w4ruiyum3

[w4ruiyum3]

Batfam Requests

Hey everyone, thank you so much for the love and support you've shown for my fanfic Gotham's Stray, I'm really excited to continue the series, but I also wanted to let you know that I'm open to requests (or commissions??).

If there’s a particular ship or scenario you'd like to see, feel free to message me your ideas, it will atleaste provide me with a break from the series while still satisfying my followers.

Thanks again for being so sweet.

[w4ruiyum3]

Gotham's stray pt.6 (Gotham fanfic)

pt.1 pt.2 pt.3 pt.4 pt.5 pt.6

synopsys: After a rough night on the docks, an independent vigilante finds unexpected allies in two of Gotham’s own. He’s not looking for trouble—or a family—but Gotham has other plans.

warnings: violence, blood, ptsd, mentions of death, language,...

..

Undisclosed Safehouse — Gotham, 7:32 AM

Boxes. Okay, not boxes—one beat-up duffel bag and the jacket Roy kept accidentally forgetting to wash. But it still felt like packing up a life Kade had never meant to start.

He zipped the duffel and took a breath. No broken ribs screaming, no fever-fog clinging to the edges. Just the usual Gotham morning chill creeping in.

From the kitchen came Roy’s tragic wail: “Nooo, my favorite couch ornament! Don’t leeeave meee!”He draped himself dramatically over Kade, who didn’t even bother looking up.

“You’ll cope. Buy a plant.”

Roy shuffled, hood pulled over his face like a mourning veil. “A plant won’t sass me about my coffee.”

“Get a cat then.”

“Already dated one.” Roy shuddered. ��Didn’t end well.”

Kade snorted and slung the bag over his shoulder. The blanket he’d hogged all week was folded neatly on the armrest, hospital-corner tight.

Thudding came from the hallway—Jason, fully kitted out, checking gun magazines he definitely didn’t need to be checking right now. He stopped at the doorway, gave Kade a tight nod. Said nothing.

Awkward.

Kade cleared his throat. “I’m heading back to my place. Couch’s yours again.”

Jason’s jaw flexed. “Copy.” He clicked a mag home, muttered something too low to catch, and brushed past like the conversation had already ended.

Roy stage-whispered, “Translation: he’ll miss you.”

“Roy,” Jason barked, not looking back.

Roy held up his hands. “Hey, I’m just the interpreter.”

Kade blinked. He’d expected jokes, maybe relief. Not… whatever this was.

He opened his mouth—no clue what would come out—

Jason stopped, turned back, and tossed a fresh pack of gauze onto the coffee table. It landed with a dull thud.

“Fine,” he snapped. “Go break yourself again for all I care. Not my problem.” He turned on his heel and stalked down the hall—

Slam.

Roy exhaled. “And that was his soft goodbye. Don’t take it personally.”

Kade stared at the stairs, throat tighter than he meant. “Guy’s got a weird definition of soft.”

“Big brothers—what can you do?” Roy said, already following him down the apartment steps like it was just another morning.

Outside, the Gotham chill settled into the alleyway. The bike Jason had brought back—after subtly saving his ass—was parked neatly between two dumpsters. Miraculously, it still had all its wheels.

Roy shoved a paper cup into Kade’s hand. The lid read STRAY in Roy’s terrible handwriting.

“Coffee for the road. Try not to die alone out there, yeah?”

Kade nodded, holding the cup like it meant more than it probably should’ve, caught up in words he didn’t know how to say.

They stood in silence for a moment, until Roy added—quieter now, the teasing stripped away, a soft smile tugging at his lips—

“Doors stay unlocked for friends. Even if they act like idiots.”

What do you guys think? I'm open for suggestions...

[w4ruiyum3]

Gotham's stray pt.4 (Gotham fanfic)

pt.1 pt.2 pt.3 pt.4 pt.5

synopsys: After a rough night on the docks, an independent vigilante finds unexpected allies in two of Gotham’s own. He’s not looking for trouble—or a family—but Gotham has other plans.

warnings: violence, blood, ptsd, mentions of death, language,...

To be honest not really proud of this part...but I hope you still enjoy it

..

