#the man has been rolling with the punches since day one at wayne manor

[frownyalfred]

Imagine being Alfred during Batman Begins when Bruce leaves to “find himself.” Alfred is worried, but reminds himself that all rich men do this and he’s probably just going to come back as a worldly, obnoxious vegetarian. Then Bruce shows up several years later buff as hell and it’s like no, he’s a ninja. he’s a ninja and he wants to terrorize Gotham in a bat costume.

#late night thoughts #bruce wayne #batman #dc #batman begins #alfred pennyworth #the man has been rolling with the punches since day one at wayne manor

[batarella]

Bruce's Bathtime - Batfamily Sitcom

Bruce's mistake was thinking he could have a peaceful night in the bath on his day off when his manor is full of kids who share one brain.

A/N: HELLO EVERYONE I LOVE YOU AND IM SORRY I DISAPPEARED BUT I WANTED TO WRITE SOMETHING SWEET FOR YOU TO ENJOY. THIS IS HEAVILY INSPIRED BY "BATH" BY SAM AND MICKEY ON YOUTUBE.

WORDS: 1.7K

WARNINGS: NONE. IT'S WHOLESOME AND SWEET.

MASTERLIST

——-

Crime rates were always at an all-time low in time for the Superbowl.

Which meant Batman gets a day off. Duke was the only one on patrol that night. Alfred spent half an hour convincing him not to spend the night at the cave.

“Master Bruce, the bath has been drawn and I’ve taken the liberty of using the expensive lavender bath salts so you would not like to waste it.”

“You’re right, Alfred. I’m a billionaire and I find the fifty-dollar lavender salts a waste to not use.”

“Just get in the bath, Master Wayne. Just thirty minutes of quiet shall do you good. I’ve set an alarm.”

Since when did Bruce start working for him?

He did as told anyway. Bruce closed the bathroom door and stripped off his clothes to get in the tub. There were so many callouses in his body, he barely felt just how burning the temperature was.

It was just a minute in there when the first knock woke him from drifting off.

“Bruce?”

What the hell is Dick doing out of Bludhaven? “What?”

“Is the music room haunted?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“I heard something inside.”

“Instruments tend to do that.”

“I did a headcount of everyone in the manor and everyone is accounted for except Duke who you sent out for patrol so I doubt it’s anyone but a ghost,” Dick said.

“Get out.”

“But I’m not even inside the bathroom.”

“Go away.”

“What if it’s not a ghost? What if it’s a spy?”

“The manor has more advanced security systems than the Pentagon, Dick.”

“That’s not a good point of comparison.”

Bruce closed his eyes and let the steam slow his rising blood pleasure.

“Just check the room. Could have been the wind.”

“I’m too scared.”

This man was almost thirty and was still giving Bruce the same amount of aneurysms as when he was eight.

“Ask Alfred to check for you.”

“Okay.”

He heard fading footsteps and let them lull him into sleep. He set his large arms onto the sides of the tub, sinking his mouth under the water.

“Father,” a voice said from out the door followed by three soft knocks by a small hand.

“What, Damian?”

“I need you to sign this letter from the school headmaster.”

“What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything.”

He doubted that.

“It’s for a parent-teacher conference.”

Bruce let the silence answer for him until Damian gave in.

“Someone attacked me in class.”

“Damian-“

“Okay, I threw the first punch but he taunted me first about how I was small for my age but I said that I’m of perfect size for my age and that I’m simply too smart to be crowded into elementary school children when my intellect belongs to that of a senior and then he asked what I was doing here and not in 5th grade and I said what was he doing here and not in 5th grade and he spat at me and now his nose is broken and they want you to cover the medical bills.”

Christ.

“Maybe you don’t have to pay it. You can call them yourself. You’re Bruce Wayne. You can get away with anything.”

“I can, but you’re not Bruce Wayne, so you have to deal with it.”

“Can you just sign this, Father?”

“Fine.”

Damian walked in, fanning the steam off his face and covering his eyes so he wouldn’t have to see his own father naked, then handed him the letter to sign it.

“Make sure your handwriting is the same as when I forged it.”

His eyes could not have rolled further back into his skull.

The boy walked out, just two seconds before the next set of voices made him wish the gunman shot him in the head four decades ago and not just his parents.

“Bruce, could you tell Jason he’s not the only one who died and come back to life and that his robin costume doesn’t deserve to have to top display in the Batcave anymore especially since he’s here?” Tim said.

Jason’s voice was even more obnoxious. “I died first, asshole and no one else would have died if it weren’t for me so clearly, you should thank me. And my rebranding was better. You’re still technically a robin since, you know, it’s the other half of your name, so you don’t deserve to be memorialized.”

“You don’t deserve to be memorialized at all when you’re alive and not a memory. You’re not even the first robin.”

“You’re not the first anything.”

“I’m the first at a lot of things.”

“Replacement.”

“Glorified zombie.”

Bruce grabbed the cucumbers Alfred had laid out on the table next to him just so his eyes wouldn’t burst out in blood at how much he wanted to scream.

“Ask Alfred what to do,” Bruce said.

“Alfred is with Dick in the music room to look for ghosts. We need an answer now.”

“What do you even want me to do?”

���Tim threw my robin costume piled up with all their robin costumes when clearly, it should be in the display case,” Jason said. “And Tim wants to move my motorbike out of the cave.”

“You have so many motorbikes, would it hurt you to move just one?”

“No.”

“Bruce!”

Bruce counted to ten. “No.”

“No to what?”

“Everything.”

“You don’t even know what you’re saying no to.”

“I could not care any less.”

“Can we please come in?”

“No, I’m naked.”

“We’ve seen you naked.”

“Not on purpose.”

Jesus fucking Christ. “Fine. Fine. We’ll get glass cases for both of you and we’ll pretend it’s a shrine as if you’re still dead. Happy?”

“Not from dying but sure,” said Tim.

“What about the motorbikes?”

“Put it outside,” said Bruce.

“Are you sure? What if someone sees?”

“Do whatever. Throw out the T-Rex in the cave for all I care.”

“Also, I need access to the batcomputers,” Jason said.

“For what?”

“Everyone else has access except me.”

“That’s for a reason, Jason.”

“Pretty please.”

“Get out.”

It took another five minutes of the two yapping at the other side of the door before it finally quieted down.

Then his phone started ringing. Duke.

That was when his blood pressure really started to spike.

“Duke? Is everything alright? What’s wrong?” he said to the phone.

“Me?” said Duke. “Oh yeah everything’s great! Not much crime when everyone’s watching the halftime show.”

“Then why’d you call?”

“Can I use the batmobile?”

Fuck a duck. “For what?”

“The streets are empty and you said I could drive it when there isn’t traffic.”

He hung up and threw the phone into the water before Duke could say anything else.

He had five minutes of quiet this time. Then Steph was at the door. “Bruce!”

An aneurysm. One of these days, he might actually have one.

“What now?”

“Can I change rooms?”

“Why?”

“Dick said there’s a ghost in the music room and my room is like five feet away and I don’t think I can sleep there anymore.”

“You slept there last night and everything is fine.”

“Ghosts can be quiet, Bruce, it doesn’t mean they’re not there. And you’ve made a lot of enemies, so I won’t be surprised if anyone’s settled in to haunt you.”

You’d think he wasn’t in a house full of vigilantes who fight the city’s most dangerous criminals.

“I haven’t killed anyone, Stephanie. I keep all my enemies alive.”

“What if it’s not your enemy? They don’t have to hate you to haunt you. Can I please just change rooms?”

“Move wherever you want. I don’t care.”

“Can I move to the bedroom at the west wing?”

“That’s mine,” Bruce said.

“You have a bedroom? I thought you never slept.”

“Fine. Take it. Just get out.”

“Really?” Steph squealed. “The master bedroom. Sweet!”

It took less than five seconds before the next reason for his headache started pounding at the door.

“Bruce! Jason is trying to hack into the batcomputer!”

“I did not!”

“He did!”

“The World’s Greatest Detective is just mad I guessed his password on the second try.”

Bruce sank into the water, drowning their yapping until it had blurred out. He held his breath for seven minutes straight. He could die. That wouldn’t be the worst thing. Just when it was finally quiet, again, Bruce rose up and found Damian sitting on the toilet.

He continued to look unbothered even when he looked at Bruce straight in the eye.

“Do you mind?”

“I’d like to use this toilet.”

“There’s fifteen bathrooms in the manor, Damian.”

“I like this one.”

“I understand I have not spent as much time with you, but this is not what your tutors mean by father-son bonding.”

“Oh no, don’t worry. I don’t mean to bond with you. I just like this toilet.”

“Fine. Please. Take your time.”

He did take his time. Damian sat there for a whole five minutes and pulled out a book.

“I wasn’t being serious. Get out of here.”

“Relax, father. It’s your day off.”

Bruce eyelids fluttered closed and he refused to open them until his son left the bathroom.

The next knock made a blood vessel pop. “Bruce. It’s me Barb. So sorry to bother you but I found another group of conspiracy theorists on the TikTok who made a list of billionaires who have never been seen in the same room as Batman and you’re the front liner of that list. I know you told me to never engage with these things but it’s at fifty million views right now and they’re making edits of you as Batman.”

“Make more bot accounts and pin it on Elon.”

“On it,” said Barbara. “So sorry to have disturbed you!”

He’s going to have a talk with Alfred to block off the whole floor the next time he draws these baths.

“Bruce?” It was Cass. “I hope it’s alright if I take Steph’s room. I took the liberty of putting a speaker in the music room so Dick would tell everyone there was a ghost in the manor and Steph would move out.”

The alarm went off. His thirty minutes were up.

 One of these days, Bruce might finally break his no-kill rule, and it won’t be for the Joker.

---

A/N: I MISSED ALL OF YOU ASSHOLES AND I HOPE THIS WON'T BE THE LAST

TAGLIST

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#BATMAN #bruce wayne #batfamily #wayne family #dick grayson #jason todd #tim drake #duke thomas #barbara gordon #cassandra cain #stephanie brown

[dukethomas]

Summary: Duke’s parents recover and come home. Written for Duke Week 2021 Day Six: Family Bonding.

I was going to write something angstier for this prompt, but it actually turned into just the comfort part of hurt/comfort. Sometimes I need a good cry about something good happening to characters I love.

Also read it here on AO3!

-

His parents were back.

His parents were back, and Duke could cry and cry and cry forever. He sobbed into his mom’s shoulder for who knows how long when he saw them. His mom pat his back—he was taller than her now—and murmured to him, “It’s okay, baby bird. We’re here.”

The use of the nickname he hadn’t heard since he was in elementary school made him sob harder.

His mom and his dad were, were okay, their mouths weren’t contorted into unnatural grins and they didn’t carry that gleam of hatred and they said they were so sorry and they loved him so much and wow, hadn’t he grown up so much—he turned out to be the spitting image of his mother, didn’t he think?

Duke didn’t think he’d ever stop crying.

“I missed you,” he blubbered. “I missed you every day, I swear, I tried so hard to find a cure or something—”

His dad smiled at him, softly, tears in the corners of his eyes. “And you did. We’re right here, Duke. You brought us back.”

He had to call Jay to pick them up, because his parents no longer had licenses and Duke didn’t trust his hands to not shake in the full force of his joy.

-

In the days that followed, Duke didn’t go out as the Signal. How could he? This all felt like a fever dream; he’d been wanting this for so long. If he didn’t spend every waking moment with his parents, he feared they could revert back to what they were, and it would be a dream after all.

Jay took a few days off of work, and Duke called in sick for a few days at school. The Thomas family glowed with genuine grins, because they were whole. They spent the time catching his mom and dad up on what they missed, and having fun playing games or going out the rest of the time. To his dad’s chagrin, Duke had gotten much better at chess, but no one could beat his mom at Monopoly.

Then life came crashing down around them. Jay had to go to work, Duke had to go back to school, and his parents needed to begin a new chapter of their lives. Unbeknownst to Jay and his parents, Duke skipped his first day back at school to chase down a string of thefts he’d read about in the news.

He could never stay away from Signal for long. Gotham needed him, needed all the help it could get.

It wasn’t a difficult case, by any means. Mad Hatter was about as subtle as a barge. Still, Duke embraced the thrill of hunting them down, as the trail of clues led him right towards a newly opened costume store, Wonderland Haberdashery.

Again. Subtle as a barge.

“What are we waiting for?” a man dressed as a giant white rabbit complained.

The dormouse next to him shushed him loudly. She hissed, “The boss’ signal.”

Duke took that as his cue. He launched into action, running forward with a well-timed punch to the rabbit’s face. “You’ve got one right here.” (Those jokes never got old.)

He let himself loose, using all of his training as well as his own metahuman power to demolish his way through the storybook-themed goons. He couldn’t fight the grin on his face; he was having too much fun. His heart reached a thunderous frenzy in his ears and he loved every second of it. These guys couldn’t touch him.

When the time came to knock out Jervis Tetch himself, Duke obliged with glee. He’d just finished tying him to the wall when his phone buzzed with a notification.

It was three, school was over, and he should be heading home. His parents should be home.

His parents were home. It still felt surreal.

He ran into Jay’s apartment and kicked off his shoes faster than he ever had when doing a superheroic change of clothes.

“Hey Mom! Hey Dad! I’m home!” he called. When he heard no response, a chill went down his spine, and he rushed to the living room. There, his parents sat on the couch, fixated on the TV. The news channel was on, talking about an altercation at—oh.

It was talking about him.

“That’s you,” his mom said without turning back to look at him.

A wad of bile as large as a stone formed in his throat. He knew Bruce probably had contingencies for if anyone guessed his identity. Deny it, prove that he was in school, get a shapeshifter to pose as Signal in the same room as him. But he couldn’t stop himself from saying, “Yeah.” He couldn’t, he wouldn’t lie to his parents. “Are you upset?”

He’d imagined this scenario many times. What would his parents say about his vigilantism? He was risking his life every time he was out there, and no parent would want that, but he was helping Gotham. He was helping Gotham’s people, just like they had taught him to do.

“Let me take a look at you,” his mom told him, beckoning him towards the couch. Duke listened, sitting in between his mom and dad. His mom cupped his face with her rough hands, and he leaned into the touch. “It’s dangerous,” she murmured; Duke squeezed his eyes shut.

A firm arm reached around his shoulders, holding him tight. His dad. “But you’re happy,” he said.

Duke nodded, his chin trembling.

They dwelled in a moment’s pause, until he was being hugged from both sides. Duke opened his eyes to see his parents with faint smiles. “We couldn’t be there for you,” said his mom, “but you found yourself.”

“I did,” Duke whispered, crying for the millionth time this week. “I did.”

“We’re so, so unbelievably proud of the person you’ve grown up to be, baby bird. We just wish… we just wish we could have been here to see it happen.”

-

His parents laid down some ground rules. No more skipping school unless he had all his assignments done and he had straight A’s. He had to be home for dinner, and after sundown he was off his shift. He could join night shift with the other Bats only twice a week in a limited capacity, and he had to go to sleep before midnight on school nights. And he would tell Jay his secret.

That had been the hardest one. Duke could barely get the words out, suddenly filled with shame for not telling Jay earlier.

But as it turned out, Jay already suspected it. “I’m no genius, but you’re disappearing constantly. I can never find you. Wayne takes you out of Gotham all the time. That’s not just an internship, Duke.” His jaw hardened. “But don’t think that I’m going to be the cool cousin now and let you break any of those new rules your parents set. Safety first.”

Duke rolled his eyes and hugged him. “Love you, man.”

“Love you too, rascal.”

He had to let Bruce know. He’d been keeping in touch with Bruce throughout all of this, but sparingly. He got the vibe that Bruce was keeping his distance out of respect for him and his parents.

Well, no more of that. Duke shot off a text to Bruce to let him know he was coming, then pocketed his phone. “Hey, Mom? Dad? You wanna ride with me on my motorcycle to Wayne Manor?”

He wouldn’t have actually done it (it was too big of an identity risk), but it was worth it to see his parents’ briefly stunned looks before his dad started chasing him with a noogie at the ready.

Jay drove them all to Wayne Manor. His mom and dad walked out of the car tentatively, scrutinizing their surroundings. Duke fidgeted with his shirt, wondering what they thought. For all intents and purposes, this was his home, if only for a little over a year.

Duke rang the doorbell, ready to greet Alfred, but it was Bruce who opened the door for once. The way he held himself struck Duke. It wasn’t extravagant and flighty like Brucie, nor grim and tense like Batman. Duke’s family were some of the very few to see Bruce Wayne as he really was, without a persona.

“You took Duke in while we were… unavailable,” his mom said before Bruce could say hello.

“Yes,” replied Bruce calmly, wearing something on his face Duke didn’t often see. Vulnerability. Anxiety .

His dad held out his hand. “Doug Thomas. Thank you. Thank you for taking care of our boy.”

“It was a pleasure.” Bruce shook Duke’s dad’s hand. “Duke was a delight to mentor and guide. I’m glad he has you both back.”

Duke grinned. “He says I’m a delight but he didn’t think so every time I snuck out of the Manor to track down a lead.”

“You were supposed to be on bed rest.”

“And I rested, in a bed, after I solved the case! I do it every night when I sleep—that’s working overtime on bed rest, Bruce.”

“And you won’t be pulling any of that with us, young man,” his mom told him in a stern tone.

Duke quickly made his eyes as wide, pleading, and innocent as possible. He would never, he was about to say, when Bruce told them to come in.

“A better man than I expected him to be,” his dad said once Bruce had moved far enough he wouldn't hear. His mom hummed in agreement. “And Duke, you felt safe with him?”

Duke snorted. “Define safe.”

“Smartass,” Jay muttered, behind the three of them. He’d been through the tour already. He had a begrudging respect for Bruce, but he wasn’t impressed.

“And who taught me to do that, ever since I was a little kid?”

Duke yelped as he dodged a smack from Jay. “I’m fragile, don’t hurt me!”

“You’re not fragile,” said the amused voice coming from down the hall. Cass, here because Duke asked her to be. Because he wanted his family to meet his family.

“Oh! Mom, Dad, Jay, this is Cass.” He dragged them over to meet her. “She’s like… she’s my sister.”

Cass nodded, observing Duke’s family. “Good to meet you.”

At his parents’ confused glance, he told them, “When you were gone, I made new friends, but I also found new family. Cass isn’t your daughter or Jay’s cousin, but she’s my sister.” In his chest, he felt a weight alleviate, one he hadn’t even been aware of. “Wait until you meet Damian. Remember how I always wanted a baby brother when I was a kid, but you guys kept telling me that I was enough of a handful?”

As he kept introducing his parents to the family he made, he felt a warmth grow within him, tickling his ribs, infecting his lungs. It was like he couldn’t do anything but beam from ear to ear, now that he had almost everyone important in his life gathered together. (He would introduce them to Izzy, Riko, and the rest of the Robins soon.)

His family had been shattered, but Duke had picked up the pieces and created something new. And it could never be the way it was, but that was okay. Duke was happy with his family the way it was now.

His parents were home; all his family was home. Duke couldn’t be happier.

#dukeweek2021 #duke thomas #doug thomas #elaine thomas #dc #batfam #crys writes #this doesn't actually have..... a plot. but that's okay <3 #me writing duke and his parents: so how do normal people without my specific parental issues act

[avaritia-apotheosis]

Phantom Children Ch. 6

Hi guys! I'm back <3 (also, I'm currently looking for alpha/beta readers for Phantom Children, so if you're interested, feel free to shoot me a message!)

In Which: Danny Attempts to get Answers, Bruce Learns, and Dick Finally Learns What's Inside the Door that Doesn't Exist

AO3 | Prologue | 5 | [ 6 ] | 7

DANNY IS KNOCKED DOWN three, four, eight times on the ice. Each time made his back ache, his bones bruised and tired, and his mind burning with embarrassment and a drive to lash out. But each time he gets back up. Each time he lasts a little bit longer against Talia.

The ice still shifts, cracks and rumbles with every wrong move. Danny learned to roll with it. Move on light feet but attack with a firm stance, gauge which parts of the ice are stable and which should be avoided. Multi-tasking has never been Danny’s strong suit, but he’s good at learning and learning quickly.

Talia corrected his form as much as she beat him down. Exploited every one of his openings until he learned to defend them and praised him whenever he managed to pull one over her. The League’s martial arts was the holy amalgamation between almost every single fighting style there is, mashed and refined to perfection to become almost unpredictable to the untrained. A vast improvement to Danny’s previous ‘fuck around and see what works’ brawling and had the added benefit of meshing together with his spontaneity.

“You are doing well, Daniel,” Talia said as she sheathed her sword, hand resting just above her hip. “You have improved greatly in such a short time, as I have expected.”

It takes every ounce of Danny’s superhuman energy to not collapse to his knees, his every breath a ragged shudder as he tries to get his breathing under control. “Still can’t beat you, though.”

“Very few can boast that feat.”

“I’m not exactly sure if that’s supposed to make me feel any better or not. Do I get my prize at least?”

Tahlia tossed her braid over one shoulder with a laugh. “Come, then, let us rest in the caves. The sun is to set soon and we must make camp before we freeze to death.”

“Hypothermia is so last season. I’m way too cool for that.”

He didn’t know whether to be disappointed that Tahlia didn’t react to his pun. It was pretty clever, in his opinion.

('Puns are the lowest form of comedy,' said mind-Jazz.

Says the one who named the Box Ghost the ‘Crate Creep.’

'That’s alliteration, not a pun.')

It was kind of pathetic that even his mind-version of Jazz was smarter than him.

