#aiden cobblepot

[luludeluluramblings]

dream team back. we’re currently yapping central again (per usual)

both of us are straight up in a tim drake brainrot spiral too!!! he’s a delightful little weirdo. a strange little gentleman if you will.

tim is such a funny little guy!!! he also makes a solid yandere. you can’t outsmart him. you can’t escape someone who can find everything about you. On the upside, I feel like he’d be happy to spoil his darling. also he’d be like, really considerate in weird ways??? I mean like you don’t get privacy (or you get the illusion of it maybe but not actual privacy.)

like yeah you’re always being watched in some way, but the man has committed every single one of your favorites and least favorites to memories. He knows what clothing you like, what specific features you look for in everything, and if he doesn’t, by god, will he learn. He knows your favorite song, and he knows the nickname you went by in elementary school.

Do you think he pretends to be normal and basically sets things up to send reader to be like a little love story?? You meet by chance, and he fell first. He fell a LONG time ago, so now it’s his mission to make you fall too. And Tim Drake ALWAYS finishes a mission. (Even as a baby daddy candidate). He makes himself the best option, even if he’s not the father.

Yandere!TimDrake x PastFriend!Reader x Aiden Cobblepot

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

A/N: Sooooo, I'm finally and slowly going through my ask box and you two may have sparked an idea just for Tim. I might have to do a Part Two for this. (I'm falling into the WIP trap. Help!) But, I love the thought of the Bat Family have competition when it comes to their darling. Gives them a challenge. Plus, I really wanted to use Aiden Cobblepot for this. I've been wanting to sneak him into something.

A/N: We have neglected!Sib!Reader, but what about a Neglected!Friend!Reader? Fun idea. Tim already knowing everything about you only to find you’ve changed and wants to study you all over again. Only this time he’s keeping you! (I’m very fond of Tim. I think he’s difficult to write for me, but I enjoy the little stalker so much.)

Warnings: Yandere Themes, Romantic themes, Tim can be read as kinda platonic, GN!Reader

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

You and Tim were once good friends. Well, he was your best friend. To him you were just a good one. High school buddies that would hang out all the time. At school only. And sometimes the rare gala you saw him at. It was rare you ever actually went to The Manor. You never asked to go. But, you had hoped to be invite.

Just like you had hoped that he might reciprocate that pesky crush you had on him back then. You had felt like it was so painfully obvious. Though it wasn't as painful when you finally figured out he was Red Robin and you waited and waited for him to tell you his secret identity. And, then you would tell him you already figured it out and you would look so cool.

Only, he never did. You both grew distant. You had put so much carful effort into keeping that distance from growing. Inviting him to hang out more. Asking him out for casual coffee. He always said the same thing.

"Oh, damn. I could really go for that right now. But, I'm just sorta busy. Next time though. For sure."

Over and over. He sounded like a broken character. Repeating the same phrase. One that you would hang around after the game was over to reminisce about all the fun adventures you both once had. However this was life not a game. You couldn't just restart and rerun the same adventures.

It made you ache when you finally moved on. When you finally pulled away. Because, Tim didn't even notice you were gone. His life to change. He didn't have to restart anything. You had lost your best friend and he didn't even care. It stung. It stung more than you realizing he'd never reciprocate your feelings.

But, like all things, time moves on and so do you. Leaving the past behind and starting a new game. One that you start to flourish in. Making new friends. Meeting new people. Building closer bonds and more healthy friendships. It had been interesting to realize how dependent you had been on Tim once upon a time. And, embarrassing. You can't help looking back on it with a wince. You almost want to reach out and apologize. But, that would be weird and you both live completely separate lives now. You hardly ever see him at galas now. Mostly because you don't go anymore.

Things, do change. You never expected your new partner would draw Tim's attention back to you. And, in such a terrible way.

You had a rough idea of what you were getting into when Aiden Cobblepot had asked you out to dinner. You figured he was only interested in you for your money or your half-decent looks or your family name and position. You had heard all the rumors about him, but still you went. Mostly, because you knew how dangerous he and his family were. And, you were… presently surprised.

He was a bit of an entitled asshole. But, he wasn't scared of getting dirty. You watched him lead you through the puddles of rain water and Gotham grim in the posh restaurant. He held more concern for you're clothing getting dirty than his, which were more expensive than yours. He paid for the date without flinching at the price. Encouraged you to try his own food from his plate. Talked about fond memories of the things he and his sister got up to as children while asking you about your own childhood.