Undisclosed Safehouse – Gotham, 9:46 AM

The first thing Kade noticed was the taste in his mouth. Cotton. Metal. Something he could have gone his whole life without experiencing. He blinked at the ceiling, wincing as his throat scratched and burned with every movement. His body didn’t hurt too much, but the ache was there.

Someone had turned the lights down. A glass of water sat on the table— probably Jason. The blanket was still over him, but his gear was gone. His leg felt tighter, cleaner if that makes sense.

He shifted, too witted to care about the pain. “Don’t.” Jason’s voice cut through the haze. The guy was at the kitchen counter, sipping his coffee. “You’ll rip the stitches,” he added. Kade turned his head, squinting at him. “You always this bossy?” Jason raised an eyebrow. “You always this bad at staying alive?” Kade let out a quiet laugh, then winced when his ribs protested. Fair. He dropped back into the couch. “How long?”

Jason glanced at the microwave clock. “Since the fever broke? A couple of hours.” Footsteps padded into the living room. Roy, hoodie inside out and socks mismatched, stopped when he saw Kade. “Oh shit. He’s alive.” Kade groaned. “Debatable.” Roy grabbed a protein bar, tore it open, and plopped down next to Jason. “You were talking in your sleep.” Kade froze. Jason shot Roy a look—subtle, but sharp enough to cut. Roy just shrugged. “What? I’m just saying.” Kade shifted under the blanket, now too warm for his own good. “Did I say anything?” Roy opened his mouth, but Jason was already cutting him off. “No.” Kade didn’t know if he was relieved or just annoyed. “Okay.” Jason put his coffee down, still not looking at him. “You hungry?” Kade hesitated. “Not… really?” “You will be. I’ll make something in an hour.” “I can cook,” Kade muttered. “Not if you can’t even stand up.” Roy snorted, seemingly not concerned about Kade’s delicate state.

Undisclosed Safehouse – Gotham, 9:03 PM

Kade was finally on his feet again. Sort of.

The gear was back, his leg was wrapped under a brace, and Jason had very clearly stated that tonight was “light patrol only”—no rooftop chases, no hand-to-hand unless absolutely necessary, and if Kade even looked like he was limping, he was getting benched for a week.

“You sure about this?” Jason asked, eyeing him as they geared up in the living room. “If you start wheezing mid-jump, I’m not carrying your ass home.”

“I’m fine,” Kade said, tightening his boot. “Promise not to die unless it’s really dramatic.”

Roy, pulling his pants up, grinned. “That’s the spirit.”

Jason shot him a look. “Did you even listen to what I just said?”

Roy shrugged with a smirk. “Bits and pieces. Something about broken ribs and emotional maturity.”

“If you fall off a roof, I’m telling Batman,” Jason said, ignoring Roy as he handed Kade a pair of cleaned sidearms.

“And he’ll do what? Glare me to health?”

“Worse,” Jason said. “He’ll give you The Talk.”

Roy shuddered. “Not The Talk.”

“You guys are so weird.” Kade said, almost fed up with them.

Jason grabbed his helmet. “You’re in our house now, rookie.”

Tricorner Island– Gotham, Somewhere around Kane Industries 11:42 PM

The night air was cold, and Kade found himself moving easier than expected—his shoulder was stiff, and his leg ached if he pushed too hard, but rooftops felt familiar again.

The three of them stayed low, watching a suspected drop spot in the old industrial district.

“So,” Roy whispered beside him. “Still think you’re not part of the team?”

Kade snorted. “I’m a temp at best.”

“Yeah?” Roy nudged him with an elbow. “Well, don’t get too comfy. That couch you’ve been hogging is mine.”

Jason, crouched ahead of them. “Both of you shut up. Target incoming.”

A van pulled into the alley below.

Kade watched silently, pulse steady. This he could handle. Movement. Focus. The parts of him that still worked.

They waited. Let the deal start.

Jason gave a low signal—observe only. Not their op tonight. Just recon.

Roy sighed dramatically. “I hate sitting still.”

Kade smirked. “I thought you were the patient one.”

Jason cut in, dry as ever. “You’re both insufferable. Shut up and watch, it feels like having two Roys now.”

For the first time in days, Kade didn’t feel like he was being taken care of. He felt like a part of something.

[w4ruiyum3]

I already live your series SM!!!