“What would you like to know first?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Sarcasm dripped from Danny’s voice. He sheathed his sword and let it hang loose at his side. “Maybe how old this mysterious brother of mine is?” Ancients, his life was weird enough already, it wasn’t supposed to sound like the B-plot to a bad soap opera.

“Damian is younger than you by a little over four years. He will turn eleven this year.”

“Huh. Never been an older brother before.”

“Perhaps you might have been, if circumstances had been different.”

Cryptic. Great. Danny stepped over a particularly large crack in the ice and scampered over to solid ground. “You gotta give me more than that. What’s he like?”

“Prideful,” she said. “But skilled enough to warrant it. He was raised like a prince—as how you should have been.”

“And he lives with…our dad?”

“Yes. In America.” The cave was deep enough to shield them from the worst of the eventual mountain winds. Tahlia had already started building a campfire with equipment from her knapsack, embers eating away and growing into a steady flame. He sat down, legs crossed, beside the fire, hands tucked beneath his armpits.

He bit his lip, a question forming in his mind. “Do…do we have the same dad?”

Tahlia looked up at him. “Of course. Only your father has had the privilege of being called my beloved, and only he is worthy enough to have sired my children.”

Once night fell, it fell quickly. Blanketing as far as Danny could see from the mouth of the cave in a thick darkness. Snow fell from the skies in thick tufts and covered their footsteps.

“Does he—do they know about me?”

“No, they do not.”

“And you probably aren’t going to tell them anything about me, if you could help it.”

“That is very perceptive of you, habeebi.”

“You won’t tell me anything more about them, will you?”

“In due time, I will.”

Danny blew part of his fringe away from his face. Figures.

Despite the ever-present niggling at the back of his mind, Bruce had yet to see what was in the flash drive. The weeks since his strange meeting with Vlad Masters suddenly exploded with criminal activity with the recent breakout in Arkham and the brewings of another gang war in the shadows of Gotham’s paved streets. It was all hands-on deck. And Bruce, whether as Batman or Wayne, had always prioritized Gotham and its citizens over anything else.

The flash drive remained on his person despite the crisis, tucked away in one of the sturdier compartments of his utility belt to prevent the data inside from becoming damaged. Sometimes he found his hands gravitating towards it, fingers brushing against the button that would release the mystery from its confines before he realized what he was doing and steeled himself. Hands fisted to his side and attention forcibly directed elsewhere.

Eventually, the rogues were placed back into Arkham, and Gotham let out a shuddered breath of relief as it remained standing for another day.

Most of the family were out on a light patrol, cleaning up the remains of the breakout and helping where they can. Jason and Dick bickering over the comms whilst Barbara laughed in her clocktower.

(“It’s not that bad.”

"‘It’s not that bad’—shut the fuck up.” Jason spat. Bruce could hear him revving his bike. “You’re a fucking idiot, you know that? Certified Grade A idiot. B’s gonna kill you.”

He could hear Dick roll his eyes. “Sure, pile it all on, Jaybird. Blame the victim.”

"It was your fault.”

“It’s not my fault I didn’t see it there!”

"You tripped and got a concussion. From a stick. A. Stick.”

“Can we please just leave that out of the report?” Dick groaned. Barbara laughed. “Oh god.”

“Richard motherfucking John Grayson. I swear if you vomit on me then—”

“I’m not gonna vomit on you! You just turned the corner a little too fast. It’s nice to see you care though.”

"Fuck no, I just don’t wanna smell like regurgitated cereal.”)

Damian was benched from a patrol. Their last conflict with Poison Ivy ended with Damian sticking a bad landing and twisting his ankle. He dealt with it with as much grace as can be expected. Meaning that he spent the last few days sulking as he caught up on his missed schoolwork and shooting daggers at everyone else who came back from patrol.

Bruce flicked the flash drive open and plugged it into the computer. The flash drive contained only a single folder dated six months ago.

He clicked it, and a news headline popped up.

LOCAL TEEN DIES AFTER DRIVING OFF CLIFF

Beneath it, a picture. Blue eyes. Black hair. A familiar face.

Blood pounded in Bruce’s ears. He could hear nothing except a sharp gasp from Damian behind him.

When Dick and Jason arrived at the batcave, it was to an eerie silence. Not that it was usually loud, only that Bruce spent most of his free time down in the cave and Dick had come to expect hearing some signs of him around. Typing on keys, the clicking of a mouse, the heavy thuds of a fist meeting a punching bag or a training dummy, etcetera, etcetera. Or maybe even Alfred cleaning up around the cave, feeding the bats, or restocking their med bay.

(Dick, it turned out, didn’t have a concussion. Probably. Not a severe one anyway. What mattered most was that he managed to convince Jason to have dinner at the Manor. Alfred was making a tarte tatin for dessert tonight and those were absolutely to die for. )

One of Tim’s cases took him to the other side of Gotham. The only person in the cave was Damian, who was staring agape at the batcomputer.

“Why the hell is the demon spawn looking at old pictures of Bruce? We get it. They look alike.

“Uh, Dami? What’s up?”

Damian snapped his mouth shut. “I believe it might be best if you asked father that, Grayson.” Despite his clipped tone, there seemed to be little anger in his voice. His proud shoulders were hunched over on the chair, eyes trained on his lap.

He looked so small.

Damian clucked his tongue. “He’s upstairs, if you need him. So is Pennyworth.”

Dick shot a glance at Jason who raised his hands in mock surrender. “You’re up golden boy. Whatever the fuck the old man’s problem is this time, I’m not dealing with it.”

Dick sighed. “Fine.”

There was a door in Wayne Manor that didn’t exist.

When Dick was a child and recently adopted by Bruce Wayne, one of the first things he did was explore the manor. It’s the prerogative of every child that somehow found themselves in a large mansion—even more so given the castle-like exteriors of Wayne Manor. All castles have secret passages, and if the Batcave lay in the subterranean depths below, then surely the manor proper must have its own secrets.

Dick would tumble and cartwheel along the hallways, opening any and every single door he came across. A lot of them were just empty bedrooms or unused parlors and sitting rooms; the furniture covered by white sheets to keep the dust away. Alfred was probably magic, but even he can’t keep the entirety of the manor dust free.

The majority of the unused rooms were unlocked.

Except for one.

It was a room in the west wing, on the second floor. A couple doors down from where Bruce’s and Dick’s were. Why it was locked, Dick never found out. But he was curious since it was the only room on that floor that remained shut.

When he asked Alfred about it, the old butler only said that it was an unused storage room they preferred to keep locked just in case. When he asked Bruce about it, he’d be quick to change the subject. Usually something Batman related. Which, well, always worked, because it was Batman related. And Dick, young and spry and itching to fly under Batman’s wings, would quickly forget about that curious little mystery in favor of punching bad guys in the face and flipping over rooftops.

At some point that locked door quietly disappeared, leaving a blank expanse of wallpaper and a decorative vase where it once stood. It was never brought up again. And Dick slowly forgot that it was ever there in the first place.

Until now.

The wooden table and vase were shoved off to the side. Wallpaper sliced away to reveal the lines of a doorway. The door, covered in its faint damask wallpaper, was kicked open, the wood around the bolt splintered and cracked. He could hear voices—Alfred’s and Bruce’s—speaking softly on the other side.

He pressed his back against the wall and kept his breathing quiet.

“Three times, Alfred.” Bruce’s voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper. “Three times she’s done this to me.”

“Master Bruce…”

“I don’t—I don’t understand why—” Bruce choked, swallowing a shuddered breath. “Damian, I can understand. Jason, I can too. But…This? I—” Bruce suddenly quieted. Dick knew the jig was up.

He unlatched himself from the wall and slowly slid through the once-hidden-door, a hand kept on the frame. “Um. Hi, Bruce? Alfred?” The words fell flat, stilted. Dick winced as he said them. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but, uh…” He trailed off the second he registered what was in the room.

It was large, as so many rooms in the manor were. The room was covered in peeling green wallpaper with faded pictures of baby deer and owls and other woodland creatures prancing about. There was a dresser on one wall. A shelf filled with little picture books and stuffed animals on the other. A brown teddy bear had fallen on its face on one of the shelves.

In the middle—where Bruce was hunched over—was a crib. The wood streaked and aged with time, the beddings within pristine and untouched, if not dusty. Hanging overhead was a mobile with little animals dangling on a string.

“Worry not Master Dick. It is good that you are here since it will inevitably involve the rest of the family at some point.”

Dick nodded absentmindedly, trying to lock eyes with his guardian. “B? What’s—what’s going on?” Dick took one step deeper into the room. “The pictures in the cave. I thought they were you since they were too old to be Damian—” Bruce’s hands on the crib’s railing flinched.

Dick’s breath hitched.

“They’re…not your photos, are they.”

Bruce took a deep breath in, the lines of his shoulders tense. “No. They’re not.”

In their line of work, the answer could have been anything. Clones, magical doppelgangers, alternate universe counterparts, hell, even just someone’s genetic code being coincidentally similar to another person. But…this room, this nursery, pointed towards only one conclusion.

“Who is he, Bruce?”

Bruce angled his head towards Dick, unshed tears glimmering in his eyes. “He’s my son, Dick.

“He’s my son.”

#danny phantom #batman #danny phantom x batman crossover #dp fic #phantom children.txt

[hauntedbythefanficsofmypast]

BatMom- Dick Grayson

This is the beginning of a five part series, starting with Richard Grayson.

Masterlist

Part 1[Here]

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Dick Grayson, Her First Bird.

Marinette sighed as she stepped out of her car thanking her driver as he pulled her luggage out of the trunk. She turned looking up at the mansion taking in the appearance and remembering how he described it all those years ago. When Marinette first got to know Bruce Wayne, before he broke her heart. Although she couldn’t place her blame on him, after all Bruce wasn’t looking for love. No, he was looking for revenge and Marinette was looking for love in the wrong place. They were two different people and while Bruce did love her, he didn’t love her. Marinette knew that, and she accepted that while it took sometime, she moved on. But now she was back after what she would call a cry for help, but Bruce would call a request for assistance. Although he would never really admit that he asked for help. 

She walked up to the door and knocked politely thinking of the person who would most likely answer. Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce’s honorary father, and technical butler. If the man was anything like Bruce described him he’d answer the door.

“Hello?” Alfred greeted open the door taking in Marinette’s stylish yet obviously comfy clothing. “Ah, you must be Miss Marinette, Master Bruce has told me much about you. You’re here to help him with Young Master Richard.” Marinette laughed softly pushing her sunglasses up allowing her to see her twinkling blue bell eyes. 

“Now Mister Pennyworth, you and I both know Bruce doesn’t ask for help. He implies that he needs it, but refuses to say the word. Then if you say it he will deny ever needing it.” Alfred let his lips twitch as he grabbed Marinette’s bags. Gesturing for her to enter the manor.

“Miss Marinette, I think I am going to enjoy having you around.”

Marinette walked calmly down the hall to Richard’s room, she paused taking a deep breath knocking gently on the door. “Richard may I come in?” She was silent, an understanding smile covering her face. She sat down by the door, side sitting as she slipped her shoes off. “Very well, I will not come in without your permission. However I simply cannot sit out here in silence, that’s much too boring and I abhor silence! Did you know turkeys were once worshipped as Gods? The Mayan people saw them as vessels of the Gods, so much so that they domesticated turkeys to have roles in religious rites. Sounds absolutely silly right? Though I can’t fault them as it is their beliefs, and they had not actually met Gods unlike me.” Marinette smiled as she heard another body sit down on the other side of the door. “In fact I believe they’d be surprised at how unbelievably silly they are! As well as tiny, but don’t let that trick you, even without their chosen human they pack a nasty punch. They are also very protective of those they call their own. Of course not many know that, very few have been blessed to be chosens, and unfortunately quite a few have abused the power. I fear that I may one day abuse it myself. Though my little Goddess always tells me it’s not possible.” The door creaked open slightly and one breathtakingly blue eye peered out at her.

“You’re a chosen?” He asked softly, causing Marinette to smile brightly, as she patted the spot right next to her.

“I am actually the Guardian of them, Tikki is my patron and I her champion. She is the Goddess of Creation and Good Luck, her opposite is Plagg God of Destruction and Bad Luck. Would you like to meet her?” Dick Grayson was quick to open his door and sit next to Marinette his eyes sparkling for the first time in a long time.”Tikki, come out and say hello.”

“Hello there.” Tikki said softly, flying around the young boy’s head giggling. “I’m Tikki and this is my chosen Marinette!”

“Hi I’m Richard Grayson, but I prefer Dick.”

“Nice to meet you Dick.”

“Golly Tikki! It’s nice to meet you too, and you Miss Marinette!”

———————————<3————————————

Dick Grayson, After the Fight.

Lady Noir slipped into the tower, careful not to let her power flare and alert the half demon her dear Robin had befriended. She made her way to the kitchen and began unpacking the groceries she had bought, leaving the Chinese take out on the counter. She didn’t even pause when the doors slid open revealing Robin. Who stared at her unimpressed, arms crossed and a slight glare in place. “I suggest you drop that glare Birdie, or else I shall not give you the Chinese I brought. Or the chocolate milk, I know it is still your favorite.” She turned to him with a smirk flipping her braid over her shoulder as she took in her baby bird.

“Did he make you come here?” He said with no emotion in his voice, but Lady Noir could hear the silent plead. The begging for her to say that Batman hadn’t sent her to reprimand his wayward bird. Lady Noir snorted as she unboxed the take out pulling out her favorite and breaking apart her chopsticks. 

“Nonsense, B can’t make me do everything for him. This is something he needs to fix himself.” She said before sitting down on the stool posture as elegant as ever. She calmly ate her Chow mein, waiting for her first bird to come to her. Robin glanced out the window before slowly making his way over sitting across from her at the breakfast bar. “Can’t a cat want to see her favorite bird?” She questioned looking at her noodles with an amused smile as Robin snorted.

“Considering you’re using Plagg instead of Tikki I am a little more worried.” Robin said surveying the hero in front of him, watching as her smile wavered. He hated when her smile waved; she had one of the most beautiful smiles he ever saw. He had always wanted to smile as brightly as she did, and never believed her when she said he already out did her. However since the split between him and Batman. Robin had rarely smiled. “Why is Lady Noir here and not Ladybug?” He questioned looking into her eyes, blue hidden by a green protection. Lady Noir placed her chopsticks down before reaching a shaking hand out to his cheek stopping short.

“Plagg, claws in.” She called softly letting the transformation drop before softly caressing his cheek, moving her other hand up to hold his face gently. Tilting it side to side to assure there were no injuries. “You know Tikki, if she came she’d refuse to leave without you.” Marinette said as her thumb gently brushed the bottom of Robin’s mask. “May I?” She asked softly, but Robin could see the desperation in her blue bell eyes. He grabbed her wrist gently squeezing it, not liking when her eyes closed in resignation. He panicked when she began pulling her hands away, and gently pulled them back to his face. Nodding as he enjoyed the familiar warmth. Marinette gave him a gentle smile as she removed the mask, revealing her Dickie Grayson almost all groan up. “There’s those beautiful blue eyes.” She said softly as a few tears fell from her own. “I’m sorry to intrude Dickie, but after-after what happened last month-I just-I wanted to-I had to see you. I had to see you in person myself. I need to make sure you are okay. Oh baby bird, when I saw you on the news frozen and unable to defend yourself. At the mercy of the Brotherhood of Evil, I-I was terrified.” Dick squeezed her hand gently before standing up and moving to the other side of the breakfast bar. He dragged her into his arms hugging her tightly wrapping his cape around them as best he could.

“I wasn’t scared.” He admitted softly as she cried on his shoulder. “They didn’t scare me, because I knew that no matter what. I knew that you’d come for me, I don’t know about Bruce anymore, but I knew you’d always come for me.”

———————————<3————————————

Dick Grayson, Ladybug v.s. Tarantula.

Ladybug landed gracefully on the build and launched herself at Tarantula tackling the girl off Nightwing. She gripped the girl by her throat slamming her head against the concrete with an almost inhuman growl. Straddling the girls hips asuring no chance of escape before viciously rain punches down on her.

“How. Dare. You.” She growled stopping after the fifth punch, snapping out and grabbing the arm Tarantula tried to hit her with. She glared before breaking the girl's wrist in her grip. “How dare you lay your hands on my bird. How dare you attempt to rape him!” She growled out standing up and dragged the girl up by her ponytail. “Kaalki, open a portal.” She dragged the girl to the portal ignoring her attempts to get away.

“I don’t kill, in that department you are unlucky. You see, I’m going to send you somewhere no one knows about. You will never see another human being for the rest of your life. Have fun little girl, for you shall never hurt another again.” Ladybug growled out the fire in her eyes scaring Catalina.

“No please! No I’m sorry, forgive me!” She cried out but was ignored as Ladybug threw her through the portal.

“Close it Kaalki.” She said both her and the God ignoring the girls cries. “I don’t not forgive rapists.” She turned back to her blue bird hurrying over and pulling the sobbing young man into her arms. Cradling and rocking him slowly, he wrapped his arms around her waist crying into her shoulder. “I got you baby bird, let it out. I’m here now, I’m here you’re safe. I’ve got you I’m right here.” She whispered softly, running her fingers through his hair. “I’ve got you.” She kissed his temple softly. 

———————————<3————————————

Dick Grayson, Batman’s Cowl.

She leaned against the clock tower watching Batman on his first patrol with his Robin. A frown on her face as she watched them feeling older than ever when she never heard the familiar cackle. No, there would be no cackles in Gotham for a long while. She watched as the Batmoblie rolled into an alleyway, and the duo jumped down. She looked up at the sky begging herself not to cry, at the cruelty of life. Her blue bird was never meant for the cowl but there was nothing she could do. Her bird was anything if not stubborn, he had made his decision and she would not be mad like the League was. No, she would support him and her newest bird. No matter how violent he was towards her. She’d be there every step of the way to make sure the cowl didn’t darken her Birdie.

———————————<3————————————

Dick Grayson, Court of Owls.

Lady Noir glared down at the man below her as her combined powers from Tikki and Plagg rippled.

“The Gray Son belongs to the Court.” William Cobb said to her emotionlessly from where he stood above her bird. Nightwing-no his mask was gone, that was her Richard, her Dickie staring up at her with those terrified blue eyes.

“You’re wrong he belongs to no one but himself.” She said firmly, taking in her bird’s unfortunately great grandfather. “And if I have to beat that into you to prove it, so be it. No one, especially not blood lays a hand on my bird and gets away with it.” She flung her yo-yo out wrapping it around his wrist and yanking him forward and off balance. Before propeling herself forward with her baton. Beginning a dangerous dance of which she refused to lose.

“Hey baby bird.” She said softly, hiding her pain as her transformation dropped. She sank to her knees pulling his head into her lap gently playing with his hair. “I’ve got you.” Dick sobbed softly into her lap letting his emotions run freely. Coming to terms with the fact that Haley’s Circus wasn’t his home, they were simply grooming him to be a killer. Taking comfort in his one constant since the loss of his parents. His heart breaking even more over the fact that they had planned to hand him over to them. He knew Marinette would never, she’d never do that to him.

———————————<3————————————

Dick Grayson, Death of her Eldest.

Marinette sat despondent as she started at the casket in front of her. Tears falling down her face hidden by a black veil. Her eldest was gone, she’d lost another child. She couldn’t protect another one of her boys, how many would she fail. Tikki and Plagg sat on her shoulders hidden by her black graying hair and her veil. A sob broke from her as she brought one hand up to her face. Attention landing on the mourning mother who finally broke since the news. Since her first baby bird died and she wasn’t there, just like she wasn’t there for her Jay-bird. Life was cruel, so cruel to take two of her birds from her. People turned away from the mother allowing her to let her grief out, they all knew it was a terrible fate. To outlive your children, she had no idea of the three boys wishing to comfort her. Yet fearing they’d make it worse.

———————————<3————————————

Dick Grayson Becomes Ric Grayson.

Yes she had been deeply upset to find out her eldest had faked his death. Then she had been pissed at Bruce for telling her Baby bird the family would know. She resolved to spend as much time as she could with her birds. She never thought it would backfire like this, never thought she’d watch her son get shot in the head. Yet here she was by his bedside in Gotham Advance Medical Hospital. She had barely left his side since, she didn’t want to lose her son again. So every day she sat there holding his hand and reading books out loud to him. They day those beautiful blues opened though had not been happy, for what mother would be happy when the rule son asks who they are. It was weeks later that she finally visited again, breaking into ‘Ric’s’ apartment. “Shit, pulling stuff like this will get ya shot lady.” Rick grumbled looking at the unfamiliar woman with graying black hair.

“Please you wouldn’t shoot me, even now guns make you uncomfortable.” Marinette states calling him out and causing the man to tense. “I’m not here to fight, I just could leave without saying goodbye please allow me that.” She took his silence as a go ahead, still not turning around to look at him. “The day I realized I saw you as my son was amazing yet heartbreaking. I loved you so much, you were my boy yet I knew I would never be your mother. I watched you grow into such an amazing and beautiful young man, and now I’ve lost you again. Only this time you may never remember me.” She stood up and turned to Ric not hiding her tears as she cradled his face. “I will always love you.” She said softly kissing his forehead before stepping back and walking past him closing the door behind her as she left. Leaving Ric feeling as if someone important had just left.

 ———————————<3————————————

Dick Grayson, Remembrance.

“Not Ric.” He said softly, staring at the ground before slamming his foot down and breaking the crystal. “Dick” He said, turning to Barbara-Batgirl, turning to Batgirl and Beatrice smiling softly. “It’s Dick and I need to find my mom. I need to apologize to her as soon as possible.” Batman landed besides Batgirl the rest of the bat family following. “Let’s hurry up and take care of Joker. I need to see mom.”