Admittedly, you were easily seduced because after that the two of you became an item. You didn't even realize how official you were until he introduced you to his sister, Addison, and she was actually nice to you. Extremely nice. She did, however, threaten to kill you if you betrayed Aiden in any way, which was honestly fair enough.

Aiden and you were a bit on the opposite side of things, taste wise and morally wise. But, you both made it work. He continued his life of crime, but made no mention of it around you to keep you legally clean. You shared most of your life with him, letting him have a slight glimmer into normalcy. He liked to take you on fancy dates and show you a good time. You were happy to pull him inside just to spend personal time with each other. Of course, you both made compromises. Aiden had a taste for luxury, and you didn't mind indulging in it. Especially after you beat his ass multiple times in Mario cart. It was only fair you let him take you to a gala some point.

Little did you know that that was how Tim would come clawing and digging his way back into your life.

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

For Tim seeing you again was like finding an old precious treasure. His life had gotten so difficult and complicate lately that just a reminded of all those old times was nice.

However, seeing you on the arms of the Penguin's son was a brutal wake up call. What were you doing? Had you hit your head? Was he blackmailing you? Drugging you? Everyone in Gotham could recognize the name Cobblepot and how dangerous they are. And, he remembers how smart you were so you couldn't have willing chose to be there. It's not logical.

For your safety, he reintroduces himself to you. Long time, no see. We should hang out some time and catch up. Only he means it. He can't let this happen. He can't let you fall in with a man like that. You're his friend. He'll win you over for your own sake. Ruin Cobblepot while he's at it because how dare he use you.

Even if you changed. Even if you don't smell the same. If your hair is different. If you dress different. Even if your very laugh had changed pitch, he knows you. And, if anything, he can just re-learn you all over again. It won't take long. He's done it all before. This time he'll savor though. This time he won't let you go as he pulls you back in. You were a good friend, this time he'll make you more.

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

A/N: I’m starting to type up Part Three of Pregant!Reader, but I ended up coming up with another start to it with more drama that would be strictly for the BatBoys. The messed up drama in it sounds fun and challenging, but I won’t do it until I finish what I started with the blurbs I have planned included.

A/N: Smalltown!Meta!Reader Part Nine is going to take a while. I have big plans for it, but Pregnant!Reader is kinda outshining it.

A/N: I will post about the LoungeSinger!Reader and another idea I came up with that y’all might like that I’ll add to the concept list.

A/N: There’s a Tony Part Two coming, but it’s only halfway typed and still not that yandere-y. Need to fix that.

A/N: My asks box is full, so I’m gonna try to empty it, but I host Thanksgiving in my family and I’m also a Christmas nut, so I’m gonna be busy. (I have four Christmas trees in my house currently… But I’m not as bad as my in-laws! They had their trees up BEFORE Halloween.)

[dukkenygma]

hello I can't draw that much but I'm trying to design the Cobblepot twins !!!

I wrote Addie's name wrong but I'm too lazy to fix it lmao

[why-i-love-comics]

The Penguin #5 - "A Higher Power" (2023)

written by Tom King art by Rafael De Latorre & Marcelo Maiolo

[gotham-accidental-crimelord]

Notice for Gotham Rouges: pt. 2 Electric Boogaloo

People in my apartment: * Penguin * Riddler * Ethan Cobblepot * Aiden Cobblepot * Addison Cobblepot * Catwoman * Enigma * Harvey Dent *Talia Al Ghul (Has not broken it yet, but for future reference) * Firefly (Pyromaniacs have to stick together) * Duela Dent * Victor Zsasz * Zach Zsasz People I'm unsure of: * Red Hood * Harley Quinn * Poison Ivy * Music Meister *Two-Face * Falcone Family (Depends on who it is) Might get the Broom: * Killer Croc * Mister Freeze * Mad Hatter * Vengeance Will get the Broom: * Scarecrow *Solomon Grundy * Bane Will get worse than the broom: * Joker * The Court of Owls * Black Mask

[skay-ali]

Master list

Yandere DC

The forgotten daughter 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

- Villainous love interest Aiden Cobblepot - hero love interest

Birthday / Rock reader 1 2 The witch's revenge 1 2 Little Sparrow

The sacrifice of a poor broken soul 1

The Golden circus Miracle Children Tears of an angel 2 Endless Game I give up, I'm tired

Yuukoku no Moriarty

The lonely lady

Eleceed

Magic Tears

Fugitives

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

clowns to the left of me Joker's to the right (here i am stuck in the middle with you)

