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stressed-and-fluff-obsessed · 2 days

Note

What are your favorite characters from HH to write fics about? :> and If you still take requests - write a fic about them!! (only if you want to ofc)

Very unique ask thanks I will!

My two favorites to write for have to be Lucifer himself and Charlie so this one will be about them! ^^

C.W(content warning I think): a lil intense 😬

Playful Punishments

Summary: Charlie notices that Lucifer’s been teasing Alastor more than usual and decides to take care of it

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alastor was in a particularly bad mood one morning.

The rest of the hotel residents had no idea why whether it be Vox again, he just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, Susan, but whatever it was he wasn’t happy and he had an angry aura around him to prove it, everyone mostly stayed away from him that morning, everyone except for one…

“What’s the matter Bambi? Someone seems a little grumpy today~” Lucifer taunted him from the other side of the parlor, waving his cane at the other demon. Alastor’s irritated gaze flicked up to meet Lucifer’s and he sighed inwardly before making his way to Husk’s bar for a drink.

“Alcohol this early in the mornin’ boss? Everythin alright?” Husk asked him, sliding the ordered drink over to its owner. “I’m quite alright Husker, thank you..” Alastor replied and right off the bat Husk knew something was wrong, Alastor usually didn’t sound so drained, something was wrong.

Husk glanced up at Charlie who also watched him as Alastor leaned over on the bar counter and Husk’s wings fanned out a little and his ear twitched as his eyes flicked from Alastor to Charlie again and after a bit of watching Charlie finally figured out what the cat was saying and made her way over.

“Alastor?” Charlie began as she approached the other, “Are you okay?” She finished, concern shining in her yellow eyes as Alastor sat up to look her in the eye. “I’m quite alright my dear I assure you.” Alastor replied, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder but it felt anything but.

But she also didn’t want to cross any boundaries with her friend and she could tell he didn’t want to talk about it right now so reluctantly she left it at that. “Alright then…” Charlie told him and walked back over to Vaggie to rejoin her conversation.

Alastor enjoyed the moment of peace, everyone was doing their own thing and Husk was staying quiet cleaning up his bar until Lucifer wandered over and decided to start being a prick once more. “So Bambi, why the long face?” Lucifer taunted Alastor, poking him in his cheek with his cane.

Alastor shoved the object away and sighed inwardly, he was not in the mood to deal with this obsessive, duck loving asshole.

“Go away.” Alastor snapped at Lucifer, “Aww but why? Don’t you like hanging out with me Bambi? You should be honored I want to hang out with you.” Lucifer taunted him and Alastor’s gaze snapped towards him.

“Yes well I’m not, now leave.” Alastor warned and Lucifer only stuck his tongue out at the other demon and nearly fell over laughing at his bewildered expression. “How childish.” Alastor muttered under his breath and stood, walking towards the flight of stairs back up to his room.

After Lucifer recovered from his laughing fit he’d noticed that Alastor had left him and he huffed, “How rude.” He thought and stood, making his way over to Charlie and Vaggie.

Charlie noticed her dad approaching and turned to face him, “You know Dad, talking to Alastor like that isn’t very nice.” Charlie reminded him but he only waved her off.

“It’s fine Char Char he’ll be fine.” Lucifer told her but she only turned to look at the stairs which Alastor disappeared up, “I hope you’re right.” She remarked and made her way over to Husk’s bar.

Husk noticed Charlie approaching and set down the liquor bottle he was drinking out of moments ago, “Can I get you something Princess?” Husk asked her as she sat down and looked at him. “No I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you.” Charlie told him, pride shining in her eyes and giggling when his ear flicked in confusion.

“I mean when you non-verbally called me over to check on Al, I know you don’t like him very much and yet you still did so.” Charlie explained and he smiled a little, picking up a glass and polishing it.