Can't wait for the next part💕💕

Gotham's stray pt.5 (Gotham fanfic)

pt.1 pt.2 pt.3 pt.4 pt.5 pt.6

synopsys: After a rough night on the docks, an independent vigilante finds unexpected allies in two of Gotham’s own. He’s not looking for trouble—or a family—but Gotham has other plans.

warnings: violence, blood, ptsd, mentions of death, language,...

This part should have been published after part 4 but fate had other plans it seems...

..

Undisclosed Safehouse – Gotham, 10:41 PM

Kade didn’t consider himself picky.

But when hunger clawed at his ribs and the only thing in the fridge was half a bottle of ketchup, a questionably old yogurt, and something in tupperware that might have once been lasagna—it felt right to be annoyed.

He sighed, shut the door—and reopened it five seconds later, just in case.

Nope.

He muttered under his breath, grabbed his wallet, and headed out.

24/7 Corner Store – Gotham, 11:06 PM

The clerk didn’t even look up when he walked in. Kade moved quickly—grabbed bread, butter, cheese, and a few things he didn’t really need but justified anyway.

By the time he returned to the safehouse, the streets were quiet. The kind of Gotham silence that buzzed with tension but left him alone.

Safehouse Kitchen – 12:04 AM

The first grilled cheese was simple. Quick. Just for him.

He flipped the sandwich and found himself muttering, “Doesn’t count if it’s just charred disappointment…”

He huffed a breath that might’ve been a laugh as he pressed another sandwich onto the skillet. And another, listening to the sizzle. The smell was immediate, warm and sharp, and for a second, the quiet of the safehouse felt almost… normal.

Before he realized it, he was stacking golden, buttery toasts onto a plate like a chef about to feed twenty people. They smelled amazing. Crispy on the outside gooey on the inside. Just like Jason

Perfect.

It wasn’t until he sat down that he blinked at the towering plate in front of him.

“…Why did I make this many?”

He stared at them. Ate two. That was enough. Too much, really.

He left the rest on the counter and collapsed on the couch, hoodie still on, one arm over his eyes.

..

The door creaked open.

Roy walked in first, sniffing the air like a bloodhound. “Do you smell that?”

Jason followed, slower. “Something’s… toasty.”

They rounded the corner behind the kitchen—and froze.

“Dude.”

A pile of still-warm grilled cheese waited like some holy offering. Roy reached out immediately, took a bite, and practically moaned.

“Okay—okay who made this? Because I am in love. I’ll marry them.

I’ll—”

“Stop talking,” Jason muttered through a mouthful. “And hand me one more.”

Roy turned to toss him another—mid-turn, his eyes landed on the couch.

Kade was watching them, groggy and half-buried under a blanket.

Roy grinned, cheeks puffed with bread and cheese.

“Found the chef,” he mumbled, crumbs flying.

Kade raised an eyebrow, scrunching his nose. “You’re disgusting.”

Jason didn’t even look over. “It’s decent,” he said, nodding once. “But that doesn’t mean I’m letting you back on patrol.”

Kade sighed. Rolled his eyes and turned his face into the cushion.

But he didn’t hide the small smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Undisclosed Safehouse – Gotham, 7:42 PM

The sound of clanking metal echoed from the living room.

Jason sat on a stool at the kitchen bar, coffee in hand, watching Kade fumble with a butterfly knife like it was actively trying to kill him.

“You’re gonna stab your eye out,” Jason said flatly.

Kade being too focused. “I’m being careful.”

The knife slipped again, bouncing off his palm and landing with a clink on the floor.

Jason raised an eyebrow. “Yeah. Real graceful.”

Roy walked in a second later, took one look at the knife, and groaned. “Oh no. Did you give him that?”

“He found it,” Jason said. “Somehow.”

Roy flopped onto the couch next to Kade, peering at the bandaids on his fingers, he chuckles.

“Dude. You’re holding it backwards.”

Kade looked down at the knife. “...No, I’m not.”

Roy reached out and flipped it in his hand. “You were.”

Jason sipped his coffee. “He’s been at it for twenty minutes. It’s like watching a cat chase a laser.”

“I’m learning,” Kade muttered, adjusting his grip.

The knife flipped once. Then again. Then smacked his knuckle and hit the floor. Again.

He just stared at it.

Roy tried not to laugh. Failed. “You’re losing to a knife that probably came free with a gas station slushy. This is tragic. I have seen toddlers with more coordination than you.”