Dick walked through the door to Marinette’s penthouse, holding take out from her favorite Chinese place. “Is that you Jay-bird? Did you guys take care of the Joker? I’m sorry I couldn’t help. I wish I never sprained my ankle.” He heard her sigh softly from the couch as she hadn’t turned around yet. “Jason? Baby bird don’t ignore me.” She called out slightly annoyed but he could hear the underlined affection. “Jason Todd-Wayne I swear.” She turned on the couch gasping when her eyes met his eyes. “Hi mom, I’m home.” He said softly rubbing the back of his head.

“Oh baby bird, oh my boy!” She cried out trying to stand as she started crying. She limped  around the couch, causing him to rush towards her wrapping his arms around her waist. 

“Hey mom, sorry for hurting you.”

“Oh my baby bird, I’m so happy.”

———————————<3————————————

Dick Grayson, his Wedding day.

She stood by the door watching him adjust his tie as he looked in the mirror just making it worse. “Honestly Dickie, are you ever going to get a tie right?” She teased walking over and slowly fixing it. She brushed it down gently, her eyes tearing up when she spotted the bluebells in his breast pocket. “Birdie.” She said softly reaching up with her right hand and cupping his cheek gently. “I am so proud of you.” She whispered as a tear slid down her face. “You’ve grown so much and now you’re marrying a beautiful woman that loves you so much.” Dick gently wiped the tear off her cheek. 

“Don’t cry. I hate when you cry, it makes me feel guilty.” He said causing Marinette to snort as she shook her head. Tikki flew out from her hiding place in Marinette’s clutch doing a circle around Dick. “Hello Tikki, I’ve missed you.” Tikki smiled softly at the man standing in front of her.

“And I you Young Grayson, if I may I wish to give you my wedding gift now.” She flew up kissing his forehead gently giggling as her power rippled around him. “Young Grayson, I grant you and your chosen mate Good Luck and Fortune in your future together.” Dick looked at her in surprise while Marinette shook her head looking at her Patron.

“You always have to outdo me.”

#batmom #batman #miraculoustalesofladybugandcatnoir #miraculous fandom #miraculous fanfic #miraculous tales of ladybug and chat noir #miraculous ladybug #marienette dupain cheng #batfam dick grayson #dick grayson #bruce wayne #tikki #plagg #tikki and plagg #tikki and marinette

[mydeardeath]

Forever mine

TimDamiWeek day two : League of Assassins

Sorry for any mistakes, this was not proofread.

Also on AO3

¤

Tim is no longer a vigilante, not really. He still worked as the new oracle on a regular basis, but he was rarely on the street himself. Most of his time was dedicated to WE and to creating a better future. He had abandoned his role as CEO to work for the research department, putting his brain to good use. While most of his projects were for clean energy, he also worked on better equipment for the bats. 

It had been weird to hang up his cape, for him and the family. He had been the first one to abandon the R peacefully and chose his own replacement. He hadn't known Duke that well at the time, but he never regretted choosing him. The man had easily fit into the family, Bruce hadn't complained much, and Jason had been accepting of the new Robin.

A few years had passed since he had hung up the cap, and he had picked up his habit of following the dynamic duo at night. He did not indulge in it that often, but they were nights where he would climb on rooftops and watch the action from afar. Tonight had been one of those nights. Tim had finished his most recent project and had taken a few days off. He sat upon a building overlooking the diamond district, offering a great view of the fight going on below. It still amazed him to see Dick flying through the air, even after so many years spent working alongside the man.

A few months back, he would have been tempted to jump in to fight alongside Dick, but now he just appreciated the show. Dick is going up against a major threat, just kicking the ass of a few wannabe robbers.

The night is somewhat calm for Gotham, and Tim doesn't see the attack. One minute his eyes were on the street below, the next he's swaying dangerously on the roof's edge. He had barely time to regain his footing that another blow came to hit him in the back. He thankfully managed to avoid the next one and rolled back to a safer place.  It doesn't take long for his attacker to come at him again, but this time he's facing him. It took a split second for Tim to identify his opponent as League of assassins. His memory takes him back to his meetings with Pru, Z, and Owen. He had not hesitated to fight them. This man, even standing alone, seemed more dangerous than they were. It's obvious by his stance that the guy has proper training, but what made Tim anxious were his own abilities. Tim was still dangerous himself, but he imagined that this man trained more frequently than him recently. Probably studied Tim's fighting style before attacking him, knowing the level of preparation the league put behind its assassination attempts. Tim can't afford to make a mistake. Hell, he should call Bruce or someone, but he doubted the assassin would let him make a call or even reach for his phone. 

They danced around each other, exchanging a few blows. Tim could see that the man was holding back as if he was playing with his prey and waiting for him to get tired. He needed to find a way out of it, quickly.

His biggest hope might be to catch Dick he was still near him, but that would mean giving his back to that guy, and Tim didn't like that idea much. He still decided to attempt it. He packed a powerful punch toward his assailant before taking off to the next building's roof. Tim had never been the strongest in the family, but he was fast. He also had the advantage of having spent years on those rooftops and knew them better than this man. In the end, it didn't matter at all. The man didn't try to catch up to him, just threw a small knife to his leg that made him lose his balance. Then the man jumped after him. He was on Tim in no time, katana in hand. He managed to avoid the first slash but, soon, he felt the blade sliced through his skin. The wound wasn't deep, but the assassin kept going, covering his body in cuts. 

Tim retaliated with a few blows of his own or attempted to anyway. The man was more than good. He could read him so easily, and Tim stood even less chance as time passed as his movement became slower and sloppier while his assailant was moving with grace, dancing around him. Tim fell to the ground a few minutes later, hitting his head hard on the floor. He tried to stand, but a harsh blow to the head made his vision blur, and all he could do was try to crawl away. 

That was not how he had imagined dying. 

 ***

 Tim startled awake to the sound of his alarm clock. He attempted to reach for his phone, but searing pain stopped him midway. Yesterday's fights came back to him, and Tim wondered how he was still alive. It had looked like an assassination, not a kidnapping.

Tim slowly pushed himself in a sitting position in the bed, in arms straining under the effort of carrying his aching body. His wounds had been tended to and bandaged. Some painkillers were even waiting for him on the nightstand, next to his phone and some clean clothes.

Somebody had taken him to what seemed to be a hotel suite and taken care of him. Whoever it had been, wasn't part of their family or they would have taken him to the batcave. It didn't seem that Tim would have an answer quite yet about his mysterious savior. He couldn't hear a sound in the suite, and unless his savior was hiding, he was completely alone.

Tim didn't want to stay in bed too long and force himself up despite his body's protests. He needed to inform Bruce of what had happened. He wasn't a fool, the league didn't like to leave jobs unfinished, and the whole fiasco of the previous was proof enough that Tim couldn't protect himself from that threat. The realization had not been pleasant. But keeping in shape was apparently not enough, not against that kind of opponent.

Once he managed to gather the energy to get dressed and inspect the room(to no avail, there was no clue of who had brought him here), he hailed a taxi to drive to the manor. He was far too tired to make the trip to his own house and take his car.

Tim hoped that the driver hadn't recognized him, he didn't need to make the front page while looking beaten up. That would be hard to explain to the press, and Tim still didn't like dealing with them despite how many times he had to. 

Tim gave him a good tip before exiting the car, hoping he would keep silent about dropping off a beaten up man at Wayne Manor. Then he made his way to the front door where Alfred had appeared. The butler led him straight to the medbay with a somber expression. He knew that Tim wasn't the kind to get in a fight. That was not supposed to happen to him now that he was retired.

The cave was empty at this hour. Bruce was probably sound asleep at this hour, and nobody else was living at the manor nowadays. Tim let Alfred examine him in silence, still tired and preferring to wait for Bruce to start speaking. He was sure to get a thorough interrogation, so he didn't see the need to tell Alfred every detail right now, simply informing him that it was the league of assassins.

Tim was glad to learn that he didn't have any kind of internal injury. He had hit the ground pretty hard, but he was not concussed. The only problem Tim could have to face now was septicemia because of his weaker immune system. Alfred would keep an eye on him to check he didn't forget his medication, and that would give even more of an excuse to make him stay at the manor for a while.

 ***

 Tim couldn't shake off the feeling that he was being watched. He had already checked his room twice for cameras, and even though he had found none, he still felt observed. It was hard to tell if the presence if was feeling was a friendly one, watching his back, or an enemy waiting to strike him down.

He knew that Bruce was worried about the league of assassins. Batman hadn't run into Ra's Al Ghul in a while, and Bruce couldn't decipher why he would send his men after Tim now. Tim's works with Wayne Enterprise didn't interfere with any of the league business. There was nothing he could think of that would explain the sudden interest in Tim.

Everyone was worried about him. Bruce had demanded that Cass came home. She was by far the best fighter in the family and had been assigned as his unofficial bodyguard. Wherever he went, she was never far.

Usually, Tim would appreciate the time spent in her company, but he could tell she was tense. She was better at hiding than most, but they had known each other for a while, and Tim had been getting good at reading her microexpressions. 

Not that Tim was faring better. Barely a day after he had gotten to the manor, he had received a gift elegantly wrapped. Bruce had been the one to open it in the batcave, not trusting a mysterious package arriving shortly after the attack.

The box hadn't exploded as they opened or anything of the kind. It simply held a dagger on a velvet pad. A very ancient and beautiful one, that was still sharp and ready to use. Guessing the origin of the dagger wasn't a hardship, especially considering the note that accompanied it. "You should always be prepared, Timothy."

That was a warning, Tim was sure. The assassin was playing with him. He wanted Tim to offer a bit more of a challenge. 

Bruce had taken the note and analyze it thoroughly, from the type of paper to the handwriting. It was a lot of effort for nothing. It was unlikely that any of Ra's assassins would be in the cave database. Bruce didn't like not knowing why Tim was suddenly targeted by the league and not being able to predict when the next attack would come.

The next days passed in a tense atmosphere. Tim tried to relax and appreciate the time he got off work, but there were always shadows or doors creaking that made him jump to his feet, ready to fight for his life. That was not the greatest time off Tim could have had.

Tim was glad to be back at his office, finally able to take his mind off the attack to concentrate on his work, even if it meant waking up thirty minutes earlier than usual to put on make-up to cover his bruises.

Tim smiled at his secretary as if he was perfectly rested and had an awesome time during his break. She returned it with a knowing smile as if she was on a secret. Tim was pretty dumbfounded. He didn't think he had fooled her enough that she would actually think he had had that sort of fun while he was away. She seemed pretty excited nonetheless and Tim finally understood why when he entered his office. There was a beautiful bouquet of red tulips waiting for him in his office. Tim wasn't an expert when it came to the language of flower but it was pretty sure that red was the color of passion or something like that. It was doubtful that it was the company or a client sending it to him to say "good job".

Tim dismissed his secretary and gave a suspicious glare at the flowers. He had not been on a date in a while or even flirted with anyone recently. There was no reason for him to receive such a thing. Tim was almost tempted to send the flowers to be analyzed in case there were hiding poisonous spores but he would most likely pass as a madman to his employees. Still, he put in a far corner of the room, near the windows with the prepared excuse that flowers needed the sun to thrive. In a few days, it would be deemed acceptable for him to throw them away without generating gossip about him turning down an affectionate lover.

Tim spent most of his time working in the labs instead of his office, all to avoid the bouquet. Maybe he was just paranoid, but he preferred to be careful. Plus, that allowed him to also avoid his secretary who seemed to make him want to spill interesting details so that she could report them to the rest of the employees. Not that there was any to give. Tim just preferred to avoid the subject.

 ***

 A week after he had gone back to work, Bruce deemed it safe enough for him to go back to his own loft. Alfred had dropped off some casseroles while Tim was still in his office, so Tim could sink onto his couch to eat a delicious meal while watching some shitty tv show.

It's only the following morning that he noticed the flowers in his room. A bouquet of purple hyacinth this time, according to the quick search he made. 

Somehow, he doubted those had been from Alfred too. There was a note accompanying it this time, still handwritten in the same beautiful calligraphy. "Please accept my sincerest apologies, Timothy."

That had Tim wondering. Had the assassin not been sent by Ra's? He hadn't thought of one of Ra's agent going rogue. It could explain why he had never come back. Betraying Ra's often meant death.

Ra's Al Ghul wasn't the kind to lie, not like that anyway. If he had been the one threatening Tim's life, he wouldn't have tried to pretend otherwise. And the man did have a weird obsession with Tim at some point that could explain the tulips.

Tim wasn't one hundred percent sure that his life was no longer in danger, but he did finally start to relax.

Three weeks after the initial attack, Tim's peace was once again shattered. It was a different assassin this time. Not one trained by the league or with any real experience, Tim was sure of it as the man started to taunt him instead of doing his job, telling him how much money he would make from killing him and what he would do with that much in his pocket. His obvious excitation was short-lived as a bullet pierced his skull right in front of Tim. Tim saw the man's eyes widen suddenly in stupor just before he fell to the ground, lifeless.

Assassins were a daily occurrence after that, Tim having up to three attempts to his life in the span of twenty-four hours. Not that Tim expected anything else when he learned how much his head was worth. It seemed that if Ra's hadn't been behind the first attempt to his life, then it had given him an idea. 

Weirdly enough, it seemed that all his attackers were taken down by the league's own agents before they could do any harm to him. It was as if Ra's was trying to eliminate all competition. But, Tim hardly understood why he had to be involved in that business.

It went on for weeks. Weeks spent worrying about an attack that may never come. Tim didn't understand why the league was stalling this much to finish the job. So he decided to finally act instead of waiting for assassins to attack again.

Without warning anyone of his intentions, Tim boarded a plane headed to Ra's latest known location. The probability that the man was still in a known base was very low, but Tim would try nonetheless. 

Tim hesitated once he landed. He didn't have much of a plan, beyond demanding an audience with Ra's. He could be killed as soon as he crossed the threshold, and none would be the wiser. Tim wondered if he had really been the smarter Robin once upon a time, sure didn't felt like it now.

Tim took a hesitant step out of the plane before steeling himself. Showing weakness would do him no good, the least he could do was appear confident.

Guards watched him climb up the stairs without a word, not showing any signs that they would try to stop him even going as far as opening the door for him, slightly bowing as he passed. Tim's face was blank, seeming emotionless, but he was freaking out. It was almost as if his arrival had been expected, awaited even.

The White Ghost himself came to greet Tim quickly. It was yet another one. Ra's had gone through a few in past years. None had last long since his son's death.

Tim was lead to a grand room where a man that on a throne. The first thought when Tim's eyes felt on him was that the man looked regal in his green robe.  The second he said aloud: "You're not Ra's Al Ghul." 

The man seemed familiar even if Tim couldn't pinpoint from where, but not the leader of the league Tim knew. Definitely too young, the pit never made Ra's rejuvenated that way. Could be that Ra's soul had been transferred to a new body. He really hoped not.

"Ra's Al Ghul is the title of the one leading the League of Assassins, which I am. The man that preceded me is dead. For good."

"Did you kill him?" The question was out of Tim's mouth before he could stop himself. But the man didn't seem offended by the accusation.

"I did. Grandfather wanted to use my body as a vessel for himself. I choose to take his empire instead. It was my birthright, after all."

"You are Talia's son." They hadn't been aware that the Al Ghul family had expended. Tim hoped that hadn't been done with just the idea to provide a new body to Ra's. That would be twisted and horrible for the guy to be born for that sole purpose. And despite the moral instilled by his mentor, Tim found it hard to condemn Ra's murder.

"And Bruce's. I think you know my father rather well."

"What?"

Tim was having a hard time processing that bit of information. The man didn't seem to be lying, but how could the 'greatest detective' have ignored that bit of information.

"I believe you did not come to talk of my lineage, Timothy. I would like to reiterate my apology for hurting you the first time we met."

"That was you?"

"I'm afraid that yes. I had just taken control of the league, and I wanted to consolidate my power by eliminating all that Grandfather had seen as potential successors. Thankfully I saw your mark before my mistake became irreparable. I see now that you are not a threat to my reign. I will never again cause you harm. And I doubt any other will after all that tried in the last few weeks and failed. The world must have gotten my message."

"I'm not quite sure I understand."

The man stood to cross most of the distance separating him from Tim, stopping only a few feet away. His face only showed determination as he took the hem of his clothes in his hands and started to divest.

"Ra's." Tim stammered out, not quite knowing how to refer to the man.

"You may call me Damian, habibi." 

Tim didn't react to the pet name, his eyes fixated on his mark adorning Damian's skin. Their soulmark.

Tim gaped inelegantly, short of words to express his emotion. He was beyond shocked. He hadn't given much thought to his mark in years. Not many had one, and finding one's match was rare as most people preferred to ignore it to make their own choices.

"I would like to offer you a place at my side to lead the league."

Tim was about to answer but Damian shushed him.

"Do not think of what the league had done so far, but what you could do with its many resources. Take your time to think about it. I will in Gotham in a few days, you can tell me your answer over a date."

Damian escorted back to his plan, bidding his goodbye to Tim with a single blossom of red salvia. A token of his intentions.

Tim was quite relieved that Damian didn't insist he stay longer. He had a lot to think about and some time alone would do him some good.

A true partner of Batman should have said no right away, but Tim saw all the possibilities, all the changes he could bring to the world with the league shaped to his image. The proposition was tempting and Tim was already making plans in his mind.

Tim wasn't quite sure what to make of Damian. The man's apparent desire to date, since he was not based on anything relevant. But Tim's love's life had been non-existent since Tam and he could admit that sometimes he got pretty lonely. He could even admit that Damian was easy on the eyes when he wasn't trying to kill him. It wouldn't hurt to go on a date. 

The only problems were Damian's role as the leader of a criminal organization that his family had often fought against. And that he was Bruce's son.

Tim rolled the flower between his fingers, a soft smile on his face. For once, he would take time to enjoy his life and worry later. He didn't have to tell anything to his mentor and let Damian deal with it when the time came. It sounded like a good plan.

#TimDami #timdamiweek2020 #damitim

[clean-bands-dirty-stories]

The Best Things ~ J.V. (part 12)

A/n: I would like to apologize for not marking warnings on each part like I should have been. I get too excited to post and skip over them on accident. I’ll do my best to add them from here on! Also, I was adding the warnings as I wrote but then they didn’t save so I tried to remember them as best I could. If I forgot anything, I sincerely apologize.

Warnings: Recounting past trauma (physical abuse, homophobia), explicit talk of death, badly handling others’ trauma, light smut (foreplay: slapping, choking, degradation, daddy kink, handcuff restraining, brat/dom dynamic, punishing, teasing, masterbation)

Word Count: 5200+

MASTERLIST

The air was so thick with tension that a knife could have cut through it. No matter how much Harley was fighting his instincts to lounge and be himself - the self Jeremiah was used to, at the very least - he felt like he had to be the self he used to be. The one Bruce was expecting. Jeremiah knew Harley was trying too hard, and Jeremiah was far too easy to read - which meant that Bruce knew too. So Harley sat there trying to behave and Bruce sat there brimming with suspicion and pain and hesitation and Jeremiah sat between the two boys, wishing this had never happened and he could just escape the two brothers who seemed seconds from either running or fighting.

Echo, as if sent from God, walked into the room with a pitcher of water. They were at Jeremiah's instead of Wayne manor as Harley had absolutely no intention of being back there or anywhere near Alfred. The butler was far too good at accepting change, which meant that the man might pick up on the fact that Harley was no longer Y/n and the whole thing would fall apart. Honestly, it seemed like so much work. Harley wasn't sure why this plan was so important but Jerome was feeding off of it so Harley did it anyway because he'd said he would. If this is where Jerome lead, Harley would follow.

"So," Echo cut into the silence as she walked around pouring drinks. "How is everyone this evening?"

Harley smiled at her, amused. She was poorly hiding a sort of awkward expression that was dashed with a little humor. She was mocking them in her head; Harley could almost hear what she was thinking. A bunch of dumb boys sitting around a table unable to swallow their pride. Idiots. "Oh you know," Harley mumbled casually, shrugging. "Indulging." He motioned to his food but his words were obviously directed at the ambiance.

"Having a good time?" Echo asked.

"Not at all," Harley immediately answered with the same casual, chipper tone. Jeremiah choked on his drink as he laughed at the exchange. The humor delivered saltiness in Harley's voice and the passive aggressive mocking in Echo's had always been an exchange that could make Jeremiah chuckle at least a little. Echo and Harley were very good at banter and it lightened the mood significantly every time they went at it. After all, it was just in good fun. Bruce seemed to relax as a smile curled everyone else's lips. "So... Harley." His lips seemed to want to reject the name.

Harley's smile dropped. Hearing Bruce call him that made him uncomfortable. Not just because he was nervous about Bruce not calling him Y/n as he had all up until this point but because he had cut Bruce out of this new life very purposefully and now... he was in it anyway. "Yes?"

Echo sighed and left the room as she sensed Harley jerk back, even with her attempt to loosen everyone up. Jeremiah focused on his food. Bruce looked at Harley but Harley did not look back, instead choosing to stare at the door Echo had gone through. "Why Harley?"

That was an easy question. "When I was in Arkham, a few of the guards used to beat the shit out of me every single day to try and convince me to be straight." Harley looked Bruce in the eye when he said this, completely calm. He had long since gotten over it. "They even put me in isolation to keep me away from people who might protect me or care about me."

"Jerome." Bruce didn't form it like a question.