“Well don’t get me wrong I still hate that son of a bitch but he looked genuinely upset and I couldn’t help but feel bad.” Husk told her and she grinned, “And that’s proof of progress with you, I’m proud of you Husk.” Charlie told him before standing and going back to Vaggie and Lucifer.

~~~~

What was he going to do? Lucifer wouldn’t leave him alone and he really was not in the mood for his shenanigans. No doubt the duck loving midget would be coming back to bother him soon but for now he was going to retreat to his room to be left alone.

He knew the other hotel residents had noticed him upset and Charlie had already approached him asking if he was okay and he was he just…wasn’t in the mood for anything.

After his battle with Adam even though it was weeks ago it still left him drained from time to time because of the physical exertion he’d put his body through to keep himself alive and was still recovering due to the large healing scar on his chest.

Shortly after he reached his room and slid a copper colored key out of his coat pocket and opened the door, quickly being greeted by the comforting scent of his swamp lingering in the background of his room.

Alastor entered the space and shut the door behind him, quickly readjusting to the feel and quietness of his room before shifting to more of a demonic form from him and disappearing in his swamp to go hunt, he would be okay eventually..

~*~

Now bored with nothing to do Lucifer looked around the parlor eyeing the different groups with each other. Husk and Angel were together, Charlie and Vaggie, and Niffty, KeeKee, and Razzle.

He didn’t really have anything to do so he went to go talk to Charlie. “Hello Charlie dear.” Lucifer spoke as he approached the pair. “Hi Dad! What’s up?” The princess chirped as she turned her attention onto her father.

“What’s up with your Bellhop? He seems rather grumpy today.” Lucifer asked her, shooting a glance over to the staircase. “I’m not sure if I’m being honest he wouldn’t tell me.” Charlie replied, frowning and placing her chin in one of her hands in thought.

“Maybe he’s just having a bad day?” Vaggie spoke up, “Maybe but it’s not like him to act so distant.” Charlie answered, “I’m sure he’s fine, he always is.” Lucifer told them, smiling and placing both hands on his cane.

“You’re right, we probably shouldn’t worry so much.” Charlie told them, re-adopting her usual bubbly personality and resumed her conversation.

While they weren’t paying attention Lucifer slipped away from the pair and started a walk towards the stairs, he wanted to get to the bottom of this.

Reaching the top of the stairs and going down a hallway he thought, “What would Charlie think of she caught me going to check on him? It’s fine probably.” He thought and at last reached Alastor’s door.

He raised his hand to knock when the door opened on its own and Alastor’s gaze flicked down as Lucifer’s flicked up to meet his. “How the hell…?” Lucifer started and Alastor sighed, opening the door more and stepping out of the way to let the King in.

“You are hell’s loudest walker, I heard you coming Your Highness.” Alastor snapped, “Now what do you want?” He finished, glaring at Lucifer not liking that he was here.

“I came to check on you Bambi, am I not allowed to be concerned about my daughter’s business partner?” Lucifer taunted him and his ears pinned back. “I suppose not. Well I’m fine, so leave.” Alastor bit out that last part.

“I don’t think so, I need to make sure you’re okay.” Lucifer told Alastor, clearly messing with him. “You just did.” Alastor snapped, antlers growing some, showing his displeasure. “No I didn’t.” Lucifer grinned, his horns growing from his head in turn.

Alastor growled, angry radio static escaping him at the new change as his tendrils snaked out from his back and in turn Lucifer summoned his wings with a sneaky grin. “Why are you really here?” Alastor narrowed his eyes at Lucifer, not believing a word he was saying.

“I told you I’m here to make sure you’re fine.” Lucifer laughed a little and started advancing towards the deer in which the other started backing away with a growl, this would not end well.

~*~

Back in the parlor Charlie and Vaggie were chatting about the next extermination and what to do to prevent and prepare for it when they heard a loud crash from upstairs.

They quickly shot a glance at each other before running across the parlor and up the stairs, “What the hell was that?!” Vaggie yelled to Charlie, summoning her wings and flying to gain more distance.

“I don’t know but it came from Alastor’s room.” Charlie yelled back to her, horns growing from her head and eyes inverting in color. When they reached the room they opened the door and rushed in to find Alastor and Lucifer fighting, again.