Kade tossed the knife onto the table and crossed his arms. “It’s stupid.”

“No, no, it’s okay,” Roy said, grinning.

Jason added, “I’m giving it a week before he glues it shut out of spite.”

Roy nudged his shoulder. “C’mon, I’ll show you some tricks later. Ones that don’t require emptying another med kit.”

Jason eyed the bandaids again. “Better make that sooner.”

Kade’s grilled cheese recipe (if someone was drooling here's how to make it)

Ingredients  

- 2 slices of bread  

- 1 Tbsp garlic butter (melted butter + minced garlic + parsley)  

- 1 Tbsp balsamic pesto + minced garlic  

- Sliced cheese of choice  

Instructions

1. Butter one side of each bread slice; place buttered-side down on a warm skillet.  

2. Once golden, spread pesto on the unbuttered side of each slice.  

3. Add cheese, top with second slice, pesto-side in.  

4. Grill until cheese melts and both sides are golden brown.  

5. Finish with a light sprinkle of salt; serve hot.  

[w4ruiyum3]

aaa hi sorry for bothering ya, just read ur fics and its got me hooked. u gotta make it a series<3 I need more platonic Jason fics in my life.

hope u have a great day/night!

Gotham's stray pt.3 (Gotham fanfic)

pt.1 pt.2 pt.3 pt.4

synopsys: After a rough night on the docks, an independent vigilante finds unexpected allies in two of Gotham’s own. He’s not looking for trouble—or a family—but Gotham has other plans.

warnings: violence, blood, ptsd, mentions of death, language,...

ALSO shout out to this anonymous love- made me get up and finish part 3 hope you enjoy it :)

..

Undisclosed Safehouse – Gotham, 3:18 PM

Kade was losing his mind.

Not from the pain—though that was still bad—but because Jason and Roy kept hovering like he was gonna drop dead the second they turned around. He’d been stuck in this damn apartment for days.

He tried getting up once. Almost blacked out. Jason shoved him back onto the couch with a look that said try it again and I’ll staple you to that cushion.

Now he was back to laying around, blanket over his legs, ribs wrapped so tight it was hard to breathe, and no one even let him train.

“I’m not a dog,” he muttered, staring at the ceiling. “You can’t just kennel me here until I behave.”

Roy walked past with a mug of coffee and didn’t even slow down. “You're right. Dogs are way easier.”

Jason appeared from the hallway, pulling on his gloves. “You couldn’t even sit up without looking like you were about to pass out. Sit down, shut up, and watch the news.”

“I hate the news.”

Jason tossed the remote into his lap anyway. “Then hate it quietly.”

Kade hated being taken care of. Hated needing help. But the alternative was lying to himself, and even he wasn’t that delusional. Every time he moved, his ribs screamed. His shoulder was stiff and sore, and one leg still throbbed where Jason had stitched it.

He ended up watching the news anyway. Not that it helped. The topics were all about gangs and rise in criminal activity and a potential Joker sighting.

Same shit, different day.

Roy dropped into the armchair across from him, sipping from the same mug he’d had all morning. “If you’re bored, you could always talk to us.”

“I’m not that bored.”

“You say that like you’re not secretly a little curious.” Roy grinned. “Admit it. You wanna ask what it was like growing up with Batman breathing down your neck.”

Kade raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t even grow up with him.”

“Details.” Roy waved it off with a grin.

Jason wandered into the kitchen behind them, flipping through his phone. “Don’t drag me into this. If you wanna traumatize the kid, wait ‘til I’ve had a coffee.”

Kade pulled the blanket tighter around himself. “You both talk like you were raised in the same house.”

“We kind of were,” Jason said. “Same trauma, different coping mechanisms.”

Roy held up his coffee like a toast. “Mine’s caffeine.”

“Mine’s violence,” Jason said without looking up.

“Mine’s leaving,” Kade muttered.

That earned him a glance from Jason. Not pity more like he understood.

“So,” Roy said casually from the armchair, flipping through one of Kade’s knives. “You ever learned to cook, or is all your training in brooding and weaponry?”

Kade blinked from his spot on the couch. “I make a decent grilled cheese.”

Jason called from the kitchen, “Doesn’t count if it’s just charred disappointment.”