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/j5dNw3t by JedidaJo The day after the “No Man’s Land” order had been lifted, Delia Quinzel left Gotham City with only the clothes on her back and her infant daughter in her arms, and she’d never looked back in the decade that had passed since that day. She changed her name, went to college, and created a happy, normal life for herself and her daughter. But ten years later, she receives two invitations calling her back to Gotham – one for a celebration of an engagement, and the other with much darker intentions. Stepping foot back in into Gotham is always dangerous, but even more so for Delia, as it means risking all the secrets she’s kept for so long, but ultimately it’s rude to refuse an invitation… and stupid to ignore a threat. Words: 5665, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M Characters: Delia Quinzel, Lucy Quinzel, Barry Quinzel, Harleen Quinzel, Frankie Quinzel, Ezzie Quinzel, Sharon Quinzel, Nick Quinzel, Quinzel Ensemble, Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Joker (DCU), Pamela Isley, Oswald Cobblepot, Ethan Cobblepot, Addison Cobblepot, Aiden Cobblepot, Gotham City Residents, Rogues Gallery (Batman) Relationships: Jason Todd/Delia Quinzel, Pamela Isley/Harleen Quinzel, Ethan Cobblepot/Frankie Quinzel, Lonnie Machin/Ezzie Quinzel, Minor or Background Relationship(s) Additional Tags: Canon-Typical Violence, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Fake Dating, Sharing a Bed, I Will Go Down With This Ship, Protective Bruce Wayne, Bruce Wayne Tries to Be a Good Parent, Sharon Quinzel is a MILF, Dysfunctional Family, Family Shenanigans, Harleen Quinzel Needs a Hug, Delia Quinzel Tries to Be a Good Parent, Protective Jason Todd read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/j5dNw3t

[annienonmouse]

I love how broad we can be with this. I will also not tell you who is who.

Oswald Cobblepot, Edward Nygma, James Gordon

Kim Wexler, Jimmy McGill, Howard Hamlin

Blair Waldorf, Chuck Bass, Dan Humphrey

Heathcliffe, Catherine, Edgar

Carrier Bradshaw, Mr. Big, Aiden Shaw

Hercules, Meg, Hades

Two lovers have reincarnated throughout history, destined to find each other and fall in love all over again. There’s also this third guy that reincarnates alongside them… we don’t really know what he does.

[gotham-at-nightfall]

Batman puts the Penguin Twins on notice!

Batman #136

[grace-of-gotham]

STUDY: Grace Williams

—    basics.

▸     is your muse tall/short/average? Short-ish. 5ft4'

▸     are they okay with their height? She quite likes it actually.

▸     what’s their hair like? Blonde and wavy. If she tried the curly-girl method it might end up curlier, but she doesn't usually bother.

▸     do they spend a lot of time on their hair/grooming? Depends on the situation. She has it up and out of the way for work, but when she's going out for the night she takes care to curl or straighten it.

▸     does your muse care about their appearance/what others think? She does, for a few reasons. She is building up her reputation as a reliable health care professional so she wants to be presentable. But also, coming from Crime Alley, she is often judged prematurely and she's eager to prove her worth and to prove others wrong. Really, she cares too much, though she's aware it's a problem.

—    preferences.

▸   indoors or outdoors?     indoors ▸    rain or sunshine?     sunshine ▸    forest or beach?     beach (she has bad hayfeaver) ▸    precious metals or gems?     gems ▸    flowers or perfumes?     flowers ▸    personality or appearance?     personality ▸    being alone or being in a crowd?     in a crowd▸    order or anarchy?     order ▸    painful truths or white lies?     painful truths ▸    science or magic?     science ▸    peace or conflict?     peace ▸    night or day?     night▸    dusk or dawn?     dawn ▸    warmth or cold?     cold▸    many acquaintances or a few close friends?     a few close friends ▸    reading or playing a game?    playing a game

—    questionnaire.

▸     what are some of your muse’s bad habits? Pushing people away due to a fear of abandonment, smoking, forgetting to eat when she's preoccupied, biting her nails.

▸     has your muse lost anyone close to them? how has it affected them? Not in the typical sense. Her dad let her and her mom when she was 9, by choice. It's had a lasting impression on Grace's ideas of relationships and how she trusts people. [Verse dependent] Her mother has a chronic illness and in some threads she may have passed away. Grace has spent a considerable part of her childhood and teenage years caring for her so she not only grieves for her mother but for herself. It's a complex issue.

▸     what are some fond memories your muse has? Ice skating at the public rink in Gotham National park with her mom as a kid. Her mom teaching her how to crochet. Graduating high school and being accepted into medical school.

▸     is it easy for your muse to kill? No. Not at all. If she ever has to in a life or death situation she will be traumatised.