“Dad! Leave Al be!” Charlie got his attention and he actually flinched, she looked pissed, her horns protruded from her head and her tail snapped angrily behind her. Lucifer stood and walked closer to Charlie, “Sorry Charlie.” Lucifer told her but she shook her head.

“That’s not going to cut it. You okay Al?” Charlie asked her friend who stood and brushed himself off, returning to his normal form before nodding. Charlie smiled softly at him before turning her glare back onto Lucifer who shrank under her gaze.

“S-Sorry?” Lucifer told her with a nervous laugh but her eyes only narrowed before turning to Vaggie. “Vaggie you take care of Al” she spoke before turning back to Lucifer, “I’ll be right back.” She finished before grabbing the King by the collar of his coat and dragging him out the door and down the hall.

“C-Charlie?? Where are we going?” Lucifer asked her, noticeably nervous but her tail only snapped in response as she stared ahead.

She continued practically dragging him down the hall until they reached their destination, Lucifer’s room. Charlie opened the door and released her father in there before shutting the door and re-facing Lucifer, crossing her arms with an irritated look.

“Charlie why did you bring me here?” Lucifer asked her, trying to sound confident and fearless but in reality he was scared out of his mind right now.

Charlie sighed, placing the bridge of her nose between two fingers before raising her head again and Lucifer would be lying if he said he wasn’t relieved that all her demonic features faded to her normal look.

“Listen Dad you need to stop picking fights with Alastor. Especially not when he’s feeling like this.” Charlie remarked and he only waved her off, “It’s fine Char Char, he’s fine you saw him and he told you himself.” Lucifer reminded her but she only shook her head.

“You know that’s not what I mean Dad.” Charlie told him and he turned to her with a challenging grin, “Oh yeah? And what are you going to do about it?” Lucifer asked her and her eyes went wide at his courage for a moment before she averted her gaze and placed her chin in her hand in thought.

Then…an idea came, she snapped her fingers together with an excited grin that made Lucifer raise an amused brow as Charlie turned towards him. “I know what I’m going to do.” Charlie told him and he laughed a little.

“Yeah? And just what would that be?” He asked her but his grin quickly grew nervous as she raised her hands and started wiggling her fingers at him. “N-Now Charlie let’s talk about this shall we?” Lucifer stammered, backing away from her as she advanced closer.

“What is there to talk about Dad?” Charlie grinned as he hit the foot of his bed and scrambled back to the pillows to get away from her, holding his hand out as she still got closer until she was just a hair’s width away.

“C-Chaharlie wait dohon’t!” Lucifer couldn’t help but start giggling in his current position. “Don’t what?” Charlie began, “Do this?” Charlie finished and shot both her hands down to his sides and started scribbling over them.

“Yehehehes!” Lucifer yelped and started giggling like mad as Charlie attacked his torso. “But why not?” Charlie asked him, moving to flutter over Lucifer’s neck making him scrunch up his shoulders and bat at her hands.

“Chahahaharliehehe!” Lucifer laughed as she grinned down at him, “Yes Dad?” Charlie laughed along with him before moving down to prod and scratch at his ribs which was rather effective. Lucifer jerked at the new sensitive change and his hat fell off making Charlie laugh.

She paused tickling him for a moment and picked up her father’s hat and placed it on her own head and when the King saw her he started laughing nearly as hard as he was just a moment ago.

“Oh you think that’s funny? I’ll give you something to laugh about!” Charlie exclaimed playfully and he immediately went on the defensive. “Waitwaitwait no Chahahaharlie I’m sohohohorry!” Lucifer tried pleading with her but it didn’t work as she grabbed and started drilling into his hips.

Lucifer let out a bark of laughter and bucked nearly hard enough to throw Charlie off making her laugh. “CHAHahahahahaHAHALIE!!” Lucifer howled and she backed off a little, moving up to claw over his stomach.

“Chahahaharlie this ihihisn’t fahahair!” Lucifer whined at her but she only shook her head. “How is it not fair? You did this to yourself Dad~” Charlie teased him, still not letting up even as he gripped her wrists but surprisingly making no move to push her away.

“You’re not pushing me away Dad, are you enjoying this?” Charlie noticed and grinned when his eyes shot open, his face glowed bright red and he started shaking his head through his laughter.

“Nohohohoho I’m nohohohot!” Lucifer denied as Charlie moved again to rake over his ribs, “I think you are, you’re very powerful and you can stop me at any time~” Charlie teased him and he only whined giving Charlie her answer.

