but they can only oppose to the adoption.

Despite everything that can help him to find peace and happiness, Bruce couldn’t forget his son, Jason. Neither he can forget his expression when he forces Jason to leave him, when they finally found each other in the mob, when he was getting shot and when Joker catches him.

These memories haunted him every hour of every day.

He found a way to endure it with alcohol. It was the only way he found to, not forget but, soothe the memories.

It would have become out of control if Alfred, Selina and Dick weren’t here. But he, that never loved to drink, still can’t help himself some time to time.

Another thing that changes is, since the King Wayne welcome Cassandra Cain in his family, first as a pupil then as a daughter, he becomes a regular of the Great Ballet.

Every time they do a spectacle, the Royal family attends it for the delight of Cassandra.

She wasn’t educated to understand the words and to express herself with them either. She was supposed to be a weapon. She learns to read the body of everyone around her to anticipate their action. So watch a story only tell by music and movement is perfect enjoyment for her.

She stills as many difficulties with her education as heir and learning of the protocol.

In fact if she doesn’t look exactly like the kind of young girl that a monarch of a neighboring country love despite the difference of forty years old, the Council would have refuse her adoption like they did for her others siblings.

Bruce is aware of their reason and even if he is against it, he doesn’t tell them ou t loud. For the moment this deviant monarch doesn’t dare make any proposition so it is easy to ignore Council plan.

Tonight, being in the show with his wife and children, it’s easy to forget the Council and his worries.

To ignore other’s worries.

~*~

Roy and Jay still don’t really understand why Duchess Kate accept to arrange a meeting without asking them too much question.

No matter what Dinah wrote it must have been very persuasive.

Duchess Kate has decided to make the meeting the nigh of their arrival to Gotham.

At first, they were expecting to meet King Wayne before the show or be seated near him, but Duchess Kate contradicted them. They are seated in another lodge, hidden from King Wayne’s eyes, and she will bring Jay to him during the interval.

Everything was going too fast since they meet her. Jay can’t believe he will finally bring Damian to his father, that they may gain ally to rejoin Talia against Ra’s.

He should be happy, relieved, but the true will be known and he hasn’t any second to spoke with Roy alone. He is so anxious imagining all the way he may react when he will learn that Jay lie to him since the beginning and put his children in a danger bigger than he though.

He wants to come clean to him but doesn’t want to compromise Damian’s meeting with his father, neither his safety in case one of Ra’s spies is near them.

All this situation put his nerves in though test.

One of his legs keeps shaking since he is sitting and he destroys the poor program piece by piece.

At a moment, Roy takes his hand gently and smiles at him lovingly.

“Everything will be alright.” He reassures him

Jay takes a deep breath and look at Roy. Despite wanting to scam a Royal Family, this man is caring and kind and Jay doesn’t want to hurt him.

He has to come clean now, after it would be too late.

It may be too late now.

“I wasn’t honest with you. He whisper so Kate doesn’t hear them

-What do you mean?” Roy asks worried

Is that some kind of trap? A way to catch people wanting to scam the Royal Family. It’s the first thought of Roy but h e can’t believe that. It’s so absurd.

Maybe Jay lies about his feeling for him because he was worried that Roy may abandon him.

Roy feels bad to making Jay feel he have to lie to him about that. No means no. Roy can understand and accept that.

Of course the rejection will hurt but he can deal with that.

Roy prepare himself to assure Jay that he will accept only be a friend, if Jay agree to let him be.

But he doesn’t expect the next sentence of Jay.

“I lie about who I am. Jay say, now all his body is shaking and his headaches don’t help him

-I don’t understand.

-I …”

Jay swallow his saliva, licks his lips and take a deep breath.

And he explains everything.

He is heart broken when Roy let go his hand and when horror is see in his eyes when he realize to whom Jay and Dami … No! Prince Damian was hidden.

It was one thing for Roy to have to hide and protect his family against some rich family of 'Eth Alth'eban, but it is a completely another thing to hide and protect his family again the King Ra’s Al Ghul. One way or another Roy doesn’t have the choice but beg King Bruce to protect him.

All the affection he feels for Jay and Dami … Prince Damian turns into betray and rancor. How could Jay sacrifice Colin and Lian like that, not telling before the real risk of their adventure?

Before Roy could give to Jay a piece of his mind , the light turn on. It’s already the interval.

“Now it’s the time young man. Duchess Kate says standing up. It’s now or never.”

Jay stands to follow her but Roy catch his hand.

“How could you? He shivers with furry.

-I am so sorry . I promise. Jay whispers frankly. Just … All I did was for Damian. I’m sorry.”

Duchess Kate calls again Jay and this time he takes back his hand and follows her.

Roy wants to argue with him, ask him: “what now?”. Did Jay will tell that he play Roy to lie for the reward. It will doom him and his children.

He wants to run after Jay but then it would let the children alone. So he turns to the only person present that may be as guilty as Jay .

Dami.

Or is he Prince Damian?

~*~

During the interval, Bruce isolates himself as his cousin Kate’s early demand.

She was pretty vague about what matter she wants to talk. But Bruce loves his cousin and always glad to see her.

And it gave him the opportunity to serve himself a glass.

He doesn’t look at the door when it opens. No matter what Duchess Kate wants, she won’t beat about the bush.

If she judges him for his glass, she doesn’t say.

“There is someone that has something to tell you. And you should listen him.”

Curiously now, Bruce looks at the unknown figure that approaches him.

“Maybe a spy who have information about one of his neighboring country.” He thinks taking a slip while Kate sit down and invite her guest to do the same.

Bruce stop counting long ago how many claimant come to him, so one more isn’t really a surprise or unusual. But it’s the first time one is brought by a close member family, and he can’t believe that his cousin would be that cruel.

The boy is young, but his Jason was just a boy during the attack.

The same smart green-blue eyes. There is a gleam that Bruce sees in his eyes but no recognition. Jason never looked at him like that.

“I’m listening, boy. What do you have to tell me?”

The same pointy nose still down as this boy doesn’t dare keep his head up.

The same pouty lips that answer to Bruce but says something he never anticipates.

“My companions and I did a long journey from 'Eth Alth'eban.