▸     is your muse capable of trusting someone with their life? Yes. Though she is friendly as a default, to fully trust someone would take some time, but once they get past the barriers she's put up she'd trust them with everything she has, even if it scares her.

▸     what’s your muse like when they’re in love? Hopeless and loyal. If she's in, she's all in, and she'll fight for it tooth and nail. Her main love language is physical touch though she'll ultimately do what she can to work out what her partner needs.

Tagged by: @oftomorrow​ Thank you!

Tagging: @jp-todd-rp @unconventional-weapons (lex!) @whxlmedwing (aiden/shun) @fromxbeginningxtoxend @hotdadharper @oswald-pengu1n-cobblepot @gothams-black-rabbit @gothams-white-knight and anyone else who fancies it!

[swanimagines]

Masterlist [OLD]

THIS MASTERLIST IS OUTDATED, YOU CAN FIND THE LINK TO MY NEW ONE FROM THE DESCRIPTION

You can find all my written works here c: In case you want to read more of my DBH writings, check my old DBH imagine blog masterlist! Link

And PLEASE check my fandom list before requesting! I have stated there if there’s characters I don’t write for or how many seasons I have watched some TV series. + It would be nice if you checked out the rules before requesting.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL MY WORKS

ASSASSIN’S CREED

Ezio Auditore

Disgrace to the Creed

Oh, Sweet Death

ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE

Audrey

Save It for Later

Kida

I Love You

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Madame de Garderobe

Imagine sneaking into the castle and Madame de Garderobe giving you a makeover

BIG HERO 6

Tadashi Hamada

Understanding

DETROIT BECOME HUMAN

General/multiple

Short reader headcanons

Your Choice

Connor

Thank You

Imagine pampering Connor after him having a rough day at work

Imagine Connor helping you when you have a heart attack

Little One

Before Lunch

A Shooting Star

Imagine dating Connor, Hank’s son

Imagine telling your father, Hank, about your relationship with Connor

Imagine feeling like siblings with Connor

Here For You

To Feel

Imagine Connor being interested in your love for pottery

Daniel

Daniel & the reader’s daughter headcanons

PreDBH! Daniel x reader headcanons

Don’t forget

Fixed (2) (ignore the title in part 2)

Fear

Imagine Daniel having a separation anxiety without you

Imagine Daniel feeling secret jealously over you, but he acts like he hates you

Hank (platonic)

Imagine being Hank’s daughter and him being super protective over you because of what happened to Cole

Ralph

Not Alone

Imagine Ralph calling you by your favourite flower and bringing you flowers every day

Imagine Ralph seeing you pass out because you’re sick

Friends

Rupert

Healing

Not from Tennessee

Markus

Someone to Care For

Hope

North

Imagine North being in love with you, a human, and helping you while you’re sick

Simon

Headcanons with an s/o who has had a hard time with their family

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS

Edward

Safety

FANTASTIC BEASTS

Newt Scamander

Worried

Being a Magizoologist

Imagine Newt shyly asking you to the Yule Ball

Theseus

Believer

GOTHAM

Bruce Wayne

Surprises

A Confession

Edward Nygma

Dating Game

A Silent Voice

Riddles and Secrets

Imagine being a child, killing your abusive parents, bonding with Ed in Arkham and him adopting you

Jerome Valeska

Fake text messages (also fits for Jeremiah)

Prince of Crime

A Helpless Duckling

Living with a Crazy

A Lucky Day

Imagine your big brother Jim finding out you date Jerome Valeska

Roy

Street Rat

Oswald Cobblepot

A Dear Friend

A Songbird

Everything She Needs - aaand part 2

Watch Me

The Loved and the Damned

Imagine being a kindergarten teacher, Oswald never hearing you yell, but then he sees you yell at the kids to get them pay attention

Sid

Just A Scratch

HARRY POTTER

Fred Weasley

A promise

Ron Weasley (platonic)

A friend

Remus Lupin

Children’s Stories

Oliver Wood

Waffles and Walnuts

MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN (PS4)

Peter Parker

Dating headcanons

Plastic look-a-like

Secrets

Giving Hope

Imagine dating Spider-Man, without knowing who he is in real life

MCU

Peter Parker

About a Girl in the Tower

Carol Danvers

Imagine Carol meeting you again after you were dusted in the Snap

CHRONICLES OF NARNIA

General/Multiple

Jealousy preferences

The boys having a crush on the reader

Peter Pevensie

More than enough

Between the Distances

Coming Home

Finally Home

Edmund Pevensie

The King, the Wound and the Princess

Adding Shadows

Her King

Prince Caspian

Dating Prince Caspian would include...