Then Charlie decided to change it up a little, reaching behind her and scribbling over the back of Lucifer’s knee, due to the unexpected change his leg came up and kicked her in the back causing her to fall on top of him with a laugh, momentarily pausing the tickling.

“OH MY HEAVEN ARE YOU OKAY CHAR CHAR IM SO SORRY!” Lucifer exclaimed, tapping her on the shoulder repeatedly. When she didn’t answer for a moment he got even more scared until he felt her bury her face in his neck and he immediately knew what was coming next.

“I’m fine, but will you be?” Charlie’s voice came before she wrapped her arms around his torso and blew a large raspberry in the crook of his neck. The sensation was kind of new to him so he jolted hard before burying his face in her shoulder, laughing heartily.

“CHAHAhahahahahaHAHAHARLIEHEHE!!” Lucifer cackled, laughter dying down as Charlie lifted herself from him and started prodding at his ribs again.

“Damn Dad you are sensitive~” Charlie teased him and he shook his head, “Nohohohoho I’m nohohohot.” He giggled, blonde hair an absolute mess and a large grin playing across his features.

Charlie raised a brow and snaked one of her hands behind him, tracing her finger down the length of his spine causing him to jump with a yelp as his wings flared out and fluffed up as he shot her a look.

“C-Chahahaharlie…” He began, eyeing her hands like a hawk as she retrieved her hand and stared at him for a moment. “Yes Dad?” Charlie asked him, plastering on the most innocent face she could muster as his wings curled closer to him protectively.

“Dohohohon’t..” He giggled nervously, keeping her wrists in a strong grip. “Will you apologize to Al for tormenting him?” Charlie asked him and he dropped her hands to fold across his front as he looked at her defiantly.

“Are you kidding? Heavens no he deserves it.” Lucifer snapped but then noticed the situation he was in as he felt Charlie’s hands rest on his middle set of wings.

“Alright then you asked for it.” Charlie told him and before he had a chance to react her hands sprang into motion, scribbling over the feathers in an attempt to get Lucifer to surrender and boy was it working.

Lucifer immediately jolted like he’d been struck by lightning and grabbed Charlie’s shoulders as she continued tickling him, thrashing about through bits of hysterical cackling. “CHAHAHAHAHARLIE NOHOHOHOHOT THEHEHEHERE!!” Lucifer told her but she shook her head with a laugh.

In another case she would be concerned but when he opened an eye to look at her she didn’t see any distress or discomfort she only saw happiness and playful defiance which gave her the okay to continue.

“Give it up Dad!” Charlie laughed along with him, “NOHOHOHO WAHAHAHAY!!” Lucifer remained defiant even as tears threatened to spill out of his eyes but when she started vibrating her fingers into the skin is when he had to change his mind and call it.

He tapped her on the shoulder a couple times, unable to get words out now that his laughter had gone silent and she seemed to get it as she retracted her hands and laughed as he playfully punched her on the shoulder.

“Ihihihi never knehehew you to behehe so ruhuhuthless little ahahapple.” Lucifer pressed out through his titters and face-splitting grin. “I know who I get that from.” Charlie grinned, climbing off of Lucifer so he could sit up.

“Are you going to apologize?” Charlie asked him, being the King of Hell he was mostly already recovered. “Ughhh.” He groaned, not wanting to but he also didn’t want to get tormented again.

“I guess, let’s go.” Lucifer turned to Charlie with a smile, picking up his cane and heading out the door with her.

He learned one thing that day, he should’ve listened to Charlie.

(Alright woah this is definitely one of my more intense ones, and longer- hope you enjoyed tho sorry this took so long ^^’)

#hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel tickle #lee!lucifer #ler!charlie #answered

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sadiewayne · 8 hours

Text

new fic time

you can read it below the cut here on tumblr or over on ao3

I'm Stuck in this Life, and I'm Stuck in these Pants

Rating:

Not Rated

Archive Warning:

Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Category:

Gen

Fandoms:

Batman - All Media Types

Justice League - All Media Types

Relationship:

Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne

Characters:

Bruce Wayne

Dick Grayson

Clark Kent

Justice League (DCU)

Additional Tags:

Emotional Hurt/Comfort

its crack and hurt/comfort so have fun with that

enjoy the whiplash

no beta we die like jason todd

Dick Grayson Needs a Hug

Dick Grayson Gets a Hug

Dick Grayson joins the Justice League

Hurt Dick Grayson

Dick Grayson Has Eldest Daughter Syndrome

Probably ooc

Bruce Wayne is Trying to be a Good Dad

One Shot

Language: English

Summary:

"Do you want me to join the League?" The League would assume it was an open question, but Bruce knew it was directed at him. This moment was in complete contrast to years of conversations about protecting their identities and keeping their former partnership a secret. He needed to speak up.

"You are one of the best, you deserve the right to choose." He responded, consciously keeping his voice in Batman mode.

aka Dick get chosen to join the League but before he does he has to face his inner demons

Notes:

this started as a crack fic and became hurt/comfort so be aware, it's also the longest single chapter work i have every written at 6082 which is short for some people but me and my adhd tried no beta reader obviously so any mistakes are there for good now. i did a sweep but again, it's tagged and i've warned you so no telling me i spelt something wrong or used the wrong version of there ok *points at you*

Bruce had been working with the Justice League for over a decade, taking solo heroes and turning them into a team. They knew each other's strengths and weaknesses and can bounce off of one another during combat. It took time but they truly were a single unit. He's proud of what they have accomplished.

The rest of the League weren't on the same page. Sure, they all worked well together, but then there's Batman. He kept to himself, was never on the watchtower when he wasn't needed, constantly avoided talking about himself, and looked like he hated being with them. After years of working together, everyone had revealed their identities, some by choice, some accidental. Everyone but Batman. No one in the League knew who he was. They knew very little about him, other than that he's completely human (probably) and that he's from gotham. He doesn't even let them in his city, with strict rules about them working there. something about "human rogues" and "dangerous for supers". They disagreed with the rule, but without explicit permission from him, they couldn't enter. And no one was about to argue with him.

The time had come to propose new members for the League. Everyone was allowed to submit up to one person to join, and unless there were any serious objections, they would put it to a vote and the person with the most votes would join the League, provided they wanted to of course. But no one had ever turned down their offer before, who would refuse to join the Justice League?

The majority of the League didn't put anyone forward. Barry had suggested Wally, not as a new member but as his replacement given he was looking to retire from the hero game, and given that Wally had left the Titans recently, was available. Batman had said that would be discussed separately at a second meeting as replacements were a different conversation. No one had spoken otherwise, until the nominations got around to Superman.

"I do have a nomination this year. I've worked with this person a lot and I believe they would be an excellent addition to the League. They have been in the game for almost 10 years and protect an entire city on their own. He truly is one of the best."

A chill went down his spine and Bruce suppressed a shudder. That could apply to multiple people, a lot of heroes have been around for a while. But very few were responsible for a city, and there was only one person he knew that was close with Superman.

“I nominate Nightwing for the League."

Honestly, he was surprised it took this long for Dick to get nominated. He was one of the most capable heroes out there, having worked alongside the League before as both an independent hero and as the leader of the Titans. He worked well with others, as Bruce would know given he was Robin for a decade. He trusted no one more in the world. Batman fought well with the League, but he was constantly thinking about how to work with their moves. watching himself and others, predicting what they would do so he could make sure he wasn't interfered with. But with Nightwing he could just fight. They knew exactly how the other would move, and on instinct could follow through. He knew they would both protect each other.

"...Batman?" Superman broke him out of thought

"Hn"

"Do you object?"

Having him on the team would mean he wasn't alone. He had someone there that immediately understood his plan and was much better at communicating with the others. He would be a bridge, a bridge that provided support for everyone. Bruce would also have an excuse to work with him more. He did sometimes miss the conversations they would have in the field, the snarky jabs at rouges, the smile on his face whenever he managed to make Bruce laugh.

But having Dick on the team put them at risk. It wouldn't be too hard for the League to figure out that they knew each other. They could dig and find a connection to Gotham and then to everyone else. Maybe something he'd say would cause a memory to resurface for one of them, a memory of Batman during the time when Dick wore the cowl, and they could see that Nightwing happened to disappear during that time. It was too risky.