-Some came from far away from that.” Bruce retorts but his blood freezes in his veins

No news from 'Eth Alth'eban can be good. Not since a long time ago.

“I’m servant of my Princess Talia Al Ghul. I come here, following her order.”

Bruce inhale deeply while glancing at his cousin. But she stays impassible. At this game she can be better than him.

“What did your Mistress want from me?

-A few weeks ago, the men of my King Ra’s Al Ghul attacked the Azraq Palace. They attacked my Princess Talia Al Ghul.

-How is she now?

-I don’t know. I escaped without her and follow her last order since.

-And what is her last order? Bruce asks noting mentally to order to his spies to gain information about Talia’s situation

-To bring your son.”

Bruce could have jump for his seat, taking this young boy in his arms, imploring him to show him an indisputable proof that he is his Lost Son and so they can finally be together again.

“Which is also her son. Jay keeps saying without knowing what trouble perturbed Bruce. Damian Al Ghul. He did all this travel with me, avoiding as much as we could attack from men of Ra’s. And he is impatient to meet you.”

For a moment, Bruce is sure that he didn’t hear well what this man is.

It was clearly not what he was expected to hear tonight or ever day ever.

“For what I know, Bruce says coldly not being amused by this lie, Talia was pregnant only once. A girl stillborn…

-Ten years ago. Jay defends himself. Athanasia Al Ghul, twin sister of Damian. She is buried in Azraq Palace. Look, even if you don’t believe that Damian is related to you. He is to Princess Talia. And if you can accept him as a political exile despite your … tense relationship with my country …

-Did you know?”

This time Bruce doesn’t talk to the boy, he doesn’t even look at him. All his attention is on his cousin.

“Dinah and I had our suspicion when we saw the kid. But I didn’t expect that.

-Dinah is involved?

-She is the one who recommended them to me.” She answers giving him Dinah’s letter

He takes it and start reading it, pacing while doing so.

Jay doesn’t know how he suc c eeds explain calmly everything to the King.

He had such a shock when he saw him.

At first he doesn’t realize why. After all he saw picture of the King. He knew how he look like. Maybe it was seeing him in bones and flesh, Jay says to himself.

Then he realizes that the man in his dream on the boat was the King. Suddenly he remember the man of his dream being killed so violently in front of him.

Even knowing that everything wasn’t real, it doesn’t help the tumult of emotion clashing in his soul.

But he succeed say what he have to say and he is even surprise by their reaction.

Can’t believe they were so sure they were subtle and success to lie to this two ladies; then it seems like Dinah and Duchess Kate knew the real intention of Jay all along. And they accept to help him without hesitate.

It is too good to be true. Jay would love nothing more than to thankfully kiss their hand and promise to always be in debt with them.

But it is too good to be true. There must have so trap somewhere.

Jay tries to read Duchess Kate emotion to know if he had condemned his Prince or if his Princess was right to trust this King, but the way she looks at him is really frightening. She scrutinizes him, maybe waiting for him to make a mistake, maybe he already made a mistake and she wait for his punishment.

His head hurts so much.

He is glad that his Princess isn’t here to see him like that. She taken care of him, she educated him to being Damian’s Shadow for three years and now that he can prove himself, he doesn’t feel up to the scratch.

“Don’t you have anything more to tell me? Bruce finally says to Jay

-Well … If I may dare … Never Prince Damian or I would have come this far without Roy Harper and his children. If … you’re kind enough to accept Prince Damian as political exile, can you take them under your care too?

-Is that really all you have to tell me?” Bruce insist

Jason blushes furiously at what he thinks is an accusation.

“Neither the Prince and I are beggar. We don’t want your money or any title. We may face a difficult situation but my Prince will take back what is his and we will pay our debt.”

Bruce looks at him with a deep sadness but finally whispers:

“Go. Bring me your Prince and your friends.”

Jason nods and stands up, thanking the King and the Duchess before leaving.

And one time more during this meeting, Bruce’s heart is again broken.

The same untamable curly hair with the same tuft in the back as his head is throwing at Bruce’s face when Jay lets to bring back Damian, Roy, Colin and Lian

~*~

Despite his anger, once Roy sees fear and anticipation as much as hope, he can’t bring himself to be mad at the kid.

Even if Jay was saying the true and that Dami is really the Prince Damian heir of the Al Ghul, he is still a ten years old boy that will met his father for the first time, days after he may have lost his mother forever.

And the kids hear what Jay told to Roy and now grill Dami … Damian so he have to explains to them the situation.

Colin decides that he should have know, because only a Prince could have such a broom stuck in their ass. Well not fair for Roy but he never consider himself as a prince so he says nothing.

Lian sights with disappointment telling Dami… Damian that he really doesn’t look much as the kind of prince that her books sell to her.

There is a little justice.

He tries to calm his anger, keeping saying to himself that he didn’t tell to Jay who Roy really is after all. And that he suppose, despite their … reciprocate attraction, they aren’t close. They were simply a mean to an end for each other.

He can force himself see the situation as far away as he can, as logical that possible, his heart doesn’t beat like it was before Jay’s revelation.

At a moment, he was dreaming that he and Jay could have something real and beautiful together. But he was just played along and now he is terrified about what could happen to his children.

What if Jay tell the real motivation of Roy to the fudging King of Gotham? What if Roy is imprisoned? What would happen to his children? They won’t be keep together, that’s for sure. They may never found a happy family that love that at least tenth as much as Roy loves them.

Sob are blocked in his throat. He keeps a reassuring smile to them, playing with their hair.

Should he leaves?

Abandon Dami … Prince Damian here. Take his kids away from this place. He takes care of them without any King’s money for three years. He can still do it.

But which doctor will agree treat Lian?

And King Ra’s men must already told him that Roy help Jay to escape him. He has no hope to have his family safe again now.

Roy jumps when he suddenly feels a hand on his shoulder.

Jay is back.

“The King want to meet all of us. Jay tells him then add more insecure, he knows how much you help us.”

So Jay didn’t tell the true, at least not all the true.

Roy start to breath again more easily. Maybe he still have a little luck after all.

He still refuses to acknowledge Jay’s tentative smile. He can’t forgive being play like that in a war against an enemy as dangerous as Ra’s Al Ghul. Now, there is nowhere on this world where they could be safe.