Forgotten

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

Elizabeth Swann

A Strong Heart

Will Turner

The Odds of Loving

THE 100

John Murphy

Fierce

Betrayal

Imagine running away with Murphy

One Day

Raven Reyes

1 AM

SLY COOPER

General

Imagine being a doctor and traveling back in time to treat Sly Cooper in ancient Egypt

WATCH DOGS

Aiden

General Aiden x reader headcanons

Plastic

Sleepy-head

Things Never Said

Aiden Drabble

Marcus

Imagine being an informator for DedSec and ending up helping Retr0 with one of his jobs

Wrench

Family

Hidden

Headcanons with an s/o who loves his mask

Painful Memories

Headcanons with a nonbinary reader who loves piercings

Headcanons with an attentive reader

Imagine Wrench seeing you after 3 weeks, when he thought you were dead Headcanons with a reader who continuously gets catcalled because she is showing her skin 

[luludeluluramblings]

Ideas/Concepts for Yandere!BatFamily

A/N: Just getting these out of my head. Might expand on them later.

A/N: All these use Smalltown!Reader as a base. Imma about to put them through hell. Tehehe.

Multiverse Reader - GN!Reader

In this version, Reader isn't a meta, Smalltown isn't completely yandere for them, and the family reacts a lot more violently to Reader's arrival. Harshly hazing or blatantly ignoring. Literally ruining Reader's life when they come to Gotham through the media and cruel pranks. Causing Reader to break much soon then in the current timeline.

Only when Reader hits their breaking point, they get transported to an universe where they never existed and the Bat Family there immediately takes them in. Giving Reader a few years of loving respite before their sent back to their original universe. When Reader comes back they find out the Family went full yandere for them while they were gone and now Reader has to deal with them again. But, now the family has to deal with a Reader who loves and misses different versions of them.

Excerpt

Idea

Idea

Breakdown Idea

Vigilante Reader - Fem!Reader

This reader doesn't have Smalltown going yandere for them, nor are they biological related to the family. But, they're still a Meta. This also doesn't have any neglect, just a greedy uncle. Nana and Daddy have origins in Gotham, with Daddy having left the city behind to raise his family in peace in Smalltown.

Reader runs into Harley after struggling to cope with living in Gotham and dealing with family issues. Harley recruits them into joining the Gotham Siren's and thus begins Reader's nighttime escapades of witty banter and flirting with the local Bats. (Or Birdies, in this case.) And, the Birdies falling into obsession the more Reader evades them and taunts them.

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

The Wedding Planner

Gn!Neglected!Reader that finds the Bats trying to force themselves back into their life when they end up trying to plan Bruce and Selina's wedding.

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

Influencer Reader - GN!Reader with unintentional neglect.

Influencer!Reader plays the Sims 4 - Wayne Manor DL

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

Your daughter calls me daddy, too.

Female!Negected!Reader that marries an older man and gets pregnant.

Tony Stark as Older!Husband - Fluffy - Part Two

Yandere!TimDrake x PastFriend!Reader x Aiden Cobblepot

GN!Reader. Reader considered Tim their best friend, but it was a onesided friendship. They grew apart. Reader starts dating Aiden. Tim feels like he has to intervene and wants to be friends or more with Reader again.

Switched at Birth

GN!Reader, that is really Bruce's kid, meets the one that he neglected. Only, they're yandere for Reader and want revenge on the Bat Family.

LoungeSinger!Reader - Prologue

GN!Reader, Romantic, Paring undecided.

Magical/Winx/Madoka!Reader

Magic!Reader thanking Bruce - GN!Reader

Magic!Reader Erasing the Batfam’s memories of them - GN!Reader

Winx!Reader Concept

Winx!Reader Fanart

Madoka!Reader - Damian shattering them

Feral!Redneck!Reader - GN!Reader, what it says on the tin.

Singer!Reader - Prologue Idea where Neglected!Reader had a Meta Gene that makes in unnecessary for them to breath. Fem!Reader mostly, Prologue is GN!Reader

OG Ask - Sabrina Carpenter inspired Reader

Siblings Simping for Singer!Reader - Singer!Reader encouraging it to be a little shit.

The Meta Gene OG idea

The Duck - GN!Neglected!Reader has a terrible pet Duck. It’s mission: fuck with the BatFam

[dukkenygma]

thinking about the Cobblepot Twins and how Oz always showed his preference for Addison even with their deaths

how they raised eachother bc both their parents weren't there for them (all Oz's fault ofc)

how Aiden feels just like a strong body with no brain instead of a person

or how Addison sees herself as just a copy of her dad

and how they both thought that the only way to get their dad's approval was to kill him

[why-i-love-comics]

Batman #136 - "Dusk to Dawn" (2023)

written by Chip Zdarsky art by Belen Ortega & Tomeu Morey

[anewgeneration-rp]

Welcome to the Roleplay Rory,Alana,Ari,Lola & Holly ! The following characters have been accepted and you have 24 hours to send in your blogs from the moment of acceptance! Please complete the checklist!