Harley answered anyway. "Yes. But see this is a smaller world than everyone thought and my therapist, Harleen Quinzel, became my friend instead. She's like me, but for girls." Bruce nodded, accepting that. "They couldn't kill me without having to mark me as a loss. That and they'd have lost their punching bag. To teach me a lesson, they killed her. And then made sure the TV that was never supposed to be on the news would be on the news, on just the channel and at just the time that would allow me to see her bloody, bruised, cold, dead body strewn out for the public to see. And no one gave a single shit because no crimes in Gotham get solved unless someone important is involved. And even then- well, you know first hand."

Bruce's expression grew very dark. "I didn't know."

"Of course you didn't," Harley purred, still eating as if he was talking about the weather.

Jeremiah has stopped eating. "People are really like that?" His voice was small and his eyes moved to Bruce, his hands tightening around his silverware as if picturing Bruce's face cold and dead and staring at him through a TV. Bruce felt his eyes and looked back to Jeremiah, but the red head averted his gaze to Harley instead. "I mean, people really act like that just because of... how someone loves?"

Harley nodded, swallowing the food in his mouth. It tasted like sand but he kept eating it. It made him feel powerful to while the others in the room had forgotten their food altogether. Although... Perhaps he hadn't chewed it as well as he thought because it felt as if it had gotten stuck somewhere along the way. A thick lump had lodged for a second and a sick feeling had settled in the bottom of his stomach. He hadn't thought about that image in so long... the daily bearings and the isolation and the one ray of light he'd gotten being extinguished and displayed because he had dared to be himself and therefore allowed her to do the same. Because they were different than how most people were.

"Do you know who did it?" Bruce asked.

"Yeah." That didn't seem to be the answer Bruce was expecting. "This isn't great table conversation," Harley eased, changing the subject. "But that is why I go by Harley. Do you like it?"

Bruce shrugged. "Do you still go by Wayne?"

Internally, Harley sighed. "Harley Quinn."

At that Bruce nodded. "You're not coming back are you?"

Harley laughed dryly. "You're not very good at casual, light conversation are you Brucey?"

"Don't call me that," Bruce snapped, body going stiff.

Rolling his eyes, Harley sat back in his seat. "Why not?" It came out harsher than Harley had meant it.

Meeting hostility with hostility, Bruce got angry as well. "Because that's what Jerome called me, and after how many times he tried to kill me it's not a name I like."

"Get over it," Harley sneered. "It's just a name and we're in Gotham. Trauma is kind of a part of life here. Adapt or get trampled."

Bruce jerked back. "Get over it? Since when are you...?" He trailed off, as if hesitating, before his face set and he finished his sentence with a much harder tone. "Like Jerome."

Harley felt his knuckles turn white. "Stop saying that like it's a bad thing." "It is!" Bruce hissed.

Harley shot to his feet, dropping his silverware on the table. Jeremiah flinched but Harley didn't notice. Bruce did. "Look, Jerome is fucked up and dark and broken. He doesn't have a grip on reality or know how to human because he wasn't fucking treated like one. He killed people. He was crazy and insane and unhinged and dangerous. Yeah! You know what else he was? He was understanding and accepting. He got why people lived their lives differently than he did and didn't really judge anyone, ever. He thought they were boring and chose to live differently, sure, but he lived to make people laugh and have fun. Maybe his sense of fun was fucked up, but he genuinely just wanted people to laugh along with him for once. He didn't hide who he really was. He wasn't ashamed. He didn't shun me and shove me in a corner and try to change me. He accepted who I was. He CELEBRATED me. I'd rather be with him than at this stupid fucking dinner or anywhere near you because I'm not some poor gay boy who needs saving. I'm strong and I matter and I FINALLY love myself, and you won't ever take that away from me because you see self respect and see Jerome because no one taught you that you are more important than everyone else. I refuse to sit here and let you try and turn me into some pathetic whiny brooding mess who's never happy because my priorities are fucked up. I won't be you. That isn't my goal anymore."

The room was dead quiet. For a long time, no one said anything. The brothers just stared each other down until Bruce shook his head. "Perhaps this was a bad idea."

Jeremiah pinched the bridge of his nose. "You guys are idiots." The other two in the room looked at the red head with shock. "My brother is dead, and honest to god it's a relief that he is. He's out of my life and I'm safe from him. I never had the chance to have a real relationship with him. I used to read the newspaper about your family and think that you guys were some kind of dream. Two brothers that loved each other despite everything and parents that were like... actually good people on any level." He sighed. "Obviously I was wrong. You're too busy trying to make him how he used to be." This he directed at Bruce. "And you're too busy hurting and bottling up your emotions and pushing everyone away to let anyone care about you or see the real you." This was for Harley. Jeremiah didn't stop when both other boys went to speak though. "Just shut up and make this work because you guys are the only true family you each have left. Harley, you grew up and I have to say you wear your changes very well. You're happier and sturdier and if someone isn't happy about that then they're insane. Right, Bruce?"

The Wayne boy hesitated before giving in. "Yeah. I am happy for you. I should have started with that. I just... I'm scared for you."

"Why?" Harley demanded, exasperated.

"Because I don't want you to become Jerome. I don't want you to end up like that. I don't want you to be some criminal, when you used to be the best person I knew. You said your life goal used to be being like me? No. I wanted so much to be like you. You couldn't speak about a huge part of you, but you accepted it with the knowledge no one else ever would. I refused to even look at the fact that I'm attracted to guys until you and Jerome got together and then..." his eyes shot to Jeremiah and then back. "Things happened and- and you were always so bright and happy and free. Like a bird in flight or- something." He shook his head. "You were inspiring, Y/n. Seeing you like this... it looks like you've been broken. And I just want to bring back that light you had before. When you seemed so much happier."

"I'm not broken." Harley looked at the boy who was supposed to be his brother. The boy who used to be his best friend before one lie after another had pulled them further and further apart until they were on completely opposite sides. Secrets had torn their relationship up into so many little bits it could never be repaired. They were just too different now. "I'm not lost or struggling. I'm just not... sitting there and pretending all the bad things aren't happening. The friends I have now actually like and respect me as a person, not just because I'm Y/n Wayne. I'm myself, proudly, and I wear my experiences as a reminder of what I can endure. Things hurt less. What you see isn't some poor boy waiting to be saved. It's darkness. And maybe that scares you, because you're used to hiding your darkness. But darkness, Bruce, isn't a bad thing. Darkness is what makes us who we are. Like everything it can be used as a weapon, but Darkness itself isn't dangerous. What you do with it is."

Bruce considered that for a long time. "That... is a good point."

Jeremiah released a breath. "So... truce?" The boys looked at each other before shrugging. Harley sat back down. Jeremiah seemed pleased. "Okay, now lets talk about something a little more pleasant."

"So you mean literally anything other than what any of us have been up to recently?" Harley sassed. Jeremiah shot him a look. "Okay fine whatever." He searched for some light conversation. "So you guys are like boyfriends now or what?"

That seemed to make Bruce and Jeremiah both blush and the air in the room cleared significantly. Harley pulled off being cheery and invested as he teased and prodded and asked questions and engaged. Things almost seemed like they used to be when Bruce and Y/n would sit with their parents and Bruce mentioned a girl and Y/n would go off about how he was going to be the best man or the world would surely end... but Harley wasn't Y/n and Jeremiah wasn't their parents. This wasn't Wayne Manor and as good of a server as Echo was, she wasn't a butler. She wasn't Alfred.

Under the light tone, Harley formed a plan. A plan he carried out as he and Bruce began to hang out more and more as time passed that night and stretched for a while. Jerome became nocturnal in favor of being awake when Harley finally returned at home. The boys would spend some time together and then sleep and then Harley would wake up and go out and spend time with Bruce and Jeremiah again. Slowly the time with the other boys began to cut into Harley's time with Jerome and both he and Harley were getting restless. They'd begun arguing about it.

"Stay in tonight," Jerome whined.

"Bruce wants me to come back to Wayne manor tonight." Harley sighed, an odd expression on his face. "I've finally earned his trust and am getting along with him - as much as it pains me. I think Jeremiah is talking to him when I'm not around, convincing him to behave and respect my boundaries. He calls me Harley and has stopped expecting me to be the person I used to be. I don't know, I think he'll be enough to convince Alfred though I might have to try a tad harder." He rubbed his forehead. "Soon I'm sure I'll be chummy with them again and that'll definitely lead to interacting with all of Bruce's friends - which will be a whole other adventure of its own."

Jerome huffed. "If you're going back to Wayne manor, won't Bruce want you to move back in?"

The thought had occurred to Harley if he was being honest. Where did he draw the line in being buddy buddy with his brother again? Where did he stop things? How far did Jerome want him to go? "Probably," Harley voiced, shrugging. There was a long pause. Jerome was more guarded than he usually was and it set Harley on edge. When the red head did speak, it was in a dangerously quiet tone. "Would you go?"

"W- would you want me to?" Harley was distracted by the way Jerome's Adam's Apple moved when he swallowed.

Jerome hummed. "So this is still about what I want?"

That made Harley defensive. "You think I'm dealing with my arrogant brother because I want to?" It had a biting edge to it.

"And what about my brother?" Jerome pushed.

Now Harley was confused. "Jerome I did all of this for you. To convince them you were dead so you'd be free to have some free time and then make your grand entrance whenever you wanted to. I did this because you asked me to." Jerome rolled his eyes. "You've been gone a lot. You come home... lighter. You enjoy your time with them."

"I'm sorry, you WANT me to come home miserable?" Harley sneered, his hands coiling into fists.

Jerome's eyes darkened. Harley realized what was happening. Before he could react, Jerome's hand shot out, fingers curling around Harley's throat. Jerome pressed his boyfriend against the closest wall, his face close and words sharp like knives. "You're getting angry again. Talking to me like that, as if I'm one of our dumb brothers or that blonde idiot Jeremiah carries around. You might have been gone for a while now, but SURELY not long enough to have forgotten to respect me."

Harley gasped, eyes fluttering closed. Jerome's grip wasn't dangerous but it could go that way if Harley wasn't careful. Jerome only ever got like this when he was frustrated. Usually when he was bored and wanted to do something other than sit around. To be fair, he was cooped up which was something he HATED to be. He hated feeling trapped. And on top of that Harley had been spending less and less time around the place. It was a miracle the redhead had behaved so long. Harley had spent more nights with Jeremiah, talking to Bruce so late into the night and fake catching up and playing nice that it was just easier for them both stay at Jeremiah's. Alfred had even gotten used to a simple text from Bruce letting the older man know where he was and that he was safe. If Bruce wasn't home by 10pm Alfred had come to expect that he wouldn't be back at all. It had become a sort of habit.

Perhaps Harley had been a tad neglectful.

He sighed, letting his guard down and releasing all the tension he'd gained from being around Bruce. Jerome didn't deserve this. "I'm sorry, you're right." Jerome didn't let up. "Oh so you shoot me puppy dog eyes and say sorry and that's supposed to be it?" Harley could feel his insides warming as Jerome grew closer, the air in the room slowly becoming infected with sexual tension. The sudden mood change was hard for Y/n to switch gears to, even though he was immediately eager. "You've forgotten who you belong to."

"I-"

Jerome's hand tightened on Harley's throat, cutting off any attempt to speak. "What was that?" Harley coughed a little as the initial shock took him off guard. His eyes fluttered but he could still breathe which is what mattered. "Come on, Harley. Come on, Y/n." Harley jerked at the name. "Is that what you want me to call you? Is that who you want to be?"

Harley wasn't dealing with that shit. His body jerked, arms wrapping around Jerome. He pulled hard, twisting to turn Jerome around so he'd have to let Harley go, or risk hurting his arm. As predicted, Jerome let go. Harley twisted their bodies with extreme force, pushing Jerome's face into the wall aggressively. "What the fuck did you call me?" He growled. The words were raw from his throat being a little sore. It made Jerome smile. "Answer me. Now." Harley let his free hand thread into Jerome's hair. He pulled, the red head squirming underneath him as it began to hurt. "I said, now."

"I called you Y/n," Jerome answered softly. His tone was half reluctance and half defiance. He didn't want to answer Harley like he'd been told to, but saying the name again did give him power.

Harley leaned back, pulling Jerome away from the wall just by his hair. He dragged him over to the bed. "Kneel. Now." Jerome was giggling as Y/n hurt him, getting off on the pain. "NOW, Valeska!" Jerome smirked, taking his precious time with following the order. When he was down, Y/n maneuvered his face into the bed. "Stay there. If you move, I will know and you will be punished. I will be back in a moment." He left Jerome there, ducking out of the bedroom to the trunk in the bathroom, shoved in the closet. He opened it, pushing around some things they'd collected in their time together. This was the stuff they used when things got more kinky. Handcuffs Jerome had gotten from cops even before he and Y/n were together. Rope from a construction sight. Some things were specifically from sex stores - stolen of course.

Ignoring most of it, Harley grabbed the handcuffs and went back into the room. He returned to see Jerome had indeed moved. In fact he was sitting on the edge of the bed, leaning back on his hands. He was smirking at Harley, a dare in his eyes. The red head seemed to be expecting Harley to lose his shit, but Harley didn't. Instead, he got very still, thinking. That seemed to actually make Jerome nervous.

Slipping the handcuffs into his back pocket, Harley slowly approached Jerome. His eyes cut into Jerome's soul, his jaw so tightly shut that Jerome shivered. "What, you think you're going to look at me and-?"

Jerome didn't get to finish his sentence. Out of nowhere, unexpectedly, Harley backhanded Jerome, causing the sitting boy's head to snap to the side. The red head was shocked, but found his stomach twisting with the familiar sensation of arousal. This wasn't like when he was a kid. Harley was calm and controlled - even his hit was direct. There was a safety in the way that Harley controlled himself. Jerome didn't fear him. It left room to enjoy what was happening. Harley gripped Jerome's jaw, bringing the red head's brown eyes around to meet his. "What did I say when I left the room, Jerome?" Harley not using a pet name in a sexual situation made Jerome shift nervously. Was Harley actually mad? "You told me not to move."

Harley released a breath, smirking as he got turned on just by getting Jerome to answer his question without being pushed. When Jerome was being bratty, he refused Harley any amount of control. So when he let up even the smallest amount, it never failed to excite Harley. "And what did you do?" Unwilling to let Harley win twice in a row, Jerome shrugged. Harley slapped him again. The red head blinked, breathing sharply outward as he felt the stinging on his face. "I moved."

A hum came from Harley as he stood, crossing his arms. "You know I had to punish you for using the wrong name, but it was going to be pretty light. Now..." Jerome shivered under that look - like Harley was trying to figure just how to kill him. "I'm going to take your clothes off Jerome. If you fight me, you'll get immediate punishment do you understand?" Jerome nodded. Harley rose an eyebrow.

"Yes, Daddy."

That seemed to please Harley. He stopped glaring at least. First Harley removed Jerome's shirt. Then he gently nudged Jerome, and the redhead followed the flow and laid back on the bed. Harley then removed his pants, and his socks one at a time. Slowly. Jerome felt himself get antsy. "Do you want something, baby?" Harley asked evenly.

"I'm fine," Jerome responded.

Unfortunately for him, his erection gave him away. "You don't want me to do... anything?" Harley asked again, pausing to look at Jerome very carefully.

The redhead looked back for a long time, a battle happening between the two men. Jerome lost. "Jesus Christ Harley, touch me."

That got Harley to smile. "Ask nicely J, or I'm going to have to punish you." Jerome went to glare but Harley reached up, threading his fingers through Jerome's hair and pulling roughly. "Listen here bitch, I'm not here to mess around. You're going to listen to me or you're going to regret it, understand?" They had come a long way since having sex in a cell and trying to keep quiet. Back then, Harley had fumbled and blushed a lot and been overwhelmed very easily. Back then, Jerome would stretch out, getting comfortable as he bossed Harley around - a true power bottom. Or, he would top, and then he'd get very soft and quiet and affectionate... Well, compared to how he usually was when he was impossible to please and degrading to an extent that had driven Harley insane.

Now adays, things were different. There was a huge power play between the two men constantly, and endlessly pushing buttons. What would often happen was that Harley would be a bit of a brat but otherwise let Jerome blow off steam, unless it was a day that Jerome desperately wanted Harley to "take hold and ruin" him. A direct quote from the ginger. On those days, Jerome did what he did best: he kept talking. He said all the things he knew would piss off Harley the most, like calling him by his old name. He would make Harley snap and then Harley would retaliate exactly how he wanted.

Not today.

"Fuck, you're such a baby," Jerome grumbled, rolling his eyes. "I'm bored with you playing daddy, I already know all your moves and we both know that you're just going to give me what I want anyways. You're a soft top, Sweetheart." He was smirking, proudly flaunting the power he usually had over Harley.

Today though, Jerome had pushed him too much. After all the shit he'd gone through with Jeremiah and Bruce, hearing Jerome call him Y/n had pushed him in a way that had sent him over the edge. And if he was being honest, he had his own frustrations. He wanted to run free as much as Jerome did and break things and scream as loudly as he wanted and sock his stupid brother in his face any time he dare even mention Jerome's name in Harley's presence. He was tired of behaving. He was tired of feeling like some toy. He was tired of being used. He was really, REALLY fucking tired of being ignored, too.

Harley's smile was dangerous. Jerome looked at him, unsure of what was going through the other boy's head. "You know, you have a little too much attitude for someone who's currently desperate for me to touch him. You want something from me? You need to learn some respect." Harley reached over, grabbing Jerome's wrist and forcing it toward the top of the bed. It happened so fast that only when Harley had used one cuff to get Jerome's right hand, and then had threaded the second cuff through the bars at the head of the bed, did Jerome react.

"HEY!"

At the outburst, Harley didn't hesitate to slap Jerome again. The redhead gasped, body shivering. He would absolutely never admit it, but this kind of aggression had always turned him on, when he was comfortable with the person. He'd wanted someone to be like this with him for ages, but not many people were willing to go far enough to please Jerome Valeska. By the way Harley was looking at him right now, this time might be different.

"I didn't give you permission to speak. Granted, I didn't tell you to shut up either so I'll be forgiving, but if you shout at me one more time you will regret it." He gripped Jerome's other wrist, cuffing that as well. Now Jerome's hands were over his head, trapped by the cuffs and the bar. "If you want to say something, I want you to address me first. I will allow you to continue then. Or I will not." Jerome hesitated, then nodded, intrigued by this side of Harley even he had not the pleasure of exploring before.

What came next surprised Jerome. Harley didn't take him right there, rough and hot. He didn't move slowly around and tease until Jerome wa a desperate mess of begs and whimpers. Harley didn't touch him at all. In fact, he moved off of the bed completely. He left the room even, returning a moment with a chair. Only then did he undo his own clothes, only lowering his pants enough to allow himself access his erection. He didn't even pull his pants off all the way! Jerome felt completely exposed, tied up and naked for viewing pleasure, when Harley was so far away and completely dressed.

To Jerome's intense frustration, Harley sat down on the chair and began stroking himself, eyes on Jerome. Harley's eyes were wide and lust blown, his tongue flicking out every once in a while to wet his lips. After a while, his eyes fluttered shut and his head tilted back just a little as a small moan came from him.

Jerome shifted. He was getting uncomfortable with how long he'd been hard without being touched, and watching Harley be like this was not helping. Jerome really liked to be involved in sexual acts. He had gotten rather pouty anytime Harley was caught masterbating, and there had been an unspoken rule that Harley didn't really restrain Jerome for stuff like this. If Harley wanted to be touched, Jerome would touch him. They both preferred it that way. This was ridiculous, and frankly rude. Jerome wasn't going to give Harley the upper hand. This was a low blow and he wasn't going to let Harley get away with it.

As Harley continued though, getting more into it and completely ignoring Jerome, it was becoming increasingly hard to keep his mouth shut. Trying to play it off like he didn't care as much as he did, Jerome finally spoke up. It had seemed an eternity for him, but it had actually only been a few seconds and Harley had to swallow his smile to not give himself away. "Okay Harley, very funny. Let me touch you. I'm sorry I called you the other name. You know I can do this better than you can. Let me out." When Harley continued to ignore Jerome, the cuffed ginger raised his voice. "LET ME OUT!"

"Why?" Harley growled, eyes finally on Jerome again. "Because you told me to? Because you asked me to?" He stood, pulling his pants up again. "I'm not your little bitch Jerome, you're mine. You want to kill someone? Fine. You want to steal or break something? Fine! But you don't call me by that name. You don't mess with me, because I'm all you got. If you want me to leave, you ask like a big kid."

Jerome's lips twitched, slowly rising into a smile. "Are you actually mad at me?"

Harley grinned. "No, not really." They both cracked up, losing it for a few extended seconds. Then Harley cut off and Jerome faded into quiet, soft chuckles as Harley began to speak. "I respect you, J. My little joker." He moved towards the bed, caressing Jerome's cheek. The ginger leaned into the touch, his eyes closing. He fed off of the contact, as if it was a drug or he was starving and the gesture fed him. Harley smiled softly. "You gotta respect me too. You don't have to piss me off to get me to break you, joker. All you have to do is ask me nicely, like a good boy. Do all the bad things you want. But not to me."

A sigh escaped Jerome, and then he finally gave in. "If I behave will you let me out? I want you to touch me. Please."

That pleased Harley. "That's what I wanted to hear." He leaned back a little, eyes scanning Jerome's exposed body. "I will let you out. And then it's time to play for real." His eyes glinted with a darkness that made Jerome jerk in expectation. Needless to say, Harley didn't disappoint.