“It does if you don’t burn it.”

“I’ve seen your knife angles. You’re definitely the type to burn it.”

“You wanna compare knife angles, Hood?”

Roy’s laughter echoed down the hall.

Hours passed. Kade dozed on and off. Roy started working on some old tech in the corner, and Jason disappeared for a while to check on something—probably weapons. When Kade woke up again, it was dark out.

And he was hot.

Not just warm. Sweating, dizzy, and uncomfortable in a way that made everything feel sideways. His mouth was dry, and even blinking felt like work.

“Shit,” he mumbled. He kicked the blanket off but barely moved before the room tilted.

The sound of footsteps came quickly. Then Jason’s voice. “Hey. Sit down. You’re burning up.”

“I’m fine,” Kade said, because it was a reflex.

Jason didn’t respond—just pressed the back of his hand to Kade’s forehead.

“Roy!”

Roy appeared a second later. “What—oh.”

Jason was already wetting a towel in the sink. “Get me the med kit. And water.”

Kade barely heard them. His head thudding against the back of the couch, breath coming slow and weird. Everything was too hot and too loud.

Jason returned, cold towel pressed to his neck and forehead.

Kade flinched. “M’fine—”

“You’re not,” Jason snapped, uncharacteristically sharp. “It’s a fever. From the gash on your leg probably. We stitched it, but if infection set in—”

Roy was already there with a med kit and water bottle.

Kade mumbled something—half apology, half nonsense. His eyes drifted closed.

“…Don’t go,” he muttered. “Not again…”

Jason froze and glanced up at Roy.

“Who’s he talking to?”

“Dunno,” Roy said quietly. “But it’s not us.”

Kade shifted restlessly, still mumbling.

Jason pressed the cold towel against his forehead again. “We’ll let him sleep it off. If the fever spikes higher, we’ll deal with it.”

Roy nodded. “Think he’s dreaming about something?”

Jason didn’t answer. He was watching Kade’s face like he might give something away.

The younger vigilante muttered again, voice soft and confused. “Don’t leave me.”

Jason looked away. “We won't.”

[w4ruiyum3]

Gotham's stray pt.2 (Gotham fanfic)

pt.1 pt.2 pt.3

synopsys: After a rough night on the docks, an independent vigilante finds unexpected allies in two of Gotham’s own. He’s not looking for trouble—or a family—but Gotham has other plans.

warnings: violence, blood, ptsd, mentions of death, language,...

..

Undisclosed Safehouse – Gotham, 2:57 AM

The place smelled like gun oil, burnt coffee, and leather—Gotham’s version of comfort.

Kade half-stumbled into the apartment, one arm slung across Roy’s shoulder while Jason locked the door behind them with a satisfying click. His boots left damp prints on the hardwood. His breathing was shallow, clothes still half-soaked, and blood crusted at the peak of his eyebrow.

“You got a real talent for bleeding all over people’s floors,” Roy muttered, steering him toward the couch.

“Shut up,” Kade rasped, dropping with zero grace onto the cushions. The couch let out a protesting creak, but he didn’t move again. He tilted his head back, eyes shut behind the cracked red lenses still half-clinging to his mask.

Jason stood across the room, arms crossed. “If he dies on the couch, you’re cleaning it.”

“I’m not dying,”  Kade muttered, voice hoarse and barely audible. His left arm curled around his ribs like it hurt to let go. One of his pant legs was torn, revealing a deep gash crusted with dirt and blood. “Just need to sit for… a sec.”

“You’ve been saying that since the docks.” Jason’s tone was flat, but he walked over anyway and tossed a first-aid kit on the table with a heavy thud. “You passed out for a minute in the car.”

Roy grabbed a towel from the hallway and returned, crouching in front of him. “You're not gonna make us babysit, are you?”

“I don’t need—”

Jason raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? You’re bleeding from your eyebrow, your leg, probably a cracked rib, and—” He pointed. “Is that a dislocated shoulder?”

“Just bruised.”

Jason grabbed his wrist without asking and rotated the shoulder gently. Kade flinched so violently he nearly rolled off the couch.

“Dislocated,” Jason confirmed, deadpan. “Roy, get the ice.”

Roy vanished into the kitchenette while Jason reached into the kit. “Bite this.”