ALEXA SUMMERS - CHILD OF EMMA FROST &SCOTT SUMMERS

Maia Mitchell

POPPY LANE - CHILD OF LUCY LANE - Swap for Clarke Kent

Marlo Kelly

HAZEL ISLEY - CHILD OF PAMELA ISLEY

Vanessa Morgan

MARTIN COBBLEPOT - ADOPTED CHILD OF OSWALD COBBLEPOT

Aaron Taylor Johnson

ASTORIA KAYE-PRIEST - CHILD OF ALEXIS KAYE AND AIDEN PRIEST

Lyrica Okano

ELIZABETH "LIZZIE" LUTHOR - CHILD OF LEX LUTHOR

Elle Fanning

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

clowns to the left of me Joker's to the right (here i am stuck in the middle with you)

by JedidaJo The day after the “No Man’s Land” order had been lifted, Delia Quinzel left Gotham City with only the clothes on her back and her infant daughter in her arms, and she’d never looked back in the decade that had passed since that day. She changed her name, went to college, and created a happy, normal life for herself and her daughter. But ten years later, she receives two invitations calling her back to Gotham – one for a celebration of an engagement, and the other with much darker intentions. Stepping foot back in into Gotham is always dangerous, but even more so for Delia, as it means risking all the secrets she’s kept for so long, but ultimately it’s rude to refuse an invitation… and stupid to ignore a threat. Words: 5665, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M Characters: Delia Quinzel, Lucy Quinzel, Barry Quinzel, Harleen Quinzel, Frankie Quinzel, Ezzie Quinzel, Sharon Quinzel, Nick Quinzel, Quinzel Ensemble, Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Joker (DCU), Pamela Isley, Oswald Cobblepot, Ethan Cobblepot, Addison Cobblepot, Aiden Cobblepot, Gotham City Residents, Rogues Gallery (Batman) Relationships: Jason Todd/Delia Quinzel, Pamela Isley/Harleen Quinzel, Ethan Cobblepot/Frankie Quinzel, Lonnie Machin/Ezzie Quinzel, Minor or Background Relationship(s) Additional Tags: Canon-Typical Violence, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Fake Dating, Sharing a Bed, I Will Go Down With This Ship, Protective Bruce Wayne, Bruce Wayne Tries to Be a Good Parent, Sharon Quinzel is a MILF, Dysfunctional Family, Family Shenanigans, Harleen Quinzel Needs a Hug, Delia Quinzel Tries to Be a Good Parent, Protective Jason Todd via https://ift.tt/j5dNw3t

[hysterialevi]

Where the Demons Sleep pt. 11 (Cobblebats)

From Bruce’s POV

WAYNE MANOR

Sitting in the study, I powered my way through the stack of paperwork resting on my desk as I reviewed business proposals, letters, and envelopes that were waiting to be opened. As much as being CEO benefited me, I couldn’t deny that it was still a pain to go through what felt like the exact same document over and over again. I knew that there was a specific format to follow when writing business letters, but these people could’ve at least put in some effort and made it interesting to read. 

Thankfully though, no one at Wayne Enterprises seemed to be aware of my “other” businesses. As far as my colleagues were concerned, I was just the innocent, billionaire, playboy son of Thomas Wayne. Nothing more, nothing less. And considering how well my recent meeting with Harvey Dent went, I assumed he didn’t suspect anything either. To be honest, I was rather surprised at how easily the DA fell for my “mask.” The poor bastard clearly had no idea what he was really getting himself into, and I had no intentions on letting him figure it out. Men like him rarely ever won in the world of politics.

Coming to my rescue before I could fry my brain any further however, my phone suddenly began to ring as it shifted slightly across the wooden surface, the letters “AB” flashing on the screen. Why was Brannigan calling me? Had his assassin already killed King? I quickly retrieved the device.

Bringing the phone up to my ear and answering the call, I stood up from the desk and began wandering around the office as Brannigan’s voice came through. 

“Wayne.” He greeted, his tone hesitant with worry. I didn’t like where this was going.

“I’m here, Brannigan,” I replied flatly. “What is it?”

“I’m afraid I have some bad news, sir. It’s about Aiden King.”