-

Story Tags: @wanna-plan-world-domination​

#jerome valeska #jerome valeska x male reader #jerome velaska imagine #gotham #male reader #cameron monaghan #joker #joker x reader #joker imagine #joker x male reader #gotham x male reader #gothem imagine #gotham x reader #cameron monaghan x male reader #cameron monaghan x reader #cameron monaghan imagine #valeska twins #valeska twins imagine #valeska twins x reader #valeska twins x male reader

[itzagothamcitysiren]

Welcome to the Family

Happy Mother’s day to all the mothers and motherly figures out there! This story is kind of inspired by my relationship with my older sister, who was honestly more of a mother to me than our actual mom. She’s awesome and I wish I could see her today but quarantine sucks lol. 

Also, too me Logan Lerman is Tim. He’s just so awkward and cute and nerdy, and I think he’d be a great Tim. 

Mother’s Day pt.1           

 “What the hell are you doing, Drake?” Damian’s snippy voice cut through the empty living room like a knife.

           The once comfortably silent room, now held an awkward and thick tension as Tim Drake popped his head up from his work, annoyed at being interrupted.  He looked back down at the paper and other supplies cluttered around the coffee table for a moment, not even embarrassed at being caught. It was a normal thing that he started doing shortly after moving into Wayne Manor all those years ago; Damian was still the one who was the odd one out.

           “Making Mother’s Day cards; what else does it look like?” Tim rolled his eyes, motioning his hand with a slight wave to the finished card at the edge of the table. That one was meant for his mother, he made sure to finish it first, wanting to drop it off at the post office tomorrow after school so it’d get to her in time.

           “Tt.” Damian shook his head, crossing his arms against his chest. He took a seat at the other end of the couch to look over the older boy’s work.

           Damian Wayne wasn’t the type for such sentiment. He scoffed at the idea of Mother’s Day. Could you just imagine him, an al Ghul, giving his mother a card? Though, he didn’t put it past someone as pathetic as Drake to be one to celebrate the commercial holiday. Even Grayson and his father celebrated, and their mothers were dead. They’d both journey to the cemetery and placed roses on their mother’s grave. But that made much more sense to Damian, than making a card, they were paying their respects, while Drake was just giving his mother a worthless piece of paper.

           “A simple piece of paper will really satisfy your mother? Tt.” Damian leaned back into the couch, arms still crossed but now lifting his leg to rest on his other thigh.

           “Yes. It. Will.” Tim gritted, not in the mood for Damian’s taunting and insults; he was actually in a genially good mood for once.

            He moved to open his mouth again, clenching the marker in his hand tightly; who did this kid think he was? He was glad the kid was over his phase of trying to actively kill him but he still found pleasure in making Tim’s life miserable. He tried closing his mouth, not wanting to get into it again but the third Robin still felt the need to defend himself against the spoiled blood son. He pushed the disappointed look Bruce would surely show him away after the old man would end of having to break up another fight between the two boys.

           “I’m not just giving her card; I’m also sending her a gift card to her favorite restaurant and another one for a trip to this day spa. It makes her happy and since I’m not around I want to make sure she knows I miss her. You know like normal mother and son stuff, not that you would know anything about that.”  

           Tim cursed to himself as soon as the bitter and smug words left his mouth. Shit.  He went too far; the dead silence that followed told him that much. He didn’t dare look up to see Damian’s face. He could practically feel the scowl, the deadly glare, beaming into the side of his head; it was like he was being blasted by Superman’s laser beams. Maybe that was being a little dramatic but Tim knew he shouldn’t have said that. He was better than stooping that low and saying something that brash. Even with the pair being fair from close, barely even being on speaking terms, Tim still knew how sensitive Damian was about his relationship with Talia.

           He was half expecting to feel a punch come down from him, or a shove, anything that would physically harm him in response but much to Tim’s surprise he was just met with Damian’s signature sound, ‘Tt’, and then him shifting in his place. Tim scratched the back of his neck, unsure why Damian reacted so calmly, not that his body and pride weren’t complaining. He mentally shrugged and went back to making his second card.

           The younger boy watched as Tim got back to work. He wanted to lash out at Drake’s dig at him and his mother’s relationship but Damian didn’t want to give Drake the satisfaction of knowing that he was insulted. He thought back to his father’s speech after their last fight about how they both needed to learn how to be the bigger person. Damian rolled his eyes at the memory and instead quirked an eyebrow up as he watched Tim begin to get back into making what appeared to be a second Mother’s Day card.

           “Correct me if I’m wrong but last time I checked you only had one mother, Drake.” Damian said, nodding towards the second card.

           “You would be correct.” Tim nodded, not looking up this time as he spoke. He reached for the blue Sharpie instead, filling in the bubble letters he wrote with it.

           “Then why are you making another card? Did you realize how stupid that other one is and are starting over?” Damian pressed, leaning back once again to get comfortable.

           Tim huffed, already over this conversation. It was times like this that he wished Dick and Halley still lived at home. Damian would be Dick’s shadow if he was here and not bugging him like this. With Halley, she’d swoop in the moment she felt a fight forming and would’ve gotten the demon spawn to shut up by now. But now that they were the only two left living at home Damian was all Tim’s problem. Maybe it was time to go back to the Titans?

           “No, my mother’s card is done. This is for someone else.” Tim said, using his minimum art skills to draw a decent flower next to the y in Day. He huffed again when Damian responded immediately asking who specifically it was for. Tim let the marker drop from his grasp, losing his nerve. Rubbing his head, he pushed the hair fallen in front of his face out of his face, letting out a deep breath. Why did he care what he was doing? Damian has shown more interest in his current activity than he’s shown in anything in Tim’s life since they met.  “It’s for Halley.”

           “Tt.” Damian rolled his eyes, smirking. “Halley isn’t your mother, Drake.”

           “No, but since I’ve moved here, she’s always been there when I need her and she’s done so much for me so this is my way of thanking her and showing that I love her.” Tim let himself get cocky again, snipping right back at Damian. He put emphasis in his speech, knowing that not only was it true but it would rub Damian the wrong way. “I do this for her every year and every year she gets all mushy and loves it.”

           Damian narrowed his eyes at the older boy. Was Drake questioning his relationship with his older sister? They may only be half siblings but that was more blood than she shared with anyone in the bat family. When the pair first found out they shared the same mother, Damian had been less then enthused about no longer being an only child and furious at his mother for failing to mention her having a child with Deathstroke. Halley had been just as shocked and angry, but at her father for never telling her. She wasn’t surprised but still angry. Though unlike him, she quickly rushed to try and get closer to the boy. Even though Damian wanted no part of it, Damian was clearly her favorite brother; right?

           Drake said this was a yearly thing but why has he never noticed before? He did know that they would occasionally spend what they grossly called Mandatory Sibling Bonding Day together, where’d they’d go out just the two of them, much to the annoyance of Damian. He didn’t understand why she wasted her time with Drake; what could they possible do for fun together? Granted, she did do the same with Grayson whenever they were around at the same time. The pair of them also being close, Grayson having been the one to help get her out of her old life with her father, Slade Wilson.

           Damian thought about how his sister had a close personal relationships with all the Robin’s and Batgirl’s, even the failure that Damian deemed as Stephanie Brown; Halley was close to them all, all but him. Though that wasn’t completely true, they did have somewhat of a bond. They both had what she phased as shitty-ass parents, her father being Deathstroke himself while his was the Dark Knight, and they shared the same mother, Talia al Ghul. They’d never known about the other until Damian was brought to live with his father by their mother and Halley had long been taken in by Dick and Bruce.

           He still remembered their first meeting, they hadn’t yet known about sharing the same mother but yet she was still eager to accept him. He of course didn’t share her gusto, especially after Slade revealed that Talia was her mother after he attacked the League of Assassin’s and killed his grandfather. Damian wasn’t keen on having an actual sibling, especially one with the blood of Deathstroke. But they also shared the same al Ghul blood and was quite the efficient fighter. But they were both incredibly set in their ways and persistent, as she was dead set on getting the younger boy to open up while he was dead set to prove that he was the most worthy al Ghul.

           It infuriated him enough that she said she didn’t care about being an al Ghul, having  no memories of being with the League of Assassin’s, as Slade and Talia agreed that she would go off to live with her father for her training. Damian said she was unworthy of the blood they shared and she didn’t deserve it. Though even now, he wouldn’t admit it but sometimes he swore he could still feel the pain from the beating she gave him when he tried to kill her in her sleep his first few months staying in the manor whenever he looked her way.

           That was something he admired about his sister, again not like he would ever admit it, but her persistence was something he looked up to and even came to appreciate. Even after trying to kill her, being cruel, and treating her like how she treats Drake, at first even worse, she never gave up on him; a feat that no one else could say they’ve come close too; perhaps Grayson, but there were times where even the star-child of Bruce Wayne’s collection of wayward children would walk away from Damian’s outbursts because he simply had enough of the all give an no take. But not Halley; she’d stay every single time and with that she’d even give him a smile at the end of it.

           She understood what it was like. Being raised by Slade Wilson was basically the same as being raised by Ra’s al Ghul. They never had a conversation about it, Damian always calling her a fool, she didn’t know what his childhood was like and then brushing her off. But who was Damian kidding? She made her first kill by age eight, so did Damian. She had expectations placed on her that no child should’ve been held up to, as did Damian. They shared bruises, scars and nightmares.

           Grayson had tried with him, after his father failed but Halley was the one who truly helped him adjust to this new life he found himself in without even knowing it. What Grayson and his father didn’t understand was that you just couldn’t stop being who you were raised to be in a second, it took time, and Halley had been through the same transition. Granted she was looking to escape the life she had with her father whereas Damian was forced to be with his by his mother, but there were just some habits that where hard to break.

           “You good there?” Drake’s voice cut Damian out of his thought process.

           Damian snapped out of it, narrowing his eyes down at the card, noting Tim had stopped working on it and was looking at Damian as if he was a frozen computer screen. Scoffing, standing up to his feet, he uncrossed his arms, pointing a finger at the card for his sister. Trying to hid the fact that Drake caught him in such a deep thought, he cleared his throat before sneering,  

           “Her favorite color is purple, not red.”

           Tim watched, mouth left agape as Damian made his way out of the room without another word. He took another look down at the card and grunted, reaching for a new piece of paper, getting ready to start all over again. What a kid, he thought as he got back to work.

#damian wayne #damian wayne x sister!reader #tim drake #tim drake x reader #tim drake fanfic #damian wayne fanfiction #batbros #batfam x reader #batfam x batsis #dick grayson x batsis #dick grayson #jason todd #jason todd x reader #jason todd imagine #bruce wayne #batman fanfiction

[watchtower-feed]

Dating Bruce Wayne

Notes: Sorry for these drabbles. I’m working on something long and big and has something to do with Jason and the soulmate link. So enjoy these fillers for a bit.

✧ Dating Bruce Wayne is definitely what it has been advertised to be. He lives like he has his own timezone. He flirts and charms everyone he meets, man or woman.

✧ Most of the time you would find yourself waiting at a restaurant for an hour before Alfred would text you that Bruce can’t make it because he’s being held up. There are never any specifics as if you had no right to know.

✧ When he does show up, he’s late, he looks like a mess, and he greets you with a lop-sided smile and half-lidded eyes. And you melt because you remember that he did choose you and you do love him.

✧ “I miss you,” is his hello and his bitter goodbye, holding your hand for too long while he makes the car service wait. It’s minutes before he lets go and closes your door. But when you look back in the moving car, he’s already gone.

✧ Bruce’s absence is always outweighed by his affection. He loves touching you even if it’s just your shoulders or your fingers or your elbows. He always find a way to be close to you when you’re together.

✧ He doesn’t give you expensive gifts or take you out of the city or country impulsively. That part of the rumors and gossip is far from the truth. Everything he does is thoughtful and sincere. You have early dinners in cute little restaurants that feel like home. 

✧ You go hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, swimming, diving, and even skydiving. You’re convinced Bruce is definitely a daredevil. So you start running in the mornings and at night just to keep up.

     “You should be careful when you run at night. Kelley street can be dangerous on some nights. Why not stick to the main street?”

     Your eyes would widen, “How do you know I was there last night?”

     He’d grin and avoid your gaze, “I’m friends with Batman.”

✧ Never mind Bruce’s absence. What you really hate the most about dating this misunderstood billionaire is how often his life is in danger. He gets kidnapped twice a week, at least. By petty criminals, insane villains, and Batman himself.

✧ There was a time when Bruce had a welfare project for Arkham City that made him the target of every single villain so Batman had to kidnap Bruce himself and he was gone for weeks. When Batman finally returned him to his room, where you have been staying in his absence for your safety and sanity, you run up to snatch your man and punch Batman’s jaw. It hurt like hell and Bruce is quickly rubbing your knuckles.

     “Y-you! You stay away from him. It’s because of you that his life is always in danger and--”

     “Y/N,” Bruce holds you in his arms, tucking your head safe against his chest while you cry. When you turn back to the caped crusader, he’s already gone.

     “It’s not his fault.”

     “I know,”  you whisper.

✧ The next time you see Batman, you would stare at each for a while, wondering if you should apologize or say thank you. He holds up his hand and shakes his head with a smile before he disappears into the night. You were a little pissed that you didn’t even say anything and he just assumed things.

✧ One of your favorite things though is definitely seeing the family. Most of the time you see Alfred and always try to tease recipes out of him which expertly deflects.

✧ Whenever Bruce’s children are at the manor, he invites you because they love you and he knows you love them, too.

✧ What’s not to love? The eldest was the most proper gentleman and then a week after first meeting him, he turns into the cheekiest flirt that teases you and Bruce. You love to play along with him because it makes Bruce very uncomfortable.

     “So how’s his equipment these days? He’s getting old, might need to start baking in that oven soon.” Everyone around would spit out anything they’re drinking or just gape. Except for you.

     “Oh, the equipment is still in very good condition.” Dick laughs hard at that. “As for the oven… I think there’s enough of all of you to love for several lifetimes. Right, Bruce?”

     Bruce rolls his eyes with a smile as his children tease him and jump on him at the same time.

✧ You’ve never thought about having kids with Bruce because whenever you’re around his kids, it feels like they’re yours as well. Especially Damian.

✧ He would always tug on your clothes to get your attention (ever since he accidentally called you mom and his siblings never let him live it down).

     “You’re leaving now?”

     “Yeah, baby. I’m sorry,” you crouch down and hug him tight like a teddy bear, “but hey. When your dad goes away on business tomorrow, I’ll be staying here for a week. Does that sound good?”

      He hums and kisses you on the cheek before he walks back into the manor.

      You turn to Bruce, wide eyes, mouth open, and touching your cheek, “Did you just see that? He’s so precious.”

      Bruce nods his head and chuckles.

✧ Tim, Cass, and Jason were a different story. They were a lot more reserved and doesn’t really know how to talk to you first so you do it because you don’t want them to feel left out. You thought doing a puzzle with them was such a great idea. You thought wrong.

     “Tim, stay on your fucking side.”

     “It’s a puzzle, Jason.”

     “We’re supposed to be doing this together,” you instinctively say. Big mistake.

     Jason glares, “Who the fuck died and made you boss?”

     A slap rings loudly in the living room, making everyone gape at Bruce’s tall figure. You look between Jason and Bruce and then approach Jason. He quickly slaps your hand away and Bruce is tensing again. You quickly get up and hold Bruce in place until Jason leaves the room.

✧ You drag Bruce into the study and slap him hard. Your hand hurts but that doesn’t stop you from glaring and yelling at him.

     “How does it feel, Bruce? Do you feel shocked and embarrassed? That’s what Jason is feeling right now. He probably feels hurt too.” Bruce stays and avoids your gaze. “God! Jason didn’t even mean it. You know how he is, he’s just very expressive and there’s nothing wrong with that. But everything is wrong about hitting your child even if-- no. Especially if you say you did it for me.”

✧ You keep yelling at him and warning him not to hurt his children no matter their fault. Tim and Cass can hear you from the living room and look at each other with pained expressions. Jason hides in the hallway and listens to you berate Bruce, his hand on his cheek.

✧ When you get home from a stressful day at work and still no messages from Bruce after the fight days ago, you find three of his children on the floor trying to finish the puzzle. They greet you like it’s the most normal thing to come home to. You drop your things and quickly go to them, tugging them all into one hug until their faces are squished together and the puzzle pieces are in disarray.

    “I thought I would never get to see you again.”

    Jason rubs your back and you nuzzle your nose against his cheek.

    Tim laughs, “Are you kidding? Your slap pretty much made Bruce love you even more.”

    Cassandra snorts, “If that’s even possible.”

✧ Bruce is getting a little concerned at how violent you’re getting though. He thinks it might be his influence and you laugh so hard he pouts like a child.

     “You? I think it makes more sense to blame Batman. That freak just makes my blood boil and suddenly I have all this pent up rage and I don’t know where it came from.”

     Bruce blinks for a moment before he laughs, doubled over, clutching his stomach.

✧ Sometimes you’re sad when you see how Bruce acts around children. Whether it’s a charity event, Wayne orphanage visit, or just walking past them in the street, he always slows down and takes the time to converse with them. His eyes would widen as he listens to them talk and then his laugh would be the loudest.

✧ Sometimes you forget that Bruce Wayne isn’t just the playboy rich kid the media has pegged him to be. He was also just a child. A child who lost his parents too soon. Truly he’s a child of Gotham through and through.

✧ You would curl up against Bruce in the car and nuzzle your cheeks against his shoulder. He would smile but raise an eyebrow.

     “Something good happened today?”

     You shake your head, “Every day is good when I’m with you.”

✧ Things are getting way too serious and public between you and Bruce, and the day he has dreaded the most has finally come. You’re kidnapped and held for ransom for Bruce Wayne’s head.

✧ Bruce has prepared long and hard for this. It was part of the reason why he decided to date you seriously. Because he can handle this.

✧ You scream at him that he’s an idiot for coming to get you alone. He smiles and says he’s missed you. 

     You cry, “They’re going to kill you, Bruce.”

     He smiles, “They can try.”

✧ Of course, you mutter. He has backup. Batman saves you first and you’re already yelling at him for picking up the wrong person.

    “It’s Bruce they’re after!”

    Batman only groans and leaves you on the roof with Robin. He comes back with Bruce Wayne, suit slashed and hair disheveled, but no wounds. They leave you there while they clean up the thugs in the warehouse.

✧ “Bruce,” you call out to him in a low voice and it makes him panic, assessing where your injuries are. You hold his arms, “Marry me.”

✧ Watchtower Masterlist ✧

#DC imagines #DC fanfiction #DC reader insert #Bruce Wayne x reader #Bruce Wayne imagine #Bruce Wayne fanfiction #dating series #watchtower-feed #Acropen #lexyartem

[reddrobins]

robins spirit [d.wayne]

Older! Damian Wayne x Super! Reader

Request: I love your recent damian fanfic! 🥺 could you pls do another one with “I’d hurt anyone who ever left a scar on you.” with a reader who’s a vigilante that often spars/fights with him. They show up at the wayne manor with a bruise on their face after fighting with Robin over a stupid argument and Damian’s concerned. But then they figure out what happened and he feels rly bad. Thank you :) + *knocks on your door* so I just thought of something... What if a Kent/Super! Reader x Damian? Oki bye *closes door*

Authors note:  This is so terrible I’m so sorry, I was really stressed today and I apologize for the shit writing

Summary: A new vigilante emerges in Gotham, one that's super. Batman and Robin find out and Bruce sends his son to confront this new suspected metahuman. After a rough night, Damian leaves ‘Spirit’ badly wounded, so when (Y/N) Kent comes over the next day with the same scratches, Damian gets suspicious.

You were tired of living under your father and brothers' spotlights. Hell, you were even under your mother's spotlight in civilian life. So,  at the ripe age of seventeen, you decided to take matters into your own hand and became the vigilante known as Spirit.

The first few nights on the streets of Metropolis went horribly. Not only did you run into your father, who at the time didn’t know it was you, a multitude of times, but everyone seemed to think the ‘S’ on your uniform stood for supergirl. 

You were enraged, could you just, for one night, not be a Kent or a Super? You needed a change of scenery, so you did your research.

As you searched away on your laptop, looking up distances between cities, you came to realise that the only far enough place for you to make a name for yourself was in Gotham.

So here you were, perched atop the Gotham National Bank building, on the prowl for any villain that deemed tonight a good night for trouble. 

“Come here often?” You spoke out as you felt a certain presence behind you. You had to admit sometimes super hearing comes in handy. 

The figure, that seemed to be walking towards you, stopped its movements. 

“Listen pal, I know you’re there, why don't you make this easier for you and just turn yourself in.”

“Tt.” The figure gave.

You stood up from your crouching position and began to walk towards whoever this mystery person was. “If you want to do it the hard way…” 

You swung your arm at the masked figure only for it to be caught. Damn, you thought. This isn't just any robber. The person caught a supers punch. I mean hey you were only half Kryptonian, but still.

“Impressive.” You quip as you go in for another hit. This time the assailant moves forward and you catch a glimpse of them in the light, “Robin?” You pause, what the hell was Damian doing here?, leading Robin's hit to go unblocked.

It hits your cheek and you scrunched up your face, fuck, he has a good punch. Once again, only half-super, so the sting was still there.

Robin grunts, going back on the attack when you put your hands up in a surrender, “Hey! D-Robin, we’re on the same team, calm it down!”

The masked teen doesn't listen and dives for another hit, “How do I know you are not lying.” He asks, landing another punch to your side.

You groan, not in pain but frustration, why did Damian have to be this stubborn, “I’m a vigilante, just like you. I’m trying to help out the town.”