~*~

Damian really doesn’t know what he should expect from his meeting with his father.

When he was old enough to realize that he should have a father, his mother answered him that he was dead long ago. So all Damian had his imagination to fill the void.

Then suddenly, his father is safe and sound. He is a king, the King of Gotham. He is the enemy of his family, but also the man his mother send to him for help.

This man that Damian never met had to compete a chimera that Damian created long ago. The father in his head is everything that was missing in his life, and if this father take some characteristic to Jay, Damian will never admit it.

In his heart, in his head, Damian know that he will be disappointed. How can he be different? He really just hope that he won’t be hurt that’s all. He really just hope that this man will help him find his mother.

When they enter in the room where the King and his cousin are, Damian let all the other enter before him even if it’s not really appropriate. He really needs some more minutes.

He heard the deep voice of the King greeting and thanking Roy and his children with some kindness, even if he seems on the edge.

Damian thinks of a million of things he could say to his father. First impression matter.

But when he is finally in front of him.

When he have to deal with deep blue eyes full of surprise and suspicion, Damian couldn’t think even to save his life.

“Father, I imagine you taller.”

Thankfully his voice is neutral.

He could have bear if it has broke with all the emotion he feels right now.

If the man was the father Damian liked to imagine, no doubt Damian would have broke in tears right now and throw himself in their arms. But this man isn’t.

Roy and Jay exchange a look, unsure about the way they should react.

Duchess Kate, with Colin and Lian, laughs with delight.

“I told you, didn’t I? No need of some DNA test with him, he is definitely your and Talia’s spitting image.

-The similarity are truly impressive.” The King admit with a smirk visibly not annoyed by Damian’s remark.

He invites everyone to sit down, he makes Damian sit right next to him and ask them all to explain what happen.

They talk during all the second act. Kate has to leave them to inform the Royal Family that Bruce won’t come back anytime soon.

Hearing about the Royal Family provokes in Damian some uneasy feeling. This people are his family after all, but he can’t help seeing them as stranger, as enemy of his real family. But he needs his father’s support, a man he was learned to hate, so he tries as best as he can to hide the discomfort he had to heard about people he can’t help himself but despise more than anything.

Why his mother decide that this people are the good people to help them is beyond Damian’s comprehension. But his mother is a smart woman that is rarely wrong so he trust her and give her plan a chance.

It won’t be that hard to find another ally if the Wayne prove to be unworthy ally, Damian though without a doubt.

Facing now Bruce is really hard for Roy, especially because of the languish look he keeps sending to Jay. Obviously, he can’t help but hope that Jay is Jason.

Roy can’t remember which justification he choose to exploit the man’s pain. Nothing can explain or justify why Roy decide to reopen the wound of a father. Roy can imagine too well how Bruce must feel. And just for some money, Roy prevent the man to grieve and purposely hurt him with hope.

Maybe Roy deserve some punishment after all.

“Some verification would be made of course. Especially to be sure there is a need for my country to help Princess Talia. The King finally says. In the meantime, you will all be staying at the Summer Castle away from the Council and the press until a decision is made.”

J ay and Damian want to argue that they don’t have the time for that.

But the door violently open cut them.

“Selina wait! Duchess Kate calls in the background. You didn’t let me explain …

-Kate just told me you found your son.” The Queen says to the King

Jay want to cry. This woman was in his dream too. She was the woman that called him …

“Kitten.” She sights coming near him with a palpable eagerness, tears in her eyes as she caress Jay’s cheeks

Jay wants to tell her that she is wrong. But the adoration in her eyes, her joy, it makes Jay cry uncontrollably.

He’s so ashamed of his behavior, never Talia would have make him Shadow of her son if she knew how weak he really is.

Firmly but gently, Bruce takes his wife in his arms. He is shaken with emotion too but forces himself to stay imperturbable.

“Selina, you know that I had a romantic relationship with Talia Al Ghul.” He says

She nods with confusion clear in her eyes.

What does it have to do with this miracle?

“This is her son. Bruce adds showing her Damian. This is my son, Damian.”

If at first, Selina wasn’t really listening, wanting only looking at her Kitten, the comprehension darken her face.

“Oh.”

There is a long silence when Kate forces Jay to go out so he can calm down under her supervision.

Suddenly, Selina forces a laugh to leave her throat.

“How can I be so stupid? She jokes and then really look at Damian. He is your spitting image. I should have know right away. What kind of first impression did I make?

-Selina …”

Selina doesn’t let Bruce pamper her more. She leaves his arms and asks where Talia is, saying she doesn’t remember they were supposed to meet with the Al Ghul anytime soon.

Bruce keeping his voice low explain everything to Selina.

“Oh, Dear! You hate surprise so much. But you have to admit with one is a good one. So we will go to the Summer Castle. I have to make some preparation but I’m sure we can all be here in a few days.

-You don’t have to …

-What are you telling me here? Don’t you think that I and the kids don’t want to know more about Damian? And we have to properly congratulate Prince Harper, his children and the poor boy I didn’t ask his name, for bring him to us. Alfred will agree with me.

-I suppose.

-Good. I will see you in a few days, I suppose you will leave immediately with them.

-Indeed.

-Well since we agree. I will leave you and inform the children.”

As sudden as she appears she leaves.

She ignores the young boy that dry his tears. She can’t acknowledge him now, even if she knows she must apologies.

Something in his eyes make her believe that …

But who care about that?

She need to inform the family not only of Damian but also prepare himself seeing someone looking exactly like their Jason.

Oh! But how are we suppose to be prepare to something as painful as that?

Away of the dark though of Selina, Damian looks at Roy with perplexity.

“Wait. Does she just call you Prince Harper?”