“I figured. Did you have him killed like we discussed? The answer better be ‘yes.”

Brannigan paused for a second, thinking about how to proceed. “...that’s the thing, sir. I hired an assassin just as you ordered, and promptly sent him to Kane’s headquarters. The target however, was nowhere to be seen.”

I furrowed my brow, facing the fireplace behind me as I leaned back against the desk’s edge.

“What do you mean, ‘nowhere to be seen?”

“Aiden’s not there, Bruce. In fact, the assassin reported that there were no prisoners at all. William’s cellar is completely empty. King must have escaped.”

I cursed under my breath. “Dammit.”

“How would you like to handle this? Shall I cancel the contract with the assassin?”

I shook my head. “No. King may not be around William anymore, but he’s still a threat to our plan. He needs to die. Besides, if we’re discreet, it’s possible we could follow him right to his organization’s base. Tell the assassin to keep tracking him down. I’ll even throw in a little bonus if he can give me his group’s location.”

“Right away, sir.”

“Meanwhile, I’ll have a quick talk with William -- see if he can clear this mess up. Keep me updated.”

Ending the call, I scrolled all the way to the bottom of my contacts and wasted no time in ringing William, subconsciously tapping my foot as I waited for an answer.

“Mister Wayne,” he finally said, clearly trying to hide the fact that he was uneasy. “This is an unexpected surprise.”

I scoffed. “Is it? You let Aiden King escape. You must’ve known I’d find out sooner or later.”

He let out a defeated sigh. “News travels fast, I see. Well, I’m afraid it’s true. He broke free just last night, actually.”

I crossed my arms. “...and? Do you know where he could’ve gone? Do you have anyone trying to find him? What about your other prisoners? I’m told they’ve flown the coop as well.”

“Yes, indeed. In fact, they helped Aiden escape -- or rather -- he helped them.”

“Who were these other prisoners?” I asked, taking a mental note of what William was telling me. “What were their names?”

The crime-boss thought for a second. “...believe it or not, two of them were my very own children. Richie and Rosie. They weren’t being held prisoner, but they were in on the plan. As for the rest, well, there was Hugh Braxton -- a ‘business partner’ of mine, and there was also his...protégé, I suppose you could say. A young man around your age named Oswald Cobblepot.”

I froze, a pang of realization tightly clutching my chest as I tried to comprehend what he just said. I hadn’t heard that name in nearly twenty years.

“I’m sorry, what?” I stuttered. “Oswald Cobblepot?”

“He used to work as a boxer for my establishment,” William explained. “Brought a significant amount of money into the business by fighting in matches -- up until he was thrown in the cellar, of course. Though, it turns out he’s much more resourceful than I anticipated. Why? That name mean something to you?”

Gaping at the fireplace with a loose jaw, I found myself at a loss for words and lowered the phone from my ear, abruptly ending the call without saying another word as William blurted out in confusion, his voice cutting off once I stuffed the device into my pocket. 

Could it really be? I questioned, biting my lip in concentration. Was it possible that William was talking about a different Oz? I mean, “Oswald Cobblepot” wasn’t exactly a common name, and to my knowledge, he moved to England after that whole disaster with his parents. He also said he was around my age. There was no way this was a coincidence.

Jesus Christ, I thought to myself. After all this time of being so far apart, and Oz still somehow managed to sneak back into my life. Part of me wanted to hop onto the very next plane to London and search for him -- consequences be damned -- but I knew that would be foolish. I had worked too hard and achieved too much to throw it all away for some ghost from my past, and there was also the fact that he was apparently with Aiden King. Oz and I had been friends once, sure, but if my plan was going to succeed, I couldn’t let anything hinder my judgement. No matter how much I wanted to just...let go sometimes.

At the same time though, I couldn’t deny that I was incredibly tired of playing this game of cutthroats with Hill and Falcone. With all the secrets and the constant gambling of trust, there were days when I wondered if the throne of Gotham was even worth it. And to be perfectly honest, I felt like I was doing this more for my father than the actual power.

As a child, he always lectured me about the “Wayne legacy” and how it was my responsibility to carry on the bloodline, but truth be told -- I never cared about any of that. I mean, I had no oppositions to finding a special someone and settling down with them, but I never saw the point in having children. 

What was the significance? So I could explain to them how their grandparents died and that I might share the same fate someday? That they would live a life of orphanage as kids and a life of crime as adults? No. The last thing I would ever wish upon my children was for them to become me. My life was a mess already. I didn’t want to burden my kids with it.