Robin rolls his eyes, though you can’t see it from behind the domino mask. “Prove it.”

You blankly stare at him, “How?”

He finally resists from landing another hit on you, “Why are you at the bank, unless you plan to rob it?”

It's now your turn to roll your eyes, “I could ask the same of you short stack.” You hated to admit it, but Damian was in fact taller. 

If there’s one thing you got from your mother, it's your attitude.

This seems to catch the young hero off guard as he sputters, looking for an answer. “I’ll have you know I am the same height as you, If not taller.” Then he grits, pointing his now unsheathed weapon at you, “Answer the question.”

You gently tap the katana away with your fingertips. “Fine. I’m not from Gotham, but I know about your high crime rate and I just wanted to help out, okay?” You lie. Metropolis’ crime rates weren’t peachy either but at least in Gotham you had a name for yourself. 

“Batman and I have it covered.” He said lowly.

“Listen if you don't want me here, I’ll back off, but I just wanted to help those in need.” 

Robin squinted at you, unable to figure out your m.o., were you really who you claimed to be?

“Gotham isn’t looking for more amateur heros, so go back to wherever you came from.” With that, he grappled off of the roof and off into the night. 

“Father. We have an issue.”

Bruce didn’t bother to look away from the batcomputer, this wasn’t the first time Damian had barged in with that sentiment. “What is it Damian?”

The teen took his cape off, as well as his kevlar chest plate, “There’s a new vigilante. I’m not sure what she calls herself but she has immense strength, I believe she may be a super or maybe a metahuman as her punch was difficult to block.”

The older man nodded at his son, of course he already knew this, Bruce was aware of every person that came into Gotham, even those unannounced. 

“I’m aware. She calls herself ‘Spirit’. I’ve deduced she’s no older than you, Damian. I’d like you to get to know her. Or at least what she stands for.” 

“Should I take her down?” Damian asked. 

Bruce spun the chair around, a stoic look on this face, “No. just purely find out who she really is. No violence.”

The next day soon became night and here you were, back in Gotham. Damian really thinks he can just ban me from a city? You thought to yourself, hah, good luck with that bird brain. 

You looked around your area, scoping out to see if the coast was clear. After a thorough check, you did a super jump and landed atop a building. 

“Nice jump there, Spirit. I thought I told you not to come back.”

You spun around, Robin? Was Damian seriously following you now?

“Going to have to try a lot harder if you want me to stop fighting the good fight.” You crossed your arms, “Listen, I don’t know your problem with me. I’m just trying to help out, just like you. Just like Batman.”

Damian clenched his fists and stomped toward you, “you are nothing like me, I’m welcomed in this city. You are not.”

You frowned. Oh if only Damian knew who he was actually speaking to - “Seriously, why do you hate me? Afraid I’ll steal your thunder or something?” You pushed his chest trying to get him to back up. 

Apparently, you also forgot you were half-kryptonian as when you pushed him, he stumbled back, hard. 

“Tt, watch it you freak. I don’t want to fight you, but I will if I have to.”

Your heart hurt at the name but you brushed it off, Damian didn’t know who you were. 

You rolled your eyes once more and sat down into the ledge - just like the night of the bank. “I’m sure you would. Listen Robin, I’m just trying to help those in need. Can you really hate a girl for trying?”

The teen vigilante paused,  she did seem sincere, he thought, maybe he could trust her. 

“Fine. But if I find out you’re only in my town to cause trouble, I will end you.” He glared at her and she smirked back. 

“I'd like to see you try. But fair enough. Consider this a partnership.”

Sticking out your hand, you eyed him to shake it. 

Damian refused and simply took out his grappling gun, once again disappearing into the night. 

You poked your cheek in the mirror. It was times like these you wish you had all of your dads powers as this bruise was very ugly to look at. 

He fights very well. You thought as you pinched the sore skin. Even though it had been a day since the incident, the bruise forming was still as purple as ever. You didn't know how you were going to make it through today. Tim and Conner had a planned hangout and after your mom said you needed a little more ‘Conner time’, you had to tag along. What would Damian think of the bruise?

“(Y/N)! It’s time to go, we’re going to be late!” Your brother yelled from the living room. 

“I’m coming, Conner, just hold on!” 

You tried to put some concealer on the bruise but it just wouldn’t mask the ugly discolored skin. 

“(Y/N)!” Conner yelled again. 

“Alright, alright, hold your fucking horses.” You whispered to yourself. 

Bursting into the living room, you kept your head down so as to not alert any of the Kent household of your new shiner. 

“Holy shit! (Y/N) what happened to your face!?” Exclaimed Jon as he flew past you. 

You looked up, annoyed at your twin brother's antics. 

“Jonathan Kent, No flying in the house.” Your mother yelled from the kitchen. She then turned to you, “(Y/N), where in the world did that come from?” Reaching out to brush your cheek, you swiftly pulled away, avoiding her eyes at all costs. If there was one thing you didn’t need your family to find out about, it was your late night trips to Gotham City.

“Nothing mom. I just fell in my room is all. Promise, it’s not a big deal.” Looking up to your older brother you signaled to the door, “Time to leave?”

He gave you a toothy grin and nodded, “Yeah c’mon. Tim’s waiting for me.”

-

Conner ran up the steps to the Manor and pounded on the door, far too excited to see his best friend. Meanwhile, you slowly made your way up, really not wanting to have to hang out with the two. 

You still didn’t get why you had to come. She claimed that you and Jon hung out too much and that you needed to get closer to Conner. You rolled your eyes at the memory, you were 17 not 7. Plus, now you had to face Damian.

The two large doors swung open revealing an ecstatic Tim Drake, “Conner! My man! So glad you could come.” He then leaned in, “Did you have to bring your little sister though?” 

Thanks to super hearing, you knew exactly what Tim had said and you grumbled in response. Of course Conner didn’t tell him I was coming. 

Conner laughed and gave Tim a hug, “Don’t worry dude. Just make her hang out with Damian or something.” He whispered.

You blushed at those words, mentally cursing Conner. That fucker knew you had a crush on the youngest Wayne. Why would he do this to you? Especially when you looked like this.

“Alright alright, come on in guys. Bedrooms upstairs to the right but you already knew that.” Tim winked. You followed Conner when he stopped you, placing a hand on your shoulder. 

“Um not you though. Sorry (N/N) today’s bros only day. I’m sure you can stay down here and find a book to read.” He smirked at you knowing full well what Tim would say next. 

“Actually,” Tim said, “Damians in the library painting if you’d like to join him. I’m sure the devil child wouldn’t mind a buddy.”

You glared at the two of them but then sighed, walking towards the large house library. 

Knocking on the door, you called out to see if anyone was in there. 

Unluckily enough, Damian came to open it. You kept your head down as to avoid attention from your killer battle wound. You did not want Damian to find out about your nightly activities, he would never stop nagging you then.

“Kent.” He greeted, “To what do I owe the pleasure.” Damian said mockingly. 

You rolled your eyes and pushed past him, finding a seat on the sofa. 

“My lovely brother decided to ditch me for yours so here I am.” 

Damian chuckled, walking back to his paints. “How poetic.” He remarked. Then asked, “How’s Jon?”

You shrugged still looking at the floor, “He’s good. You know just being the same goofy asshole he’s been since he was 10.”  The young Wayne teen laughed at that in agreement. 

“And you? How have you been Damian?” You asked. 

“Annoyed. There’s a new vigilante in town. Claims to be the ‘Spirit’. She’s been challenging me while on patrol.  I’ve been having small spats with her here and there, but they’re driving me insane. She's almost as bad as Todd.”

You couldn’t help but look up, smirking, after all, it's not everyday you got the oneup of Damian.“Awe does little ol’ Damian have a crush?” You teased. Hope glimmered in your eyes. 

Damian was about to roll his eyes when he caught sight of your face. His focus latched on to the large black and blue mark on your cheek. His heart stopped, he knew where that came from. 

Because he was the one that did it. Then the dots clicked. 

“You! You’re Spirit? What the hell Kent? Do you know how dangerous Gotham is?”

Damian marches over to you in annoyance, “Do you know how difficult you have made my life? Not only do I think about you daily as (Y/N) Kent, but now nightly as Spirit!?” He blurted out. 

You froze. Damian thought about you? Does that mean…

“Damian, does that mean you like me?”

His cheeks flared a pretty red color as he looked at his shoes, “If I were to say yes, would you be in agreeance or make a fool of me?” 

You chuckled as you stood up from the couch and placed your hand in his. “Damian I’ve liked you for such a long time it’s unbelievable, I just can’t believe you like me-“ 

He interrupted you, “Beloved, you are the sun in my life, and I pray that I can make you mine.” 

You blushed furiously, “Of course.”

Smiling, Damian leaned in and captured your lips. He kissed you desperately, like he’d been needing this for years. 

He went to further the kiss and put his hand on your cheek, causing a hiss of pain to erupt out of you. 

You pulled back, holding your bruised cheek. You laugh, “You pack quite the punch.”

Damian scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed. “I truly apologize beloved, if I had known it was you, I would’ve gone lighter, I’d hurt anyone who ever left a scar on you or a bruise for that matter.”

You rolled your eyes, though flattered by Damians words, you could handle yourself. I mean you were half-kryptonian after all. 

“I appreciate the sentiment Dami, but I can handle myself. Really, you saw how good I fought firsthand.” You squeezed his hand lightly. 

“I know. I would never question your strength. I love that about you.”

You pecked his lips “Good. Just remember who kicked your ass last night.”

Damian wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you close, “I don’t think I could ever forget that. It was quite humbling.”

You scrunched your nose at his sarcastic tone, “You’re a jerk.”

He smirked and then leaned close, forehead pressed into yours. “But I’m your jerk. And that’s all that matters right now.”

#older!damian wayne #older! damian wayne x reader #older!damian wayne x reader #damian wayne #damian wayne x reader #damian wayne imagine #jon kent #conner kent #tim drake #batman x reader #batman imagine

[alexiessan]

Never alone - Chapter Seven - Soulmate AU

AO3

Previous - Here - Next

Master List

Hi guys! Here is chapter 7. I hope this time it will show up in the tag search because chapter 6 didn’t and a lot of you probably missed it. I’ve noticed that several chapters from authors I follow didn’t show up in the tags either so it wasn’t just me... I don’t know what’s wrong with tumblr but I hope they fix it because we’re probably missing some updates...

Anyway, here is chapter 7 for you guys :)

When Damian came back to the manor, he changed and took a shower as quickly as possible in the hope to catch Tim when he would come back from patrol. He also fed Titus and Alfred the cat on his way to the Batcave, giving both of them a light scratch.

“You’re back earlier than usual.” mused a voice that he recognized as Tim’s.

Damian looked up at his brother, standing up from where he was crouching petting his pets.

He didn’t expect his brother’s shocked look.

“Oh. Your eye. Is that your soulbond?”

The youngest Wayne raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, you didn’t know?”

Tim shook his head.

“No, you didn’t tell us and I assume you’ve been wearing contacts ever since the change.”

Damian nodded, silent.

“It suits you.”

The green-eyed teen just looked at his brother, silent.

Timothy rolled his eyes.

“Can’t you just take a compliment? I can be nice to my brother too, you know.”

Damian chose to ignore that.

“And why didn’t you tell me that Marinette would be shadowing you during her internship? She thinks it’s very strange that the co-CEO would go out of his way for a high school student to shadow him.”

Tim smirked, picking up Alfred the cat.

“Does it bother you?”

“I don’t want you to embarrass  myself.”

Tim laughed.

“No chance for now. She only knows you as Robin for now. She won’t associate me with you.”

Damian frowned.

“I won’t just be Robin forever.”

“I know. Stop worrying like a teen in his rebellious phase ashamed of his parents. I’m just going to show her the roots of business management.”

“It’s still weird for the co-CEO to do that. That kind of job goes to regular employees. Did you volunteer because she’s Ladybug?” he asked as he crossed his arms.

“I did. Ever since Bruce knew that Ladybug would be on the trip, he wanted to keep an eye on her. To be sure that she wasn’t overwhelmed by all her responsibilities, because according to her files, she had a lot of them. Ladybug and Chat Noir are just teens. Granted, we were too when we started being vigilantes too, but Bruce was with us, we weren’t left unsupervised. He’s worried that it’s too much for them.”

He smirked at his little brother.

“And the fact that she’s your soulmate is a bonus too.”

Damian ignored the jab, intent on having all his questions answered.

“What about the Agreste boy, then? Is he shadowing you too?”

“No, he’s with the PR team along with Miss. Césaire.”

“I would have thought that he would be shadowing someone in business management, what with his father’s company…”

“I would have thought that too, but the boy is also the image of the brand and constantly in the press. His father probably wants him to learn how to deal with the press and how to dispel rumors.”

It made sense, the model would probably learn business management later on, directly from his father.

Tim chuckled.

“Is that all? Or did you want to corner me for something else too?” he asked as he put the half-asleep cat down.

“Tch. Just don’t ruin things for me with Marinette.”

The older boy laughed, tapping the younger boy’s back.

“I’ll only have nice words for you. Well, as nice as it can be, you are quite a difficult one.”

He barely avoided Damian’s punch.

Marinette was nervous. So nervous that she had to take deep breaths to not panic.

Today was their first day of internship. For a whole week, they would work at Wayne Enterprises alongside an employee in their chose field.

Alya and Adrien would work with the Public Relationship branch. The reporter has been so excited about it. As a reporter, she would have to deal with PR teams in the future, and the knowledge would be good for her.

As for Adrien, well… It was no secret that it was his father’s wish that he shadowed them. The young Agreste has confided to his three friends that he had no idea what he wanted to do in the future. What he was sure, however, was that he didn’t want to continue being a model and he didn’t want to have anything to do with his father’s company.

With his lack of aspiration for the future, he was, just this once, happy to let his father choose which branch to intern in for him.

Nino, along with, surprisingly, Lila, would be shadowing the legal team of the company. While he still couldn’t choose between being a DJ or a movie maker, he wanted to be able to handle any legal issues if someone tried to claim his work as their own for example.

Copyrights were no joke after all.

As for why Lila wanted to do her internship in this branch, well… She didn’t know and she honestly wouldn’t go out of her way to know. The farthest away she was from Lila, the better.

Marinette was happy to have this opportunity to learn about business management. She wanted to start her own line of clothes later in life, but if she wanted to keep working for Jagged and doing graphic design for him, there were some things she had to do. Like, making all the paperwork to create her own business and thus, be an étudiante auto-entrepreneur. A student independent worker.

She hoped that her internship would help her do that, even if it was different in the USA than in France.

She was happy for this opportunity, but what made her nervous was that her internship was with the co-CEO, Timothy Drake-Wayne.

She didn’t understand how something like this could happen. An average French student like her didn’t what it took to work with a co-CEO. Especially not the CEO of an important company like Bruce Wayne’s.

She didn’t know, nor when, but Marinette was sure that she would ridicule herself one way or another.

Then, they would fire her, and she would be banned from the USA forever.

The whole class would mock her and she would become a pariah in Paris too and she would lose all her friends and her family!

“Aaaaaaaah!”

The scream that came out of her mouth was unintentional but it did its job in surprising everyone on the bus.

“Wow, girl. What was that for?”

Alya looked at her with an amused smile, used to the designer’s antics by now. She knew that the French-Chinese girl would panic eventually, the weight of “I will be shadowing the fucking CEO” too much for her.

Honestly, the reporter was surprised that she didn’t panic earlier. Sometimes, she wondered how Marinette was able to stay on her feet with all her responsibilities, and yet, would panic for the smallest of things.

That girl was a walking paradox.

“This is going to be a disaster, Alya! One way or another I’m going to ruin this internship, and then-”

“Okay, let me stop you right now. You’ve worked for Jagged Stone, and he still goes to you for graphic design. Have a little more confidence! You’re not going to ruin anything. Plus, you’re not here to work but to learn. You can’t fail anything in learning.”

The Ladyblogger put a hand on her friend’s shoulder.

“Everything is going to be alright. But if you don’t move right now, we’re going to be late.”

Marinette didn’t even notice that they were already there and that the others were currently getting off the bus.

She took a deep breath, trying her best in believing in her best friend’s words.

Everything would be alright.

Upon entering the Wayne Tower, they were welcomed by Bruce Wayne and his secretaries. They took an hour or so in touring the building, Mr. Wayne giving pieces of information about the history behind his business.

After that, they led them into a conference room where several employees were already sitting.

As they all took a seat, Mr. Wayne made his way on the small stage, giving everyone in the room a professional smile.

“I would like to thank the Collège Françoise Dupont for applying to our career program. It’s a pleasure for us, Wayne Enterprises, to help young minds like yours to find their goals and aspirations for the future. I hope you will enjoy your time with us.”

He paused as the class applauded.

“Thank you. Now, I would like us all to applaud Miss Dupain-Cheng and Miss Césaire for their incredible essay that won their class this trip.”

Once again everyone applauded. The two girls were slightly embarrassed at all this attention.

“Now, let’s not wait any further. All the employees that you will be shadowing are already here. When I call your name, please come up to the stage to be introduced to your mentor. Then, you will be free to go and start the day. Adrien Agreste!”

All too soon it was Marinette’s turn to be called. She was introduced to Timothy Drake-Wayne who didn’t seem that much older than them. He was obviously in his early twenties and probably should be a university student if he were anyone else.

As they left the room, Tim smiled at the short girl.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Miss Dupain-Cheng. I hope you will enjoy this week with us.”

The Eurasian girl felt a little uneasy. Tim smiled at her like he already knew her and it unnerved her a little.

“It’s very nice to meet you too, sir! Please, call me Marinette.”

The man smiled at her.

“Alright, as long as you don’t call me sir anymore, please. I’m only twenty-one.”

“Alright then… May I ask you a question?”

“Of course, ask away.”

“I was really surprised when I was told that I would be shadowing you. I was wondering why.”

Tim smiled softly, trying to appease the nervous girl.

“When you asked to shadow someone in the business management branch, you said that one day you wanted to have your own line of clothes and that in the meantime, you already had clients for graphic design and had to open a business as an independent worker for your work to be legal. While your office is your home, it’s still considered a business. Since you will be managing a business at such a young age, we thought it would be better to have someone as young as me to show you the ropes, you know?”

Marinette nodded. It made sense. She didn’t want someone to tell her that she was too young to own a business. Even if being an independent worker didn’t really feel like owning a business, there was still a lot of paperwork to do and she had to deal with all the taxes.

The small girl gave him a bright smile.

“Alright, then! I’m ready!”

Marinette, Tim observed, was a very bright child with a thirst to learn. She took notes of everything he said and asked questions every time she could think of one.

He told her how his grandparents built this business and what changes his adoptive father made.

Then they talked about her plans for the future in details and the co-CEO of Wayne Enterprises was surprised how thorough she was.

He couldn’t help but think that she would be a good match for his little brother.

He spent the whole morning talking business with her and teasing his little brother in texts. He knew that Damian and Bruce planned to have lunch together today. He thought how funny it would be if the demon spawn were to cross path with his soulmate without his Robin costume. The boy would do his best to avoid her.

Speaking of lunch…

“Oh, shit. Is it the time? I’m sorry Marinette, I didn’t notice.”

“Oh, it’s okay! I didn’t see the time pass either.”

Tim smiled.

“Do you want to keep talking and eat lunch here? I was thinking about ordering Chinese food, what do you think?”

The French girl beamed.

“I would love to!”

“Do you want something in particular?”

“Anything is fine, thank you!”

Dialing a number on his phone, he quickly ordered for the both of them.

He saw Marinette taking her wallet out.

“Now, put that away, it’s on me.” he smiled.

That would be the first time he paid lunch for his future sister in law and he was very happy to do so.

“But-”

“I insist.”

“Thank you very much!”

She was such a polite girl, he mused.

The food arrived quickly and they started a business plan together for a fictive company as a way to learn.

He noticed that the door opened and saw his father and little brother with lunch bags in hand.

He smirked as Damian froze and left as quickly as he came, his father mouthing an apology and following his son.

He forgot that he was supposed to have lunch with his father too.

He couldn’t help his laugh at his brother’s reaction though. His face screamed Nope.

“Is something the matter?” asked Marinette.

He stopped laughing, getting back to business.

“No, sorry. You were saying?”

Tag list:

@bigpicklebananatree @animegirlweeb @crazylittlemunchkin @northernbluetongue @cutechip @justafanwarrior @iloontjeboontje @resignedcatservant @maribat-is-lifeblood @i-like-fairytail-and-stuff @toodaloo-kangaroo @mikantsume @dast218 @amayakans​ @zestyzealot​ @lunarwolfspn​

#maribat #daminette #maridami #damian x marinette #ml x dc #miraculous x dc

[wordsfromthesol]

A “New” Vigilante (1/2)

Author: @wordsfromthesol Taglist: @ghost-brocolli Pairing: Jason Todd x Reader Summary:  You and Jason had known each other forever. After his death, you made your own name in the vigilante world. Everything changed when a newcomer known as the Red Hood came to town. Warnings:  Uh…the norms? Violence, Language, etc. Word Count: 1.5k A/N: Requested by @emmandhercoffecrisp

Part Two

You and Jason were attached at the hip ever since the two of you met. Living on the streets, defending each other against all the crazy people in Gotham. Then Jason got the most amazing opportunity, an opportunity where he insisted that you come along. It took everything in your power to tell this poor boy no, but you had to find your own way. You still ended up at the Wayne Manor most afternoons and Jason kept their nightly family activities a secret for a while. But you being, well you, figured it out before Jason was even allowed on missions.