Kade squinted up at him. “What?”

Jason shoved a rolled towel into his hand. “Shoulder’s going back in. Don’t scream too loud, we’ve got cranky neighbors.”

Kade didn’t have time to argue.

CRACK.

He gasped like someone had punched the air out of his lungs. The pain hit first, then the relief.

Roy returned just in time with a bag of frozen peas. “Missed the fun part again.”

Jason ignored him, already kneeling by Kade’s injured leg. “Hold still.”

Kade didn’t. But he didn’t fight either.

Jason cut the fabric away, inspecting the gash. “Not deep, but messy. Might need stitches.”

“Hell no,” Kade muttered, blinking hard.

“Tough luck.” Jason grabbed antiseptic.

Roy handed over the stitching kit. “I’ll hold him down if he bites.”

“I’m not gonna—ah shit—”

The cleaning stung worse than the impact. His hands clenched into the couch cushions, eyes squeezed shut. He didn’t realize he was shivering until Roy tossed a blanket over his shoulders and muttered, “You’re freezing, man.” Jason’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t comment.  

The gash took five stitches. The eyebrow wound got glued and taped. His ribs got wrapped tight. Ice packs wedged beneath his arm and against his jaw. Every time Jason moved him, he made a noise somewhere between a growl and a groan.

“Oh my god,” Roy smirked. “He’s dramatic and clumsy. Are we sure he’s not part of the family already?”

Jason snorted. “Nah. He hasn’t insulted Dick’s disco phase or tried to stab Damian yet.”

Kade grunted. “Who?”

“Exactly.”

Roy taped the last bandage in place, then stood. “Alright. You’re not bleeding out. Now what?”

Jason stepped back, watching Kade slump further into the couch, eyelids heavier by the second. “He’s slipping out of it.”

Roy raised an eyebrow. “So what? We just let him crash here?”

Jason didn’t answer right away. His gaze lingered on Kade’s bruised ribs, the way his hand trembled when he tried to adjust the blanket Roy threw over him.

“…He’s not a threat right now,” Jason said finally.

Roy crossed his arms. “You trust him?”

Jason shrugged. “I trust he’s too banged up to try anything. And if he does—” He gave a dry smirk. “We kill him.”

From the couch, Kade mumbled, “Still awake, you psychos.”

Jason stepped into the kitchen, peeling off his wet jacket. “Sleep anyway. You’ll need it.”

The apartment fell into quiet, save for the low hum of a space heater Roy kicked on. Kade’s breathing evened out. After a while, he shifted, curling up on his side like someone not used to real rest.

Roy leaned against the wall. “You think he’s one of them? Vigilante type?”

Jason nodded once. “Yeah. But not one of ours.”

“Yet.”

Jason shot him a look.

Roy held up a hand. “I’m just saying. You picked him up. You never bring strays home.”

“He’s not a stray.” Jason’s voice lowered. Roy was quiet for a beat. “So what’s the plan?”

Jason looked back toward the couch, where Kade had already slipped into unconsciousness, still curled in the blanket like it might bite him.

“…We wait,” Jason said. “Let him wake up. Then we ask questions.”

....

Should I make this a series??

[w4ruiyum3]

Gotham's stray pt.1 (Gotham fanfic)

pt.1 pt.2

synopsys: After a rough night on the docks, an independent vigilante finds unexpected allies in two of Gotham’s own. He’s not looking for trouble—or a family—but Gotham has other plans.

warnings: violence, blood, ptsd, mentions of death, language,...

..

Gotham Docks. 1:42 AM.

It always started with a job gone bad.

Crates. A smuggled weapons deal. Half a dozen thugs armed with military-grade rifles—and a boat trying to flee Gotham’s bay under the cover of the night.

Kade was already bleeding from a cut above his eyebrow, and one of his sticks had been kicked into the water during the fight—leaving him with only one left, and five rounds split between both sidearms.

“Come on then,” he muttered, voice muffled behind his mask, the red goggles glowing faintly in the dim light. “I’m not dead yet.”

They rushed at him.

First guy down before the others even drew their weapons. Second guy took a baton to the jaw and a taser round to the gut. The third—smarter—went for cover.

He didn’t notice the one flanking him on the right until it was too late. Crowbar slammed into his ribs. He grunted, spinning with the hit, and barely rolled out of the way as another one tried to shoot him point-blank.