#dc comics #fanfice #anastasia au #jayroy #jason todd #roy harper #bruce wayne #kate kane #damian wayne

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cleverbxrd · 4 years

Text

... In Love and War

WHO: Tim Drake / @cleverbxrd , Ra’s al Ghul / @thedcmonshead MENTIONED: Steph Brown, Bruce Wayne, Jason Todd, The Bat-Family, Jack Drake WORD COUNT: 4,247 LOCATION: Your typical abandoned warehouse in Gotham, used for all kinds of nefarious purposes. THE BASICS: Tim heads to face what he thinks might be his doom after a mysterious new member of the Young Justice messaging chat prompts him to follow. Tim knows exactly who, and what, this is about. Ra’s is there to finally get what he’s wanted for years. TW: Tim being Tim, Ra’s being Ra’s, If either of those don’t give enough of an “Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here” Vibe: Emotional Turmoil, Emotional Manipulation, Predatory Behavior, Mentions of Physical Violence, Mentions of Past Deaths, Trauma (lots of it)

TIM: Fear. Anger. Hate.

Emotions came from his chest, his guts, burned with a fire he hadn’t felt in what felt like years. So this was what it was like to feel again? To remember the fight still inside, the passion to push himself forward. To love someone he’d known and admired for years. To loathe the face that yet again threatened to take the one thing that made him happy in this god-forsaken world away.

He’d stared at the messages for what felt like hours, icy blue eyes transfixed on the ‘unknown’ entity that had hacked into his private server (no doubt with help, cheater), and threatened just the wrong people.

Tim. Had. Had it.

The emotions swirled and erupted from his throat in a vicious, feral screech, wanting to do nothing but destroy every inch of the now suddenly cramped but all too empty room he stood in. Tears stung his eyes, squeezed tight against the force of his scream, biting back against the sobs that followed it. He should have known, he should have kept her closer, should have sent her with something to protect herself with. Was it a mistake to open up to her? To feel again? He’d been careless, reckless, failure, IMBECILE, WHY THE FUCK DID YOU LET THIS HAPPEN-

Heaving breaths rocked his lungs like he was trying to breathe in a vacuum, clawed fingers gripping dangerously at his hair, feeling like he could scalp himself from the force. Tim felt himself shaking, but worse than before, worse than the other times he’d felt the same paranoia hit him with the force of a freighter train. Steph… Stephanie...

He had time. He could save her.

With no moment to lose, and a solid look of hate plastered onto his brow, the bird swiftly got to work erasing his presence, jamming tracers and blocking signals that could alert anyone with enough smarts to try finding him.

He’d done what he needed to do, preparing for the impossible, no, the inevitable, and with no time at all he was tugging the belts across his chest again, the cape feeling weightless as the cowl fell over his face. Trusted staff at his back, closed and ready for combat activation, Tim made his way to the cave he was sure he wouldn’t see again for a long time. He didn’t even think to take in the surroundings, check security to make sure no one knew where he was going, his eyes were zeroed in on the familiar bike, his bike, no one else got this Redbird. He was a man on a mission, and he wasn’t going to be stopped.

The mission… Swinging one leg over, firing the engine on, he briefly thought of his family, what little there was, his friends. Guilt flicked through his harsh glare, something anyone paying attention to could barely see under the near molded scowl of the mask. Not even a note, nothing of the sort. He should say something, should tell someone what he was really getting himself into…. A remorseful look shot up at the one entrance up to the manor, where he was sure the Butler and the Gremlin were safe, sound, no second thoughts in their head. Lot of good that did. Just pissed him off more.

No more running. This is the end of the line. It was time to fucking finish this.

What he wouldn’t give to have super-speed, breaking road laws nearly gave the same effect. He tried to concentrate on something other than the white that dared to roll over his eyes; the wind, the engine, the smell of the disgusting city air that would choke anyone who didn’t grow up in it. Something to keep his cool, or as much cool as he could, but it was all futile. Gloved knuckles threatened to rip apart at the very tips, the skin under them turning white under the bruises and scrapes they’ve endured. His hands itched to tear shit apart, they wanted a fight, and he knew exactly who he was targeting first.

If Ra’s was smart (as much as Tim hated to think about it, he really was. That was the scary part.), he’d have guards. At least a couple, just to wear him out, watch like the creepazoid he was, just until he could make that same damn offer again. His loose plan was to never let him get to step three. Take out the mad-man, save the girl, pretend the trauma of the past didn’t prove exactly what you’d told your girlfriend before you got together. Easy as pie.

It was never that easy. Don’t kid yourself, Red.

Skidding to a stop, the bike nearly collided into the side of the building he’d hoped was where the bastard assassin had alluded to. The dark bird stalked the entryway, a twitch in his brows signaling he’d been glaring for too long.

Too damn long, asshole.

One hand slid behind the cape, palming the one friend he’d had forever in combat, the trusted weapon in his crusade against the evils of the world, and he steadied himself, grounded himself with it. If he was going to take him down, he needed to remain balanced, focused, something he thought he could have when he pushed everyone away. Had he done more harm than good?

Never mind checking for locks, the vigilante slammed a hard kick against the door, literally busting his way in as his wrist flicked the staff to full extension, silver shining in the dim city lights behind him, white lenses shining with the harsh hate burning a hole in his stomach.

“Ra’s al fuckin’ Ghoul!” Tim announced, the yell ringing with the echo of his grand entrance. “Let her go. Or I swear I’ll fuckin’ kill you.”

RA'S: Timothy always did have a flare for the dramatic. One of the many reasons, Ra's rather thought, that they had such fun together.

He'd half-expected the boy to come swooping into the warehouse in a rain of glass from above, a la Bruce, but busting in the door had rather a similar effect. And was, in all truth, probably rather more cathartic. The boy clearly needed it, at any rate: the boy's carefully cultivated upper-crust speech patterns were slipping into the improper diction of a real Gotham accent.

Ra's clicked his tongue.

The assassin was seated comfortably in an upholstered chair in the middle of the warehouse, a cup of tea in one hand resting on the arm of the chair. None of his League were immediately visible, though there was no doubt they must be there. It was rare that one of his men wasn't acting as a shadow, at the very least. Presently, there were no less than ten, scattered around in the deep shadows cast by what little light came in through the grimy windows.

"Tt. Detective, that's no way to talk to one's elders. And breaking in a door? All you needed to do was turn the handle--you're a welcomed guest, after all." Ra's sipped his tea, and kept his other hand out of sight. "Come. Have something to drink. I'm sure you could use the tea--you look a bit stressed."