Your heart shattered the day he died and you weren’t sure that it could ever be whole again. You had warned him that going after his mother was a bad idea, it was surely a trap. When that didn’t work, you begged him to let you come. Nothing. The day after the news broke you demanded Dick train you.

**

“Dick, I need this.”

“Y/N, you are grieving. This is not the time to decide this.”

“If you won’t then I will go find someone who will. That’s a promise.” You turned to walk away, but Dick grab your wrist.

“Alright. I’ll do it. Be in the training room at 8 am tomorrow.” His eyes met yours, their crisp blue filled with sorrow and regret. “Do you have a place to stay?” You wrenched your wrist from his grasp.

“I’ll be fine. Especially after I find some things to punch.”

**

Time passed and you had made a name for yourself in the vigilante world as Solaris. You mainly worked alone but would always come help out whenever Dick asked. That’s how you got roped into helping the next Robin train. No one came close to Jason, but at least he helped you find a family before he left, and thankfully they kept you once he was gone. You were with Tim in the training room when Dick came to get the two of you for a new mission.

“I got an all-hands situation, Y/N/N. You think you could stick around and help?”

“Awe, I’d be ever so delighted my dear brother.”

“You say that as a taunt…but I know you mean it.”

You stuck your tongue out at him before continuing, “So what’s this about?”

“Not uh, mission brief is in an hour.” Dick turned to walk out of the room, “Be in your suit!” He called back after you.

You looked over at Tim, confused. “Is there a new player in town?”

Tim shrugged and gave a half-cocked smile, “Guess you’ll…we’ll find out soon enough!” He raced out of the room before you could further berate him with questions.

**

“Jay, I don’t understand why you don’t want her to know.” Dick further prodded his brother as the trio waited for you to show up.

“What if I die again? I can’t bring her back into this…”

“Has he always been this dark? I don’t know you too well Jason, but from what Y/N tells me, her life would only be better with you back in it.”

“And why the fuck do you even know her?”

“Jay, calm down. When you died…well Y/N didn’t have anyone else. She ended up spending a lot of time here.”

“Great, so the replacement took my place as Robin and took my Y/N.”

“Hey.” Dick gave his brother a stern look, “You’re the one keeping yourself from her. She’s family, just like Tim, and just like you.”

Tim tried to break some of the tension, “Frankly, I’m surprised you haven’t already run into her at the manor.”

Before Jason could respond they heard the creak of the door.

“So, we’re having a whole party down here? Who’s the newbie?” You called out as you approached the character donned in black and red.

“Believe me, sweetheart, I’m anything but.”

“It’s Solaris, not sweetheart. And you’re new to me.”

The man let out a small chuckle before he responded, “Red Hood.”

You glanced at the red bat symbol peaking out from the leather jacket. “Another bat?” You glared at Dick, and then Tim. “I swear. Where do you guys find these people?”

“I like her.” Red Hood gestured towards you. “Anyways Nightwing…what’s the mission?”

**

You had worked with Red Hood on multiple occasions in the past two years since the two of you met. He even began to call on you before Nightwing.

“I’m starting to think you like me.” You called out across the rooftop, as you walked to join him on his perch.

“You’re prettier than Nightwing or Robin.”

“You have absolutely no idea what I look like.”

“Eh, I can tell.”

“Sure you can. Alright Red, what do we got?”

“Just some thugs dealing out of that warehouse there…it’s by the orphanage.”

You placed your hand on his shoulder, “It won’t be for long. You got a plan?”

“Walk in the front door?”

“Ever-charming with subtly. How about we take the less obvious choice of that second story window there?”

“Must you spoil my fun?”

“Yes.”

The two of you grappled your way over to the window and you peered inside. You looked at Red Hood and whispered, “Two armed guys walking perimeter of second floor. Three armed guys on the first floor, six more working. You said dealing…not making. Exactly how much recon did you do?”

“About from the time I called you until right now.” You rolled your eyes at his answer. “Don’t go all Nightwing on me.”

You held your free hand up to your chest in offense, “I would never.” Your voice dripped with sarcasm as you watched the thug pass by the window. Without warning you quickly opened the window and somersaulted in. You thrust your leg out immediately knocking the man to the floor. Springing up, you launched yourself at the fallen man and pushed your hand against his mouth. You pulled a tranquilizer from your belt and plunged the needle into the man’s exposed skin. Crouching to the floor you looked back and saw Red Hood kneeling behind you. He pointed downward, you nodded in understanding.

As Red Hood fell to the first floor, you bolted towards the second man walking about the perimeter. You quickly took him out before joining Red Hood on the main level, where gun fire was already ringing your ears. Surveying the site, you noticed two of the men down and Red Hood pinned behind a steel column. Thankfully, their sights were set on him, you didn’t even think they realized you were in the building. Quickly you made your way to the man rapidly firing in Red Hood’s direction. Taking him out was easy, but then the thugs who were making the drugs came out from their hiding places and began to charge at you. You glanced over and saw Red Hood defending himself against two of them, but something wasn’t right. Your mind went into overdrive, not worrying about how much you injured the worker bees. You quickly made your way over to Red Hood, who had managed to take out the two thugs before he slumped to the floor.

“What the fuck happened?!”

“Eh…someone got lucky.”

“Hood, this is bad. I’m calling Nightwing.”

“Ugh, I don’t need all high and mighty here to complain about how I should’ve been more careful. I’ve died once before, this is nothing.”

Your head jolted with confusion, “And how long did you say you’ve known Dick?” You causally let his real name slip as you gave Red Hood a mild sedative.

“Too fucking long.”

You were silent as you waited for Nightwing to arrive, hoping that Red Hood would give you one more confirmation. Though you were fairly certain that he was, in fact, Jason Peter Todd. Your Jason. Just as you were about to prod for more information, Red Hood spoke.

“Ya’know, he taught me a lot. That little acrobat. Even if he does call me little wing.” Red Hood looked up at you groggily, the sedative clearly doing its job. “Don’t tell him I said that.”

At this point your eyes were wide, that was Jason. You knew that nickname. You knew Dick helped train Jason. He was back. He was back and he didn’t tell you. Just as these thoughts swirled around in your head, Nightwing pulled up.

“Solaris, what happened?”

“Uhm…Hood…hit…drug ring.” You could barely push any words out of your mouth as you stared at the bleeding figure next to you.

“Solaris…are you okay?”

“I know,” was all you could manage to get out before you stood up and walked towards the door.

“Shit.” Dick mumbled to himself and he hauled Jason to the car.

#dick grayson #dick grayson x reader #dick grayson imagine #dick grayson x you #nightwing #nightwing x reader #nightwing imagine #nightwing x you #red hood #red hood fanfic #red hood x reader #red hood imagine #red hood x you #Jason Todd #jason todd fanfic #jason todd x reader #jason todd imagine #jason todd x you #Tim Drake #tim drake fanfic #tim drake imagine #tim drake x reader #Red Robin #red robin fanfic #red robin x reader #red robin imagine #red robin x you #batfamily #batboys #batboys x reader

[rawritzrobin]

Angel Amongst Bats Chapter 16

Title: Angel Amongst Bats

Pairing: Jason Todd x Stella Covington (My OC)

Warnings: Cursing, past major character death, a little bit angsty, fluff.

Summary: Red Hood finally steps foot in the dimension Stella's been trapped in. How will the reunion go?

A/N: Wanna be on my tag list? DM me and let me know (:

Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13

Chapter 14 Chapter 15 

Chapter 16: Red Hood

“Are you sure this will work?” Dick asked reluctantly. He was standing in the Justice League tower dressed in his Nightwing gear.

“Yes. Just press the button when you guys are ready, and it should send you where you want to go.” Zatanna said, handing him a small remote like device.

“Common I don’t have all day. Let’s go.” Jason calls back. He was standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. All the hero’s walking by were sending him nasty looks. He was totally out of place here, especially since he was dressed as the Red Hood. Jason walks up to the pair.

“Okay.” Dick responded. As he presses the button. A large yellow portal opens up in front of them. Dick and Jason step in front of it.

“When you’re ready to come back. Flip the switch on the side, and it should reverse the portal.” Zatanna says from behind them. “Good luck!”

“Were not coming back without her.” Dick says to Jason.

Jason doesn’t respond. He just starts walking towards the portal. Dick follows shortly.

————————

They both land on their feet. They were in a dirty alley between two old brick buildings. Dick and Jason look around. It was still day time in this universe, the sun shining bright over them. Dick peaks his head out of the alleyway. There were people walking around on the streets. He quickly pulled himself back to where Jason was standing.

“Uh, it’s day time. And we stick out like a sore thumb.” He says gesturing to their costumes.

Jason ignores him. He pulls out a small tracking device from his pocket. To his surprise, it starts to beep.

“She’s here.” He says to Dick.

Dick looks at him questioningly. “How do you know?”

“Her tracker is working.”

“You put a tracker in her?”

Jason rolled his eyes under his helmet. “No dickwad. She has a tracker in her necklace. And before you say anything; yes, she knows it’s there. Now come on.” He says as he shoots his grappling hook onto the roof and swings up. Dick follows suit.

According to the tracker, Stella was inside Wayne manor. Well, this worlds Wayne manor. They managed to get to the manor in record time. Jason didn’t bother trying to be stealthy. He just wanted to get to Stella as soon as he could.

The two men soon found themselves in front of the gates of Wayne manor. Luckily, the roads leading up to the estate were private roads so there were no onlookers. Getting to the manor was easy. Getting in was another problem.

“What should we do? Climb the gates?” Jason asked.

“Why don’t we try knocking?” Dick responds.

Jason glared at him through his helmet. “What do you mean? We can’t just show up and be like hey so we’re from a different dimension. By the way, have you seen my girlfriend?”

“Why not?” Dick says as he starts to walk up to the manor doors.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Jason yells. But Dick had already pressed the gates call button.

“Hello?” A voice answers through the intercom.

“Hi, Uh I’m Nightwing. Or er, Dick. We’re from another dimension and we’re looking for someone who might be inside?” Dick answers. Jason cannot believe how stupid he is.

To his surprise, the voice answered back. “Ah I believe I know exactly who you are talking about. She is here. Please come in.” The voice said as the doors clicked open. Jason’s jaw dropped. Dick looked at him with a smirk and shrugged. He pushed open the gate and walked in. Jason ran after him.

Alfred greeted them at the door. He did not seem phased at all, given the circumstances. Dick walked right past him into the manor. Alfred hesitated when Jason turned up. “He’s with me. Thanks Alf.” Alfred watched Jason the whole time. He had no idea who this strange man was.

They were greeted by the entire family in the foyer. Bruce, Damian, Tim, Barbara, and Dick stared at the two men in front of them.

Jason and Dick paused. Dick was super weirded out, staring at the man who looked exactly like him standing six feet away. Jason just stared at the people in front of them, not caring who they were. He was just focused on finding Stella.

“So you’re him.” Bruce said.

Dick nudged Jason in the ribs. “Take off the helmet.” He whispered.

Jason obliged, and with a hiss, he took off his helmet and placed it on the table next to them. Then he ripped off his domino mask, revealing his turquoise eyes underneath. Bruce studied him carefully.

What Stella told them was true. The man standing in front of them was Jason, but a little different. He was bigger, only a little, and he had a white streak running through his dark hair. There were also multiple scars on his face, and his eyes were more hardened, and a little bit broken.

“Um sorry to be so rash but, we’re looking for someone. Is she here by any chance?” Dick asks nervously.

“She’s in the garden.” Barbara answers, still staring at the clone of her boyfriend that just walked through the front door.

Jason did not hesitate to run through the house and push past its residents. He beelined towards the garden. Dick followed him, flanked by the others.

As he ran through the yard he saw a familiar blonde head in the distance. “Stella.” He whispers as he breaks out into a sprint. As he got closer, he realized she wasn’t alone. He saw that a strange man had his arms around his girlfriend.

Jason’s protective, or jealous however you wanted to look at them, instincts kicked in. He screamed at the man. “GET AWAY FROM HER!” And without hesitation, tackled him to the ground.

———————

Stella watched in confusion as Red Hood tackles Jason to the ground.

Jason was about to start throwing punches, but he immediately saw the white streak and turquoise eyes and realized who the man was. “Hey I give!” He cried. Jason stopped fighting back and held his hands up in surrender.

Red Hood had pulled out a gun and had it pointed at his head. He had one knee on his chest, pinning him down. His other hand was wrapped around Jason’s neck. He was too angry to realize just exactly who he had pinned down at the ground at the moment.

Jason looked up at his twin, he was more intrigued than scared at this point. But he kept his hands raised as a symbol of surrender.

“I’m unarmed, I promise.” He gasped as Red Hood tightened his hold around his neck.

After finally realizing who was standing in front of her, Stella cried out. “Jay?!”

Red Hood turns to face her and immediately jumps off the man he had just tackled. He dropped the gun he was holding onto the floor as he took her in. His eyes widened as his anger turned to relief.

Her blue eyes went from shock to relief as she came to the realization who was standing in front of her.

“Stella? Is it really you?” He asks rushing to her side. He kneels down in front of her and in an instant, Stella launches herself into his arms, for a moment forgetting about her injuries.

“Jay!” She says as she begins to sob into his chest. Jason hugs her back and collapses onto his knees, his arms around her tightening. “I’m here doll. I’m here.” He whispers into her ears, finally allowing the tears he had been holding back to fall. They pull away to look each other in the eyes. He cups her face in his hands. His turquoise eyes finally meeting her blue ones. They crash their mouths together, desperate for one another. They both tasted like tears, but it didn’t matter.

She was safe. He finally found her.

#Jason Todd x OC #Jason Todd #Original Female Character #Stella Covington #DCU #DC #Red Hood #Alternate Universe #Alfred Pennyworth #Bruce Wayne #Tim Drake #Damian Wayne #Dick Grayson #AU #Batman #iwritethings

[fridayfirefly]

Lost and Found [Part Two]

Masterlist | Ao3

A/N: I’m super glad everyone liked Part One so much! This part and next part are both from Damian’s PoV. Hope you enjoy!

Damian's favorite thing about living with his Father was that he got to keep his Soulmate's things. In the League of Shadows, Soulmates were considered to be a burden. Under his Mother and Grandfather's watchful eyes, he was forced to discard every bracelet, every pen, every sewing needle, every scrap of fabric. It stung, having to reject his Soulmate like that. The deepest, most instinctual parts of him longed to treasure every piece of her. But he couldn't, not until he moved in with Father.

Now he hoarded her things in a box on the top shelf of his closet. In the seven weeks since he arrived at Wayne Manor, he had found eight pens, three cat-shaped paperclips, two pencils, a tube of cherry chapstick, a set of history notes (written in French), and a shoe (size three and a half, women's). Damian treasured every one of her things.

"Damian, are you patrolling tonight?" Grayson asked from the doorway of Damian's bedroom.

Damian didn’t bother looking up from the book he was reading. "Of course. I don't skip patrols."

Damian could tell that Grayson was frowning without even looking up at him. He knew that Grayson didn't approve of his intense attitude toward his duties as Robin. But Damian wasn't about to disappoint his Father just because Grayson was concerned. "Alright. Be in the Cave in half an hour. We're all going out tonight."

Instantly, Damian’s mood dropped. What Grayson meant by "all" was that Drake and Todd would be patrolling as well tonight. Usually, patrols were made up of Damian, Father, and Grayson, because Drake was too busy with his college courses to go out with them, and Todd was almost always off the grid. Unfortunately, in some fluke of chance, it seemed that Drake's schedule was free and Todd was visiting the Manor.

Damian quickly finished the chapter and set the book down on his desk, right next to an orange highlighter. Traces of his bad mood began to fade away as he got the box out and hid away his newest treasure. Now that he was finally allowed to, he desperately wanted to start losing things for his Soulmate to find. But his fear that she would reject him was too much to overcome. After all, she spent the eleven years that he's been alive having never found anything of his before. Would she take kindly to finding out that her Soulmate does exist? One last conflicted glance into the box of her things, and he put it back into the closet, and left to go to the Batcave.

Two hours later, and Damian's bad mood was even worse. Their patrol had interrupted a drug deal between two of Gotham's most notorious gangs, and of course, things went South from there. Todd went rogue, refusing to follow anyone's orders. Drake and Grayson kept getting in Damian's way, forcing him to improvise every other move. In the middle of disarming a man, Drake managed to get himself cut across the shoulder, which distracted Grayson (who was trying to fight two people at once) enough to get him punched in the face. By the time the last of the gang members were incapacitated, Damian was sore enough that he didn't protest when Batman told them all to go home and let him deal with the police.

As soon as he got back into the Batcave, Damian was stripping his gear off, paying much less attention to where his weapons were going than he usually would. That was his big mistake. When Alfred came to the Cave to distribute snacks (Grayson insisted on hot cocoa and peanut butter crackers after every patrol. Damian would normally call it childish, if it wasn't for the look of profound nostalgia on Grayson's face when he ate them) Damian turned away from his haphazardly placed gear without a second thought. 

When he got back to his gear, he noticed that something was missing. "Drake? Todd?" Damian called out to the older boys. "Did either of you take one of my knives."

"No," replied Drake from across the cave. He was in the middle of cleaning the cut on his shoulder.

Damian turned to Todd, who rolled his eyes, "Why would I take your knives? I have my own."

"Then who took them?" Damian snapped back.

"Maybe you lost it?" Grayson suggested, still rubbing bruise cream on his jaw where he got punched during the fight. 

Damian paled as the realization hit him like a train. His Soulmate got sent the knife. The first thing he ever lost... his Soulmate's first impression of him... was a knife. A sharp, intimidating, dangerous weapon. 

Before Damian could fully process what had just happened, Drake started to laugh. "That's just great," crowed Drake. "I'm sure Demon Spawn's Soulmate has gotten used to getting sent knives by now.

Damian gritted his teeth. "No. She isn't... She's never... I've never lost anything before."

The cave went silent. "You've never lost anything before?" Grayson asked. His tone of voice was devoid of judgment, as though he was worried that he would provoke Damian by being too critical.

"When I lived with the League of Assassins, it was not allowed. Now that I live with Father I am uncertain of how to proceed."

"Christ, Damian. You weren't allowed to lose things." Grayson sounded horrified.

"Mother told me that having a Soulmate was a burden. While I do not believe her words to be true, I saw no advantage in contacting my Soulmate while I was still affiliated with the League."

"Your Mom is one fucked up lady," said Todd.

"Jason!" Grayson hissed, glaring at his brother. Damian didn't care about Todd's words. Todd was just vocalizing what Grayson and Drake were thinking.

Silence crept across the cave, and Damian assumed that their conversation was over. He started putting the rest of his gear away. His cabinet was perfectly organized, designed so that everything would fit into their exact spots, so he didn't risk losing anything. The empty spot where his knife would usually go stood out like a sore thumb. Damian shut the cabinet door, eager to get out of the Cave before Father returned. Damian didn't want to face his Father's judgment yet, not before he had a chance to process it all himself.

The walk back up to his room was dead silent. Grayson, Drake, and Todd didn't follow him out, and Damian assumed it was because they were all going to talk about what they had learned with Bruce. He was angry, but more at himself than at them. Seven weeks living with Father made him careless. He should be - he needed to be - more vigilant, more in control. 

As Damian showered off the dirt and blood from that night’s patrol, his anger faded away into bitterness. Of all the things he could have lost, it was the worst possible thing. And he only had himself to blame. It was his own uncertainty that caused such a terrible first impression.  

Normally, Damian didn’t have trouble falling asleep at night, especially after such a rough patrol. That night he could quiet his mind. He would start to drift off, only to be pulled back by the knowledge of what he had done. Eventually, as the horizon started to show signs of the rising sun, Damian simply gave up on his attempts at sleep. Knowing that he would eventually have to discuss what had happened with Father but not wanting to talk about it yet, Damian slipped down to the Batcave to get a few hours of training in. He hoped that it would help to quiet his mind, at least a little. 

The training dummies had no chance of survival, as Damian’s sword (his preferred weapon) sliced through one after another. Any other day he would hold himself back, stop himself from creating so much damage, but Damian couldn’t seem to stop himself. Once the sword was gripped between his hands he was out of control, channeling all the emotions that he had felt in the past twelve hours into his fighting. All of the anger, the bitterness, the uncertainty, the fear, all of it faded away as his training took over.”

“Damian?” Drake's voice echoed through the cave. “Can we talk for a minute.”

Damian stopped midway through a strike and lowered his sword. He hadn't expected Drake to be the one to confront him about it. "Yes."

Drake opened his mouth to speak, and then closed it. Instead, he picked something small and pink up off the ground and tossing it to Damian. "I think this might be yours."

It was a pink gel pen, well used, based on the amount of ink already used. His Soulmate seemed to lose them at an unprecedented rate. "Did you come here to talk to me about my Soulmate?"

"I wanted to apologize for what I said. I shouldn't have spoken about your Soulmate bond like that," said Drake.

"Is that all." Although Damian could tell that Drake was being genuine, Damian still wasn't in the mood to talk about his Soulmate bond with anyone.

"If you hadn't lost the knife on accident, would you have ever made contact with your Soulmate?"

"Eventually." Damian wasn't lying to Drake, he was lying to himself. Every day he wanted to make contact, but every day he feared that it would somehow push her away. Eventually was what he told himself every day, and every day Damian feared that eventually would never come.

"Are you going to continue contact?" asked Drake.

Damian kept silent for a moment. He knew the answer and he knew that Drake wouldn't like it.

"No."