He opened his mouth to object, but no sound came out. Dick had taught him a lot, one of which was to trust him. Dick was his own hero now, and he could weigh up the decision. He deserved the chance.

"No."

"Ok then, as no one else was nominated, that negates voting. Batman, could you give him watchtower access and request him?"

Trying to figure out how he could manage this, he got up and moved over to the console on the side. Dick had watchtower access, they all did, but he went through the process of giving it anyway, all it did was throw you a message saying they already had it, which Bruce dismissed. That was the easy part. bracing himself, he tuned into the comms.

"Oracle."

"What's up batman?" Babs always cloaked her voice, even on the bat exclusive channels, but he could still make out her speech pattern and a sliver of her accent.

"I need you to relay to Nightwing that he is requested in the watchtower."

"Y- yeah." The surprise wasn't hidden at all. "Everything ok? Do you need me to send it to anyone else?"

"No."

"Right, I'll let him know." Static on the line told Bruce that Dick was in the same room and they were discussing it. He was in Gotham that night, helping out while Bruce was with the League, and must have stopped into the watchtower. "Yeah, ok, he's on his way now."

Bruce hung up. He felt bad not thanking her but he had an image to uphold. The League all thought oracle was an AI program, and it would be weird. Not for someone like Clark, who would thank automatic doors half the time. But Batman? People would be worried.

He'd barely made it back to the table when the zeta-tube whirred to life.

"Entering, Nightwing, B-01"

"Wait, hold up, there's a B?"

"I know he isn't Titan anymore but weren't they T?"

"That was really fast, like he was expecting it..."

Bruce tuned them out and turned to face his former partner, now only a few feet away.

"So... why exactly was I requested?"

Complete confidence in his voice. If Bruce didn't know him, he would assume he was comfortable. But he could see the minor tension held in his chest, the way he rubbed his thumb along the side of his index finger, how his footsteps were almost silent to not disturb. Dick was confused, curious, and concerned.

Superman stood up. "We held nominations for a new member, and your name was put forward. We deliberated and would like to extend an invitation to join the League."

Dick stood there. He was completely still and looked in shock, and was staring directly at Bruce. They could see each other's eyes behind their dominoes thanks to the lenses in them, so he could see Dicks locked onto him, narrowed as if to ask 'what the hell is going on?'. If he hadn't opened his mouth, Bruce would've walked over to check on him.

"You are one of the best, you deserve the right to choose." He responded, consciously keeping his voice in Batman mode.

He was so proud of what Dick had become. He'd outgrown Robin, had gone far beyond what Batman could be, and had truly become the best. No matter how much he tries, it's hard to keep the affection he had out of his tone.

Dick noticed, and softened his posture. He started towards him and Bruce felt the League tense behind him. Normally he wouldn't allow anyone that close without reason, yet to them, here he was, letting this almost stranger into his personal space. Ignoring them, his eyes remained locked onto Dick until he was alongside him, forcing Bruce to turn around and face the League.

Every set of eyes was on him as Nightwing clapped him on the shoulder. The last person who'd tried anything like that had ended up with a batarang in their hand. Batman wasn't a people person and that was to be respected. The rest of the League tensed, prepared for bloodshed that would never come.

"Well, if Big Batsy over here gave me the stamp of approval, I would be insane to reject it immediately, although I am going to need some time to consider."

The majority of the room looked shell shocked as Bruce took his seat and Dick shuffled to stand behind him, resting his arms on Bruce's shoulders.

"I mean, this is a very big decision and I would at least like to discuss it with my team."

Flash spoke up. "But I thought you left the Titans? Wally said it was something about trust issues."

Dick snorted.

"Wally’s right, the endless debates about identities and how valuable they can be started to get on my nerves. If you must know, we disagreed on if I can be truly trusted without revealing my identity, so I chose to leave, along with Wally and Donna. With B over here, I assume you don't share their sentiments." He tugged on the bat ears as he spoke, a gesture he'd been doing since he was Robin, and something they both found comfort in.