TIM: As soon as the cool air hit his face, he knew things were wrong. He'd miscalculated, but somehow knew he was going to miscalculate. How? No clue, but it was always a surprise with this guy. That's what was really scary; the Unpredictability. Ra's was smart, too smart, smart enough to foil Tim's most complex plans. Half the time, Tim thought he got away with stuff just because it was amusing to the asshole, just letting his birdcage go unlocked to see how wild he could really get. It was only when he had the control he obviously needed, that's when he won. Tim needed the table to turn, and badly.

So what was so wrong with this picture?

He was calm, there was no Steph in sight. Infrared sight in the cowl told him more people were in the building, but none of them matched her form, nothing he could see at least. Bared teeth ground so hard they dared to crack in his jaw, deepening creases on the cowl's beak signifying his emotional turmoil as he stood his ground. He was too damn calm. And all Tim wanted to do was throw a punch.

"You think I give a fuck?!" His voice echoed, but not so much that he didn't confirm the assassin had the help hiding around. Think, if you make one wrong move you'll have to beat back twenty goons instead of the one. If he could only just think through the fire in his core. Pure, unadulterated hate, pushed on by paranoia. Good job taking the time to figure that shit out, Timmy. FUCKING FOCUS.

If he was still wearing the green pants, he might have quipped back something like I was more of a coffee guy anyways and spring into action, with a bright smile and nothing left to really lose. Back when he was younger, innocent, the only hardships he'd faced had been miniscule, moving past his personal tragedies with ease. He was here to make sure that didn't happen again. "I'm not here for sharing pleasantries." The staff whipped around, smacking into both hands. En garde. "Where is she?"

RA'S: Stubborn as ever. And Tim made it so very easy for Ra's to wriggle under his skin. He was ever-responsive to their little games, sharp enough to almost keep up, even throw out a surprise every once in a while.

For all the good it did him.

Ra's chuckled, raising a brow as he watched the boy snap his bo staff into full extension. "I may be wrong," he said slowly, smiling over his cup of tea, "but I believe you're here to do whatever it takes to get your sweetheart home safe." In a millisecond, his voice turned hard. "Put it down and come sit, Detective. You wouldn't deny an old man small pleasures, would you?"

He set the teacup neatly back in its saucer, and folded one leg elegantly over the other, drawing his other hand out of his pocket. A small box--no. A remote. A detonator.

"And do take the mask off, little songbird. It's impolite."

TIM: Shit.

Of course.

Every muscle in his body snapped to attention, an icy cold settling in as he felt his stomach drop to the floor. Something in that motion told him that Steph was still alive, which would make sense. He had little to relax about, but if Ra's was daring to blow something to kingdom come, he could guess that something was her. She was alive, and soon she'd be safe. That's the mission.

Gloved hands trembled, gripping the staff harder while he pondered his options. There really was only one. What did Bruce teach them? What did the absolute lunatic in front of him parrot? Whatever it takes. He probably hadn't met most of his rogues gallery when he came up with that lesson. Tim tried not to focus on the specifics, tried to not get in too deep. At this point, it was all improv, and this was the shit he was the worst at. With one hard exhale through his nose, he signaled his choice: Submission.

Ew. Gross. Bad word.

His stance relaxed, though he stayed as wound as a spring, the staff disappearing back in it's holster and his face finally freed, taking time to make sure he didn't nearly tear the cowl off his head. Messy hair fell out and around his face, no longer as harsh of a snarl but still angered, tense, just barely stained from his earlier tears. It was pathetic, he thought, that anyone could see him like this. That was just the plan, though, wasn't it? This is exactly why he'd taken her, tortured her, made sure he and his friends knew exactly what was going on.

Tim took brave steps forward, his hard, icy glare locked on to his enemy, standing with covered fist clenched to his side. Two outta three commands ain't bad. Who said you can't still rebel when the odds are so stacked against you you might as well fold? "I didn't know you still could feel happiness. Must be rare, not sure I've ever seen you genuinely smile."

RA'S: He could see the gears turning in his little bird's head at the sight of the detonator, the swift reevaluation of data the boy was so very good at. Calculating odds--odds that Stephanie was alive, odds that the detonator had to do with her, odds that Ra's would be willing to kill her if it was.

Odds that surrender would save her life.

As ever, Tim didn't disappoint. The bo staff was returned to its sheath, the mask came off, and the boy stepped over to linger against the side of the chair. Not sitting, simply staring Ra's down as that tongue of his lashed out while his hands could not.

The ancient assassin chuckled indulgently. "Of course I can. Typically you see me fighting, Timothy. You'll have ample opportunity to see me outside that context, now."

Another sip of tea, and he could feel the tension all but rolling off the boy. "I would have thought your father taught you to follow directions better than this. I said drop the staff, not put it back, and I said to sit." The teacup and saucer were shifted to the little table next to him, before Ra's held out an expectant hand. "I'll take the staff. And the mask."

TIM: Tim really hated every word that came out of the other's mouth. Like, Jesus H. Christ, something about the way he spoke made him want to just grumble, snap back even harder than he had. Call it a reflex, call it a learned behavior. He wasn't sure if it was pavlovian, there wasn't much of a reward in the end. Hell, one time he did just that he got kicked out a window and left to free fall. The only satisfaction that came from that was the knowledge that he'd done something to really piss the old man off to try and actually kill him. Fun times.

"My father wasn't the greatest guy." Neither was his dad. Why he stayed at the Manor still, Tim had no idea. It took all of his planning skills just to make sure he ditched the Butler when he went to school, let alone the Bat. "You know, should've known that from my demeanor." Reject, resent, repeat. It was a fun pattern that gave you scraped knees... or broken bones.

If he could tense up any more than he already was, he almost broke in half when Ra's asked for his gear. The few things keeping him from trembling too much, the only constants in this freaky-ass scenario. Whatever it takes.

Fuck... All of this.

"Don't be an idiot, Ra's." Tim growled, though it was quiet enough, his gaze breaking as he pulled the full cape and belt mess from his chest, the whole half of his uniform coming off into his hands in a few swift motions. "It all comes as a package deal. Chew on five pounds of kevlar." It was a last ditch effort, to try and stay calm, keep it quick and quippy. Not helping. The minute he tossed the mass over to Ra's he felt vulnerable. That's what you wanted. Fine. Take it. I can take it. If it's saving her, I can take it. With another rage-heated breath, Tim finally sat, already exhausted from the mental warfare. He never got this exhausted flinging code. Why couldn't he just hack his way out of this?