——————————————————————

It took two months for Damian to fully reconsider his decision. Two months of Grayson's well-intentioned bothering and Father's disapproving looks, neither of which were what made Damian change his mind. Surprisingly, it wasn't a member of his family at all that made him change his mind. It was a villain.

"The view is pretty good from up here, isn't it," said Selena Kyle, sitting down next to Damian. "It almost makes you forget what a terrible city Gotham is."

The view from the top of Wayne Enterprises was the best in the city, but Damian wasn't there for the view. Damian was there to be left alone. "Why are you here, Catwoman." Damian didn't approve of his Father's relationship with the villain known as Catwoman. He never said it to either of their faces, but he was sure that they both already knew.

"Bruce told me about your Soulmate. I heard that you're avoiding contact."

"So Father gossips about me now." 

"He's worried about you. He's worried that you're going to lose something you can never get back... your Soulmate."

"It's complicated."

"Is it?" Selena challenged. "Or are you just scared."

"You don't understand." Damian snapped.

"I understand being scared, Damian. My Soulmate died when I was seventeen years old. We never met in real life, because I was scared. I didn't want him to be disappointed by the real me. And then he was gone forever." Damian watched her expression of grief fade away as she turned to face him. "I can't force you to do anything you don't want to do. It's your choice. Make the right one."

Having given her advice, Selena was gone, creeping away into shadow. Her words had cut through Damian like a knife, exposing everything he didn't want to admit to himself. He was a coward, scared to contact the person he was fated to be with. He was wrong, but he could fix his mistakes. His mind made up, Damian went home.

As soon as Damian put his gear away, he went straight to his desk and grabbed a pen off of it. After all the pens he had gotten from his Soulmate, Damian figured she deserved a replacement. He took the pen (black ballpoint, with his initials engraved on it. Father had given Damian twenty of them on his first day at Gotham Academy and Damian still had every one of them) and brought it outside, to the edge of the Manor grounds, where the forest began. Without giving himself the chance to second-guess himself, Damian tossed the pen into the woods, watching as it disappeared from sight.

A small smile touched Damian's lips, and for once, he allowed himself to feel hope. Hope that he and his Soulmate would be able to be happy together. Hope that it would all work out in the end.

Taglist: @fanboy7794 @mikantsume @hetalia-lover-is-here @howtoshuckatlife @you-will-never-know-how-i-think @redscarlet95 @derpingrainbow  @friedchickening @constancetruggle @melicmusicmagic @beautym3 @kunstner1

#lost and found #marinette #damian wayne #maribat #maridami #marinette x damian #daminette #my work

[aliasimagines]

Secrets part 2 (damian wayne x harley quinn’s daughter)

read part 1 here

The young Wayne boy sat on the edge of a huge building lost in his thoughts. The gentle wind ruffled his black hair. He was thinking about you. Again. He sat there, again thinking of your soft lips against his. The way his name rolled off of your tongue. Your eyes, your hair.. He couldn't help but wish you were here to keep him company. But Damian was on patrol and he can't just kidnap you from your bedroom in the middle of the night. I mean he can, he just won't.

Robin was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't even notice Nightwing jumping and landing next to him.

"Hey, what's up Little D?" Dick asked in his cheery voice. A scowl appeared on Damian's face as he turned to his oldest brother.

"You meant to say Robin right, Nightwing?"

"Sure Little bird. Now, what's on your mind?" he asked sitting next to the young Wayne.

"You sure you want to know that 'Wing?" asked a voice from behind them.

"Tt. I didn't know what was missing..." Damian rolled his eyes at Red Hood who sat down next to them.

"Continue guys, I wanna hear all the gossip!" Jason said in a fake excited voice which came out pretty irritating through his helmet.

"I'm... Don't you have better things to do?!" snapped Damian standing up. Or trying to stand up. His green boots got stuck and he almost fell on Jason. Fortunately Dick could grab Damian just in time so he didn't fell on Jay, or off the building. Robin straightened his uniform, stepped behind his brothers and turned around so now his back was facing a very confused and curious Dick and Jason.

"Now you gotta tell us what's going on with you"

"It's... I don't have to do anything you say Todd!" he took a deep breath "But I choose to tell it to you. Don't make me regret it you idiots"

"No promises." Dick elbowed Jason for this comment.

Damian turned around and exhaled the breath that he was holding. His fingers played with the rough material of the back of his cloak. He opened his mouth but Jason talked first.

"You're gay."

Dick hit the vigilante's helmet. "Shut, the hell, up. Go ahead Dami, don't care about him."

Damian glared at Jason.

"I have a girlfriend"

"She is a cover up for you being gay" stated Jason, but he laughed a little at the and. He earned a hit from both Robin and Nightwing this time.

"What's with you saying gay? You and Harper are together or what?" Damian narrow his eyebrows, angry expression spread across his face. He just freaking told about his girlfriend and Jason couldn't act like an adult for one goddamn minute!

"Watch it, demon"Jay threatened causing Dami to step closer.

" Or what, Todd?"

Nightwing finally stepped between them.

" Heyyy guys. There's no need for this. Lil D! You've got a girlfriend! I'm so proud of you! Congrats! How long have you been together?"

Damian teared his gaze away from Red Hood and looked at his oldest brother.

"5 and a half month"

"WHAT?!" Dick shouted, his voice echoing in the empty streets of Gotham. "FIVE MONTH?? HOW THE HELL DID YOU MANAGE TO HIDE THAT FROM US?!"

"Stop shouting you moron!" Damian hissed. Clenching his teeth he fought back a smirk. Dick was right, he successfully hid his relationship for month from his family (expect from Alfred, he knows everything).

"How the hell did you manage to KEEP a girl for 5 months? Like, is she okay? Is she under hypnosis? Is she blind? Something gotta be. No sane human being would date you."

Bruce's voice rang through the brothers's earpiece.

"Jason that's enough. Damian we are going to talk after patrol."

"But Fathe..." he couldn't finish because the dark knight of Gotham continued to talk.

"I want to meet her. Invite her over for dinner tomorrow. Or today as it is half past midnight. Call her. I will tell Alfred."

''But...''

"Now Damian."

Damian mumbled something in Arabic while he fished his phone out of his pocket. Damn I forgot to send her a pic on snapchat. He tapped on the yellow and white ghost icon and quickly took a picture.

Damian forgot about his brothers so he put away his phone with a smile on his face.

"Damn I'm soo curious about the chick"Jason sighed. Damian jerked his head in the direction of the black and white haired man.

"Don't call my girlfriend a chick. That is rude. "

"Chick is not rude, man!" Jason put his arms up in defense.

"Okay guys that's enough for today. Since nothing's happening I suggest we go back to the cave and get some sleep." Dick's voice sounded tired.

"Someone needs their beauty sleep?" teased Jason but he agreed with Nightwing. In the last few weeks he only got to sleep maximum two hours, or if he was lucky,three hours of sleep per night. Jason could use some sleep.

Damian only nodded in response before jumping away in to the night. He did not want to go with the Batmobile, that would mean that he has to sit through a very long and awkward conversation. No, the talk can wait till he gets back to the cave and also he can clear his head while walking around a bit.

By the time he got home the first rays of sunlight appeared on the dark sky. He pushed back his hood as he entered the cave. Bruce was, of course, waiting for him in a chair with a book in his hand. Without looking up from his reading he greeted his son. Damian did the same and sat down next to his father.

And with that they started a conversation that all fathers and their sons should have eventually.

~°~

(later that day, around 5pm)

You stood in front of your body sized mirror, pulling your dress down a little. You fixed your hair and make up (if you wear any). You nervously slipped into your shoes and sat down at the living room table. Lucy was watching some stupid cartoon that made absolutely no sense but, Lucy was 4, it didn't have to make sense. Some random colorful creatures popped up on the screen making the little girl jump and laugh in surprise.

"Did you see that Y/N/N?" your little sister asked in glee, than when she saw your dress she tiled her head in confusion. "Why do look like a princess?"

"Aw baby you think that I look like a princess? That's so sweet sis. Well, the reason I am dressed this way is that I am having dinner with Damian."

"Is he  coming over?  Will he bring his puppy too?" Lucy asked excitedly.

"No baby, I' m going over. And Titus is not really a puppy anymore, he is bigger than you." you tried to explain but Lucy shook her head and only said 'Puppy' before turning back to the tv.

"Are you ready my dear?" your aunt Delilah walked into the room. "Oh Y/N you look so pretty! I'm sure Damian's family will love you!"

A quiet laugh escaped your lips.

"Well I hope so!"

A knock interrupted you. You knew it was Damian so you quickly give a hug to your sister and aunt before racing to the front door. As you opened it you saw your boyfriend. And he was wearing a black suit with a turtleneck. Damn...

"Hello Beloved, you look beautiful!"

You smiled at him and kissed his cheek.

"You don't look that bad either" you winked at him.

"Come on, habibi. Alfred is waiting by the car." he took your hand and led you outside.

Alfred was indeed waiting next to the black car. You approached him with a big smile.

"Hello Alfred! It's so nice to meet you! Dami speaks so highly of you."

A quiet laugh leaved the butler's mouth as he saw his young masters reaction on you calling him Dami in front of him.

"The pleasure is all mine, Miss" than he opened the car door so you and Damian could get in. As you sat down next to each other on the backseat Alfred closed the door and got in too.

The car was filled with quiet whispers on the road to the Manor. You told Damian that you were nervous about meeting his family and he said that although his brothers are idiots everything will be fine.

When you arrived to the huge mansion you looked around amazed.

"Oh my goodness! You live in freaking Hogwarts!" you shouted excitedly. Damian put his arm around your waist as you walked uo the stairs.

"Well, not quite but all right."

Alfred again opened the door for you. All of you got in but Alfred rushed to the kitchen so he could finish dinner.

You were about to say something when a big black dog run out of nowhere.

"Titus! Heya boy! How are you?" you bent down a bit to scratch his head. Titus barks at you happily.

Damian smiles at the scene and lowers himself down too. He pats his dog's back when someone runs through the hallway. It was Jason, Damian saw the white streak in his hair before he disappeared at the end of the hallway which led to the living room.

You looked up too, that sent a questioning look to your boyfriend. Damian opened his mouth to explain that you shouldn't mind Jason because he is an idiot but Jay returned.

"Hellooo demon spawn! You finally here, I'm starving and Bruce wouldn't let me eat before dinner." he tought for a second "Not that he is the boss of me...Anyway. Hello random chick, I suppose you're the demon's girlfriend?"

Damian raised his fist, probably to punch Jason but you caught his hand.

"Yeah, I'm his girlfriend. And you must be the rude, idiotic brother. Am I right?" you looked at each other for a few seconds before Jason burst out laughing.

"Ahh, she's sassy. I love it! It's Jason by the way." he held out his hand for you, and you shook it with a little smile on your face.

"I'm Y/N."

Damian, who was clearly annoyed by the fact that Jason was touching you, cleared his throat.

"Okay, you met Todd. Let's go find the others." Damian pulled you away from Jason. Titus followed you into the living room. You saw two boys sitting there, both of them older then you. That's probably Dick and Tim,you tought. You stepped foward as much as Damian's arm around your waist let you.

" Hello!" you waved at them. The taller boy quickly stood up and run to you.

"Hello dear! I'm Richard but everyone calls me Dick, It's so nice to meet you!"

You let out a laugh as he pulled you into a big hug.

"It's nice meeting you too, I'm Y/N."

"You got yourself a nice girlfriend Lil D." Dick said turning to your boyfriend. Damian nodded.

"Indeed Grayson. MY girlfriend is very 'nice' as you put it." you quickly kissed his cheek.

"Aww Dami! You're so protective of me it's so cute!"

Damian's cheeks turned bright red and his brothers started laughing at what you said and Dami's reaction. Tim stood up and walked beside Dick.

"Hey Y/N, I'm Tim"  he smiled at you. "Nice to see that demon' s socializing."

"Haha Drake you're soo funny. You all are sooo funny. Where's father?" Damian's voice was sarcastic but you couldn't miss the little worry in it by the end of the sentence.

Dick pointed to the stairs.

"He is in his office."

The youngest brother noded his head in response an motioned for you to go up the stairs.

Damian guided you through the hallway. Looking around you saw a few pictures of the boys and Mr. Wayne, expensive vases and paintings.

When you finally stopped it was before a big oak door. Damian reassuringly squeezed your hand before knocking on the wood surface. You heard a muffled 'come in' before Damian opened the door.

You to step in the rather big office. Bruce Wayne sat at his table and looked curiously at you.

"Ah, you're here. Sorry son I lost track of time." the man stood up and held out his hand for you. "It is a pleasure to meet you Y/N."

"You too Mr. Wayne" you tried not to show how nervous you were as you shook his hand.

"Please call me Bruce." you acknowledged it with a small nod. "Allright, we should get down for dinner. I'm lookin forward to getting to know you Y/N."

~°~

Although the family dinner was quiet chaotic due to the brothers you enjoyed it. Okay maybe Bruce's always watching eye and questions were a bit awkward but he was just worried about his son and curious. You can't blame him for that. Bruce didn't trust you fully just yet but he also you that you can't choose your parents and he didn't want to look at you like The Jokers and Harley Quinn's daughter but as Y/N, the girlfriend of his son. And he couldn't deny the fact that Damian indeed seem happier and quite calmer. He just hopes that everything goes well and that you won't break Damian's already fragile heart.

At the end of the night Damian took you home but this time he used his motorcycle and didn't ask Alfred to take you. He wanted some privacy with you. The night was chilly against your skin as you hopped off when he parked in front your house.

"Your family seems... Nice." you said giggling.

"They are horrible. I know."

"Oh no! They're not horrible. Just a bit wierd but I liked them. And they love you Dami, that's what I care about."

Light pink blush stained his cheeks and he shook his head.

"I really like you, beloved. Thank you for coming tonight.... It meant a lot." you jumped to hug him. He hugged back tightly. You stayed there for what seemed hours but were only a few minutes. He kisses your forehead before pulling away.

"You should get inside. It's getting colder."

"Allright... Good night Damian. I love ya." you said before rushing inside to your aunt who was surely waiting for you awake so you can tell her every single detail.

Damian watched you wave from the top of the stairs before closing the door. He got on his motorcycle and headed home. On the way back he could only think about you and for once he didn't care about the grin on his face.... He is so in love with you.

#damian wayne x reader #damian wayne imagine #damian wayne one shot #damian wayne x quinnreader #robin x reader #teenage damian wayne #secrets part 2 #harley quinn daughter reader #alias imagines

[bigfan-fanfic]

The Shadow (Batkid!Reader x Bucky Barnes)

Requested by Anonymous for #19 - Bucky Barnes x Batkid!Reader where after escaping Hydra, Bucky meets the Batfam who help him recover, and he falls in love with Bruce’s eldest son.

Warning - very long length! - I’d be willing to do sequels if anyone has ideas!

“Watch out, everyone. I see something.” you say over comms. Barbara’s hacked you into the CCTV system all over Gotham, so it takes only a second for you to find a better angle. “Oh, no.”

“No? What’s the problem, Brother Eye?” your father asks.

Brother Eye was your codename, like Barbara was Oracle.

“It’s the Winter Soldier. I had heard he escaped the Avengers in Germany, but...”

Bruce sighs. The SHIELD and the Avengers have been a thorn in the side of the Justice League for quite a few years now, their careless actions turning the public against metahumans and superheroes in general.

“He’s dangerous. Prepare to engage.” Damian says, but you stop them.

“No. Something’s different.”

You can hear Damian rolling his eyes. “Brother, there is nothing different. The Winter Soldier is here in Gotham.”

As loathe as you are to argue with Damian (he just started calling you Brother, after all), you point out that he hasn’t attacked yet.

“Oracle, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” you ask.

Barbara’s already hacking and pulling up footage of the interrogation of Bucky Barnes in Vienna, where a dark-haired man uses Russian phrases to turn him into the Soldier. She’s also run facial recognition and determined the photo used by the authorities is of someone wearing a face-altering mask.

“It would appear, Master Bruce, that Sergeant Barnes was being framed, likely to have him collected at the facility so this man could retrieve the Winter Soldier.” Alfred says dryly, uploading the evidence to Bruce’s cowl.

For his own good, it is decided that you will all bring him in.

Bruce allows you to do the talking through comms. After all, you’re the best with people, except for Alfred and maybe Dick.

“Sergeant Barnes? James Buchanan Barnes?”

The Soldier doesn’t look at the source of your voice, but instead at the nearest camera, as if he can see you through it the way you see him.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Y/N Wayne. I want to help you. I know that you are not to blame for the U.N. If you go with Batman, he can protect you and bring you to a safer location.”

“Why should I trust you?” he asks. It’s a fair question, and you pause before answering. You decide to be brutally honest.

“You shouldn’t, yet. I could be lying about everything. All I can give you is my word that I have the ability and desire to help you.”

“...Why?”

“Because that’s what I do.”

The Soldier allows Batman to lead him to the Batmobile

“He your boss?” he asks Bruce.

Bruce chuckles. “My son. My oldest.”

“This is a... family business, then?”

Bruce nods. “Yes it is.

Upon reaching the Batcave, the Soldier’s eyes come to rest on you. You walk up to him, analyzing his every move as has come to be your habit. “Hello, Sergeant Barnes.”

“Bucky. My name is Bucky.” 

You and your father decide together to house Bucky in the Manor for the time being, while Batman brings the evidence you and Barbara collected and shows it to the Justice League

Just take a minute to bask in the glory of solving in two minutes what it took the Avengers and global police several days to even consider.

You have to wrangle Damian and Jason away from him most of the time, because they keep asking him for his top ten ways to kill someone, and it’s starting to make him uncomfortable. Surprisingly, Damian is the first to get better, and introduces Bucky to his many animals, almost like the child he is.

“This is Titus. Titus, say hello to Barnes.”

“WOOF.”

“Heya, pal.” *pets Titus*

*puts down sword* “Good. You have passed the test. Titus likes you.”

Dick is the best at helping Bucky recover his old memories, simply because it’s so easy to talk to him that Bucky responds without thinking and remembers a whole year of his old life.

Tim helps remind Bucky of the past by doing extensive research.

Of course, it isn’t long before Bucky asks to join the Batfam on patrol, wanting to help.

Bruce is surprisingly welcoming, and has you and Lucius Fox manufacture a new arm for Bucky to replace his Hydra one. It’s in matte black, and Bucky likes it because it looks almost as if he’s wearing a skintight sleeve and glove.

Jason helps Bucky train, because Bucky hasn’t really had combat training over the years, just, well, “punch and repeat.”

Bucky doesn’t wear a cape, but he gets a domino mask and tacks on a Bat-symbol to his mechanical arm.

He becomes known as “the Shadow” by Gotham criminals because unlike the Bat, he won’t talk. He’ll just appear, beat them up, and vanish again.

But Bucky’s favorite person to spend time with is you. Mostly because you make him feel like a living, breathing person, and not a convalescent or a living diorama. 

You’ll ask him lots of questions about his personal likes and dislikes, and he’ll be completely stunned.

But he’ll come up to you a few days later and answer, after you’ve already forgotten that you asked.

“Lemonade.”

“Excuse me?”

“You... you asked me what my favorite drink was. It’s lemonade.”

You always smile at him proudly and thank him. He’s not sure why, but it makes him feel like he’s glowing from the inside.

Bucky doesn’t know exactly when he fell for you.

Maybe it was seeing how protective you were of your family. And the way you immediately became protective over him. Despite the fact that he’s the assassin and you’re not a fighter, he feels safe under your watch.

Maybe it was when you, Dick, and Bruce took him shopping for new clothes to celebrate his newfound freedom after the Justice League exonerated him. It was decided that he stay at Wayne Manor (because, of course, the Waynes were the main sponsors of the League), and you found him clothes that were practical and comfortable.

Maybe it was seeing your tactical brilliance. He sees how you and Bruce work together on the fly to build impenetrable combat strategies. Bucky learns to follow the others’ example and unhesitatingly obey when you bark a direction, even when it seems impractical.

Maybe it was when you invited him to join in on the family night movie watching session. You had fallen asleep, slowly drooping over until you were cuddled against him. He stiffened in surprise, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy how comfortable you were with him. 

But by the time he came to seek you out in the Manor, he was gone.

“Y/N?”

You were correcting one of Damian’s school essays, or rather, censoring it of violent content. Leave Damian to go into detail about battle wounds in a essay on the American Civil War.

“Hmm?”

“Uhhh... I was hopin’ maybe I could talk to you.”

You look up and notice he’s dressed in a nice suit. His hair’s slicked back, and he looks so nervous.

“Sure, Buck. What’s up?”

He holds out his hand to you. “I was wonderin’ maybe if I could take you on a date.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Uh, although, you might have to be a little patient with me. I haven’t taken anyone out in... a while.”

You take his hand. “I’d like that. A lot.”

He takes you out to an old restaurant about an hour away in New York, which is still around because it advertises itself as “Captain America’s Favorite Diner” and has since the end of World War II. As a bonus, Bucky gets to eat free there.

You have a classic meal of burgers and milkshakes in your fancy suits, and then Bucky asks you to dance with him to the tune of old 40′s hits. 

Of course, there’s tabloid news about it, but it doesn’t matter. Because everyone sees that Bucky’s happy with you, and you’re happy with him.

So when Bruce finds you two passed out on the couch after a night of dance and laughter, he decides to reserve his “if you ever hurt my son” spiel for another day. Tomorrow, perhaps. He simply takes a picture on his phone to send to Alfred and walks away.

#male reader #batkid reader #bucky barnes x male reader #the winter soldier x male reader #batman x male reader #batman headcanons #headcanons #dc headcanons #marvel headcanons