"This is getting messy," Roy muttered from a shadowed rooftop, arrow nocked. "Who even is this guy?"

Jason crouched beside him, arms folded. Red Hood’s helmet reflected the moonlight in a dull sheen. He was quiet, watching. "Doesn’t matter. He’s outnumbered."

“So we help?”

Jason didn’t respond—but his hand was already reaching for his guns.

Below, Kade caught one with a headbutt and landed a brutal elbow to another’s neck. But even with all his skill, he was getting winded.

Kade staggered, vision flaring white. The dock shifted beneath him. His heel hit the edge.

“Shit—” He spun to recover—and that’s when another one tackled him from the side.

CRACK.

They both hit the dock hard—then tumbled over the edge.

Splash.

The fight stopped for a second. The ripples spread.

Roy’s voice cut through the silence.

“Jason—he’s not coming up.”

A beat.

Jason’s jaw tightened. "Fuck."

He opened fire with precise shots—two goons dropped instantly. Then he tossed his guns, yanked off his jacket, and dove in after Kade without a second thought.

..

The water was black— like ink swallowing the edges of the world. And even from the top of the shipping container, Kade could hear it—lapping softly at the metal.

He didn’t scream. Couldn’t.

The cold wrapped around his lungs like fists. The light above him blurred, the sounds muted. The pressure in his chest built instantly—tight, panicked, familiar.

His brother’s face.

His father’s screams.

That lake.

He clawed upward, but his limbs were locked. The pain wasn’t physical—it was something else, something old and bitter, tightening around his ribs.

“Get out get out get out—”

And then—arms around him.

A blur of red and black pulled him out of the dark. Jason dragged him up, breaking the surface with a gasp and a curse.

Roy was already kneeling at the edge, pulling them both in with a grunt. "You're heavier than you look, man.

He hit the dock coughing, heaving, water pooling beneath him. His vision was smeared, but he caught fragments.

Boots. Leather. A red helmet.

Someone knelt beside him. Not Batman. Not a cop.

The guy’s voice was low, almost amused. “You fight like a pitbull. But you swim like a stone.”

“Go to hell,” Kade rasped, shoving the hand away. He hated the weakness in his limbs more than the pain.

A second voice joined in—lighter, more sarcastic. “That’s gratitude for you. We fished your soggy ass out of the bay, and this is what we get?”

He looked up.

Red jacket. Hood down. Bow slung over the back. The redheaded one was smirking.

Arsenal.

Which meant the one that dragged my ass up—

Red Hood. 

Kade’s brain fired alarms, but his limbs felt soaked in lead. He shifted onto his elbows, coughing up more water.

Roy knelt nearby, offering a towel which he pulled out of his bag. “You alright?”

Kade didn’t take the towel. He was trying to stand.

Jason didn’t press. He just leaned back on his elbows. “You got skills. But you’re sloppy when you panic.”

Kade’s eyes darkened behind the goggles.

Jason stared at him a second longer. “Look we’re not here to fight you.”

Roy added, “We’re here to offer you a ride. You are bleeding like hell, and pretty sure you just bruised a rib or three. Least we can do is patch you up.”

Kade hesitated.

He never trusted fast offers. Never liked help.

But the water was still behind him—and for some reason, standing next to it made it harder to breathe.

“Fine.” He grabbed the towel. “But don’t try anything.”

Roy shrugged. “Relax. We don’t kidnap people anymore”

“…Anymore?”

Hi! Hope you liked it. I’m still debating whether to make this into series—guess we’ll see how this one goes. I’ve been writing for a while now (maybe four years?), but I’ve never really gone public with fanfics before. I really love the Batfam and wanted to try something of my own for once. Thanks for reading! (also my first fanfic-- just 2 years old and tweaked)

[w4ruiyum3]

I'm longing to say those three words..but what will happen if I say them to you? Will you leave?...yeah, I think you will.

30th September- original

[w4ruiyum3]

My mind is blank and my heart is numb, yet the feelings won't go and the thoughts still run.

September- original

[w4ruiyum3]

Sometimes I ask myself if you are worth the pain, then I answer yes, you are worth it. Now I'm asking it again, but this time, I don't know the answer.

September 19th- original