RA'S: Oh yes, he knew it was a package. It made it all the more gratifying when Tim stripped it off and tossed it in his lap before half-curling up in the chair opposite. Feeling vulnerable, evidently.

Ra's let a smirk tug at the corner of his lips. The boy didn't know the half of it.

Ra's slid free the bo staff before holding the belt out, clearing his throat. One of the assassins skulked out of the shadows to take it, and then disappeared once more.

Ra's tapped the closed staff against his thigh. Once. Twice. Thrice.

"Mm. No. You didn't want to take the chair when it was offered." He managed to keep a straight face as he nodded towards the ground at his feet. "Here."

Before Tim could open his mouth to respond, Ra's circled his thumb around the button on the remote. "Ah. None of that. I've had quite enough from Ms. Brown, today."

TIM: The Help was here. He was here. He was here. Could this day get any worse?

An ironic twist of fate it would be to ask that out loud.

Though, it gave him a bit of satisfaction to know that Steph had done her verbal damage. What he wouldn't give to know what kind of shit she spat at Ra's. She always was coming up with the good one-liners, he had to practice his in the mirror. Remembering that, remembering her, made his heart feel warm and heavy at the same time, tears starting to shine in his glaring eyes. Teeth clenched, holding back the waterworks for now. He wouldn't give him the satisfaction, not yet. Not until he knew she was safe, and she'd be free.

With reluctance, Tim got up and... Ugh, sat on the floor, at his next appointed target. His head hung low, the clear shame and fear finally slipping into his physical form, the barest shiver taking over his hands. He attempted to stop them, crossing them tight over his chest There was supposed to be a symbol there... oh right and trying to find his breath yet again. A dog, a pet, a bird in a cage. Steph would kill him for this, he was sure of it. Anyone in the family would, and for good reason.

He was right. He was doing the impossible.

RA'S: The boy could be so very well behaved, when properly motivated. Clearly his girlfriend beimg potentially blasted to kingdom come was more than adequate, because the boy hesitated only a moment before pushing himself out of the chair and sitting at his feet instead, head bowed low in shame. Hands shaking with fear, eyes shining with tears.

Ra's left the staff in his lap, reaching out to touch the boy at last, hand brushing at his hair like a dog to be rewarded. "Good." Already baring the back of his neck, like a good little prey animal.

"You know what my price is to let her go, little songbird. Can I assume by your being here that you're willing go pay it?"

TIM: It took all of his energy to not flinch at the fingers in his hair, the pure mess that came from wearing the cowl. This wasn't right, it was just like every other 'surprise' encounter, where he wanted to run in fear but stayed put like an idiot. Only... This wasn't a surprise. This was him, and he was finally giving the old bastard what he wanted. Direct, from the source. Oh god.

"Y-... Yes." Choking out the word felt like swallowing barbed wire, broken sobs that didn't dare escape his lungs frying his vocal chords. This was hard, but not hard enough. He'd made up his mind, she would be free, alive, even if it took his own. "Anything.... As long... As you accept my own terms in return."

Without much warning, his head snapped up again, a surge of fire lighting his eyes in a newfound wave of confidence. "If you're a bargaining man, take them: Steph goes free, you and your League leaves her, my family, and my friends the fuck alone, and I get one last message to send to J- Bruce.... Something to throw him off, no traceable IP, no post-data threads." A shaky breath let his shoulders drop again, eyes closing tight. Whatever. It. Takes. "Then... Then I'm yours." Never in a million years...

RA'S: Anything was such a powerful word, but not as powerful as yours. Ra's let out a pleased hum, considering the boy's requests--because that's what they were, of course. Tim had nothing to bargain with but his own compliance, now, and his current position was plenty enough to indicate how that would turn out.

"The girl will go free, and your family and friends will be left alone so long as you play your part," he agreed after a moment's thought, continuing to card his fingers through the boy's hair. "No message. Surely you don't believe me stupid enough to do that--with your computer skills and your family's knowledge of codes? No, no."

The boy would have to yield to whatever terms he laid out--he didn't have to cede anything at all, aside from Stephanie's survival, but a gesture of good faith couldn't go amiss. "Do we have an understanding?"

TIM: Damnit. Damnit damnit damnit.

He should've known that last request was a stretch. Something told him that if he'd been nicer gross that maybe he'd been more accepting of it. He hated the idea of that, hated everything about this. It was the only thing left he could do, he thought. Anything else would get him and anyone he loved in worse conditions than he'd want to see again. Too many deaths, too much blood. "Dad!!"

"Fine... Fine fine finefinefinefinefine." Annoyance laced every mumbled word, his previous grimace morphing into something a bit more dead, the only hint that he hadn't already given up being the wrinkles on the bridge of his nose where he scrunched it at the thought that he was quite literally handing himself over. At least it wasn't into the GCPD.... Nope. This was worse. Unfair comparison too.

Time for the magic words, building up as much composure as he could. His back went stiff, straight and stoic, sitting up as best as he could to try and endure the self-torture he was dealing out.

"I accept."

RA'S: There was no need to hide the smirk that rose this time, with the boy's reluctant assent, even though he straightened his back and tried to take it like a soldier. As if Bruce was watching, as if Bruce would care how the boy handed himself over when he was handing himself over. "Very good, Timothy."

He let Tim rest there at his feet for a moment before uncrossing his legs and nudging the boy up to his feet, following suit a moment later. His assassins appeared from their hiding places, and Ra's instructed a handful of them to go ensure that Stephanie was dropped off outside the gate to Wayne Manor. "As for you, Timothy, I have a car waiting to take us to the airstrip. You could use a vacation from the city, I'm sure." Vacation was hardly the right word, but the boy would catch his drift, regardless.