In an attempt to clear my head, I decided to distract myself with the remaining paperwork and turned around, hastily returning to my desk. Before I could even sit down however, a polite knock came from the door and was soon followed by a chain of footsteps as Alfred let himself in, revealing a guest beside him.

“Master Bruce, you have a visitor.”

I didn’t recognize the man who accompanied Alfred, and I certainly hadn’t been expecting anyone, but judging by the white rose sticking out of his suit’s pocket, I guessed he was one of Falcone’s people. A messenger, perhaps?

“Thanks, Al,” I said. “Let him in.”

Stepping aside to allow the mysterious figure in, Alfred shut the door behind him as the guest walked to the front of my desk, folding his hands behind his back. I examined him for a moment, eyeing him up-and-down. He was significantly taller than me, and considering how his shirt strained around the belly, he also carried a lot more weight. He didn’t look like a messenger. Rather, he gave me the impression of a bodyguard.

I gestured for him to have a seat. “Welcome. I don’t believe we’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting before, Mister...?”

“De Luca,” he answered. “But you can just call me Claudio.”

My eyes narrowed. “...All right, Claudio. What brings you here? No one told me you were coming.”

He chuckled. “I’d be surprised if they did. You see, I’ve got a very important message for you. The type that you can’t risk reaching unwanted ears. I’m sure you understand.”

“And who is this message from, exactly?” I questioned. “Did Falcone send you?”

Claudio shook his head. “No, no. That doesn’t matter. You have to realize, this is a different kind of message. Y’know, the kind where the point is made through actions instead of words. And in this case, the action is me...” I saw a glint flash from his hand, “...putting this through you.”

Before I even had a chance to react, the man was already charging at me with a knife aimed at my throat, and it felt like the entire world started moving in slow-motion. 

Stumbling onto the floor, I hurriedly reached for the gun hidden under my desk, but was suddenly interrupted when Claudio violently seized me by the neck and slammed me against the wall, practically knocking my lungs out of my chest. I desperately clawed at his meaty hands, drinking in the oxygen around me.

“You’ve been asking a lot of questions lately, Bruce. I’m here to make sure that stops.”

Out of instinct, I rammed my knee into his groin and headbutted him, causing the larger man to topple backwards and drop his knife. Taking advantage of the opening, I then snatched the blade into my own grip and climbed on top of Claudio, using my weight to pin him down as I held the weapon directly at his thick neck. I grabbed a handful of his collar, bringing his face up to mine.

“Give me names. Now.”

Claudio turned away from me. “Nah, we’re not doin’ this. You may as well kill me now, ‘cause I won’t break, Wayne.”

I threw a flesh-rippling punch into his nose, earning a howl of pain from him as blood spurted from his nostrils.

“Maybe not, but your bones will. Now tell me -- who sent you?”

Still, the stubborn man refused. 

Out of patience, I aggressively snatched his hand and pushed one of the fingers a little too far back, snapping it out of place with a sickening crack. Claudio shrieked again. I cautiously checked the door in case Alfred might show up.

“Do you really want to test me?” I threatened. “My time’s running out, and yours is already up. So spill it!”

He whimpered in agony. “...It’s true what those rumors say about you. Y-you’re a goddamn animal...!”

Taking hold of a second finger, I steadily began to force that one down as a warning, applying more and more pressure on it.

“W-wait!” Claudio exclaimed, flailing out of panic. “All right, all right! I’ll tell you! Just stop! STOP! Fuckin’ hell!”

I hurled his arm to the floor. “Who sent you?! And this is your last chance, De Luca. I’d use it, if I were you.”

“Mario!” He shouted. “Mario Falcone sent me! He’s the one who wants you dead!”

I paused. “Mario? Carmine’s son?”

“Yeah! He said he wanted revenge because you killed one his pals -- Tommy Faenza, I think their name was.”

“Son-of-a-bitch,” I muttered. “Looks like I have a message of my own to send him.”

A glint of hope twinkled in Claudio’s eyes. “I-I could send it for you! I’ll go right now! I’ll make sure he gets the warning, loud and clear.”

I scoffed and stood up, slipping the knife into my suit as I looked down at De Luca, wondering what to do with him. I couldn’t let Alfred see him because then he’d insist I report it to the GCPD -- and right now, the last thing I needed was an investigation from them. But I couldn’t just let him go either. There was no telling what he’d do if I set him free, and I certainly didn’t trust him enough to not complete the job at a later date. Perhaps it was best if I finished him off the same way I did Tommy. In the cave.

I took out my secret remote which controlled the cave’s hidden entrance, Claudio’s eyes following my every move.

“...No,” I rejected. “Your head will serve as warning enough.”