TIM: Don't treat me like a fuckin' dog. The words dared to escape, make themselves known, but he had to settle for speaking through his eyes. His jaw was clenched too tight to try forming words anyways, though through all the effort a single tear slipped past his iron-clad defenses, falling perpendicular to the deep line that framed the side of his face. Too many scars to try counting, and yet that one still burned, still reminded him of the shards of glass scoring his skin, a fight he'd thought he'd earned, a death he was too ready to accept. He'd saved Bruce's legacy. If only Dick hadn't been there to catch him, maybe this wouldn't have happened, maybe people would be safe from the curse of tragedy that followed him.

All Tim could do was follow his new orders in silence, standing with his eyes locked to the ground. At least he'd done what he needed to do. The Mission was complete, as far as he knew, with a few extra perks to boot. His Team was safe. His family wouldn't be bothered. Steph was alive. It's all he could ask for, anything after this didn't matter, clearly. This was his last Mission, his last stand as Red Robin...

Fuck that.

"I don't take vacations." The cold words finally came through, cracked and broken, his new-found emotions finally getting to him. Tim finally brought a covered palm up to swipe at the water stain on his skin, and got a terrible idea.

Being sneaky was always his favorite part of the job. Let's see if he could still even pull it off.

"Whatever..." Hands clenched behind his back, fingers made quick work of finding the one solid compartment that housed his gauntlet's computing processor. It took no time at all to find the microcontroller and crush the chip in his hand, the debris falling to the ground as soon as he opened his palm. It wasn't much, but it was something. If anything, it would hopefully look like a show of his new 'loyalty'. If anyone could find the near microscopic remains of Wayne-Tech chip work, it was his family. Maybe then they'd know how dangerous this situation was, if the fact that he didn't leave anything for them to track was any sort of hint. With his last little act of rebellion, he raised both hands, a light form of surrender.

"Let's just get this over with."

#discord tag tbd #「Asshole Number 1」- Ra’s Al Ghul

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itsbxtgirl-a · 4 years

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that’s my girl // stephbabs

WHO: Barbara Gordon & Stephanie Brown. Mentions of Tim Drake and Ra’s al Ghul.

WORD COUNT: 2171 words.

LOCATION: Wayne Manor.

GENERAL NOTES: Babs comes to visit Stephanie post her return to Gotham. Stephanie is unsure of her footing and what to do next, how to go on. A spark of an idea and a change is made.

WARNINGS: Mentions of injuries, past trauma, violence.

STEPH: Tim's room was practically silent, Steph staring at the cracked screen of her phone she had found in Tim's room. Occasionally it lit up, Steph staring until it went dark once more. The lockscreen made her heart clench each time she saw the photo of her pressed against Tim's chest, his arm around her and smiles on their faces. She felt numb to the tears that slid down her cheeks and dried there, making the bandage across the gash on her cheek damp. Ra's' personal reminder of Tim she'd now have for the rest of her life. The reminder she was the reason Tim was sent to his doom, his death in her eyes.

A choked out sob escaped the shaking blonde, her curling up in on herself as much as she could without her ribs and shoulder screaming in protest. The sharp knock on Tim's bedroom door had her wanting to just scream out. "Go away!" She shouted. "I'm not hungry, thirsty, nor do I want to see anyone! Just leave!" Her words were punctuated with a broken sob, burying her face in Tim's pillow and giving into the urge to scream until she couldn't anymore.

Every bit of her was cracked into a thousand pieces and Steph had no idea how she was going to put them back together anytime soon.

BABS: The shout cut harshly even through the door, and Barbara almost considered listening. She could remember that feeling, wanting to crawl out of her own skin, never wanting anyone to look at her again. She still felt it sometimes. There was a reason she spent the majority of her life tucked away in her clock tower, surrounded by firewalls both electronic and physical. There were very few who could slip past them so easily, and Steph was one of them.

Steph who was on the other side of the door sobbing, her own firewall in place. Barbara pushed through, because Steph was stubborn and determined and positive and had steadfastly broken through every one of Barbara's walls, and there was no way she'd leave her alone. Even if that meant leaving her tower, even if it meant coming to Wayne Manor. Sometimes walls were meant to be pushed down.

She pressed the door shut quietly behind her and wheeled up next to the bed. Touch wasn't right, not unless Stephanie expressly wanted it, but she was close. "You know, I'd listen, but a while ago I made a promise to you that you'd never be alone. That's not just on the streets, Steph. I'm here."

STEPH: The door opened and Steph curled her fingers up into the fabric of the sheet on Tim’s bed. Then it shut. Another scream started to form in her chest, heart thumping and the hurricane of emotions she couldn’t pick apart started to grow until she heard that familiar voice.

Babs. Original Batgirl, her mentor and one of the people she trusted the most. Would she think she’s weak too? That she should have been better? The thought made her choke back a sob.

“It’s my fault.” Steph finally whispered, back towards Babs as she laid there. “I didn’t—I didn’t even get to see him. He wouldn’t let me see him. I killed him. I sent him off to his death at the hands of his worst nightmare all because I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t careful.” She was spiraling now, breath hiccuping as the tears rolled down her cheeks once more.

BABS: "Hey, hey." Barbara finally reached out, one hand resting on Steph's shaking shoulder. She couldn't see her face (maybe that was intentional), but she could hear the pain in every hiccup, in the way her words started to tumble.

She thought of rooftops and soft voices through the comms, the first time someone slipped through Stephanie's fingers. That sinking feeling that nothing will ever make better, and how this was worse. This wasn't some nameless loss, this was Tim.

"You are not responsible for the actions of evil men. There is one person responsible for this, and it's not you. Blaming yourself is like..." Blaming herself for opening the door. The thought caught, and she let it slip away, sinking somewhere deep and heavy in her chest. "You did everything you could, if I know you at all. Tell me you didn't get a few good zings in."

Another pause, "And you know we'll find him. I won't rest until we know where he is."

STEPH: Steph could hear Babs' words, make sense of them and comprehend them, but she didn't believe them. There was a reason she had stepped back from Batgirl, feeling a crippling dread that she would never measure up to Babs herself. This just proved it in her mind, she got the love of her life sent off to his worst nightmare all because she was the worst bat of them all.

A shudder wracked through the blonde and she sobbed weakly, finally turning to look at Babs head on. The bandage covered the majority of her cheek, left eye swollen still and purple and black bruises covered the pale skin there. "It doesn't matter, does it? I still lost. He didn't...he didn't even let me see him. I didn't even get to tell him I was sorry." She gasped out, feeling like her chest was moments away from caving in on itself.

"Ra's—" Even saying his name turned Steph's stomach and she paled considerably, shaking her head and going silent instead of finishing her thought. "...I killed him, Babs. He chose to save me. I'm not worth that."

BABS: "Don't you ever, ever say you are not worth it. Steph–" Barbara moved her hand to cup Stephanie's cheek, running a thumb gently to wipe away the tears. Gentle for bruises and cuts and injustices. "Look at me. You are worth more than you will ever know."

Stephanie had shown up in Barbara's life during a time in which she thought she'd never be happy again. Not truly, not easily. She'd tucked herself away so completely, both physically and emotionally, even her doctor was beginning to question why she never smiled. It took time, but Stephanie changed all of that. Stephanie with her quips and determination and bright smiles even the face of overwhelming odds. Stephanie who plowed through Barbara's warnings and walls.

She was worth it. And clearly Tim Drake thought so as well.

"Ra's is vile, and he will not get away with this." Her voice cut, no room for argument. "He's the one to blame. You did not make him take you, you did not make him take Tim, you have nothing to apologize for. The only one who benefits from you blaming yourself is him. Don't let him make you doubt yourself."

STEPH: Steph's eyes reluctantly shifted over to look at Babs' face, heart dropping. Her eyes fluttered shut weakly at the touch to her cheek and she let out a weak sob. This was Babs, the one who she strived so hard to be good for. To impress and make proud. Her doubt and fears in herself made her step away from the Batgirl mantle she had been so attached to. She saw the good in her even when Steph didn't see it herself. So why was she having such a hard time believing her in saying she was worth it.

"I don't know what else to do, Babs." Steph whispered weakly. The dark cloud that hung over her head seemed to infect every crevice and corner of Tim's room, it was saturated in her devastation. "I'm hanging up the suit. I can't be Spoiler anymore. It's...it's tainted now. All I can think of when I even try to think of going out again is how I let Tim down." Maybe next time you'll be more careful. Maybe next time you'll be more careful. Maybe next time—

The tears wouldn't stop. She didn't know how to make them stop, rolling down her cheeks and her breath hitching with each staggering breath. "I don't know what to do anymore."

BABS: Barbara paused, running a hand along the top of her thigh. She couldn't feel it, she hadn't been able to feel it in a long time. It was the getting back up that had been the hardest part. It wasn't that she'd failed, but the road ahead had looked like one failure after another. There were no next steps, there was only a suit on a rack she'd never wear again. But she got up. If only to prove him wrong.

"Do you remember the first time someone slipped from your grasp?" Barbara could. Curse her perfect memory, she could hear it. Stephanie's broken 'no,' and the quiet defeat when she said she was done. Her first loss, and Batgirl was back on a shelf. "You wanted to quit then, too. Being a hero just wasn't for you. But you got back up, Stephanie. You got back up, and you went on to take down the person actually responsible."

Her hand stilled, moving from her lap to the hand rim of her chair in a white-knuckled grip. Bringing up the past was a calculated risk. "You're stronger, better than you think, always have been. Don't complicate what comes next. You get up. Get up because Ra's was wrong to ever mess with you, or because you're stronger than he led you to believe, or to prove you can. Just get back up, and we'll figure the rest out from there."

STEPH: That question took the wind out of Steph. How could she forget? You never forget the first failure. The heart stopping moment where your best wasn't enough. It had broken her. The good guys were always supposed to win, right? That's how it was supposed to go anyways, but life has a funny way of proving you just how wrong you can be. The good guys don't always win, you can't always save everyone.

Babs was right, she always was. There was still the mere thought of grabbing her Spoiler gear and putting it on made her feel sick. It felt almost tainted now, like she couldn't even fathom wearing it when she held that mantle while Tim was taken to his worst nightmare. Whether she was convinced or not, she felt responsible. She could have been better.

"...I don't know how to get up this time. If I get back up, it can't be as Spoiler. I can't do that. Ra's ruined that for me. He...he ruined so many things, Babs. I have to hang it up. I just...I don't know what to do next now."

BABS: "Then try a different suit." The implication was clear. There was a symbol they'd shared once, both making it their own in different ways, but ultimately holding up the same mantle. As resistant as Barbara had been at first, she'd come to find Stephanie wore it well. She'd go head to head with anyone who dared say otherwise.

Unfortunately, the loudest protestor had been Stephanie herself, and the suit had found a familiar home on a rack. Barbara only begrudged her the change a little. Spoiler was Stephanie's, there were no shoes to fill.

But she wondered if Steph knew she never had to fit Barbara's boots, she only had to make them her own. That...

"I've told you before, I'll say it again. The suit you wear, that only gets you so far, Stephanie. Anyone can scare off a mugger with the bat symbol or a hood. The big stuff? That's you. It's always been you, and Ra's will never ruin that for you. Don't let him."

STEPH: Steph was quiet for a long, long moment. The implication was entirely too clear. Batgirl. It was a thought Steph had put in a box and shoved to the back of her mind. It had been a lot, the pressure she had put on herself to manage filling Babs' shoes. She had fallen, terrified of not being enough. She never wanted to let Babs down especially. She had much more faith in her than she thought was deserved.

Tears stung at her eyes for what felt like the millionth time. Letting out a shaky breath, Steph swallowed hard and looked at Babs. Batgirl. Batgirl. Batgirl. It was a loop in her mind on repeat, feeling entirely too much like coming home, yet moving out on her own to face the world standing on her own two feet.

Steph would do this for her. For Tim. For Babs. To show that bastard that he wouldn't get away with doing this to Tim, to her. Letting out a weak noise, Steph nodded rapidly and wiped at her face. "He won't. I can't...I can't let him. Not to me. Not to Timmy."

The fire was dim, burning barely bright enough, but a spark could lead to a flame. The flame could cause a forest fire and Stephanie Brown was a force to be reckoned with now. She'd make sure of that.

#int: discord #discord: babs gordon #babs gordon: 001 #int: babs gordon #violence tw #trauma tw #injury tw #consultheoracle

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