The League was still in shock over how Batman was letting someone be near him, let alone play with his cowl. Bruce should've stopped him, kept up the act, but he was tired and he was happy Dick was this comfortable around him, after all the time they spent at a distance.

He sensed the rouse of working alone was coming to an end

Dick was having too much fun.

Sure, he was honoured for the invite, but messing with Bruce in front of the League was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. Of course, he wouldn't jeopardise their identities, but just getting to poke the bear would bring him so much joy. Making the Justice League lose their minds watching this random hero from Blüdhaven get close and personal with Batman and walking away unscathed was the highlight of the year, and it was clear Bruce was also enjoying it.

Well, he was tolerating it, which meant he found comfort in it and didn't growl at him.

He'd take it, after all the years they spent at each other's throats. Dick's later teenage years as both Robin and Nightwing hadn't been the most pleasant. He was a teenaged boy who'd spent every day at school and then came home to be ordered around. He needed his freedom and he'd gotten it, albeit by less than peaceful means. But after he came to terms with being fired, and had recovered from Jason's death, he'd started mending their relationship, and now they were closer than they'd ever been. So he was absolutely going to stand too close to Batman and put the League on edge.

It was even funnier given he'd met most of them before, back when he was Batman. Not that they'd know it, he made an excellent brooding, works alone, Dark Knight Batman. Even as he actively worked with Damian, Tim, Steph, and Babs. But he'd kept up the mythos, kept everything in the dark, and had seamlessly given the mantle back to Bruce once he was ready. As far as the League was concerned, he'd never been here before and was no different than the other ex-Titans.

At least, he hoped that. A hope that was crushed when Hal Jordan opened his mouth.

"Ok, but explain why you have the code B-01 for the zeta tube? The Titans were under T, and as far as I am aware, no one was under B."

This is where the real fun begins.

"Yeah, I've asked B the same thing, but he said it was due to clearance issues, that T had restrictions and I needed to be separate from that. I'm honestly surprised he didn't just throw me in with you guys, make me like 3-6 or something, but he's paranoid and didn't want to risk anyone finding it so..."

This seemed to confuse him more.

"What kind of clearance?"

Dick walked around the side to lean against Bruce, folding his arms and crossing his right leg behind his left.

"Oh, y'know, being able to use the Gotham tubes."

He feigned innocence, knowing the storm that would erupt from those few words. And indeed it did, as shouts echoed around the room in disbelief that someone other than Batman can enter Gotham.

After a few minutes of this, Dick saw something click in Superman's head. Dick had worked with Clark a lot, and had been inspired to take the name Nightwing from him. Clark was the only member of the League that knew Batman had a Robin, although he'd never personally met anyone besides Dick and probably assumed Batman worked alone now. He also knew Clark hadn't pieced together that Nightwing was that Robin, which was surprising given he took his name from a Kryptonian myth that Clark had told him once. But we see what we want to see and as far as everyone was concerned up until this moment, Batman and Nightwing didn't know each other.

But Clark had seen it. He'd seen Robin tug on Batman's cowl. He'd seen how Robin was the only one Batman allowed to get near him. He'd seen Robin's eyes light up telling him the story of Nightwing and Flamebird. Nightwing was Robin. An older, stronger, all-round better fighter and strategist, but still the same little shit he'd always been. The Man of Steel had finally figured it out.

"Robin?"

Silence fell and everyone turned to face Superman.

"Who?" Barry tilted his head like a dog, a move that almost caused Dick to snort at.

"You know, Robin. Batman and Robin? He used to have a 12 year old kid dressed like a traffic light follow him around everywhere..?"

Nothing.

"Wait, did no one else meet Robin?" all eyes remained locked onto him.

Breaking the silence, Diana, who had been quietly watching this unfold, made her way over and stood next to Batman with tension throughout her body.

"Batman-"

"Hold up, Nightwing still hasn't explained anything, like how he can enter Gotham, and who is this team he has if he isn't a Titan anymore?"

Dick unfolded his arms and placed his hand on Bruce’s shoulder. He gave a subtle squeeze, asking if he could explain. After a second, Bruce shrugged, the signal for yes.

"When I was 9, B took me in and trained me. He taught me how to fight, but he also showed me how to be a detective. Once he knew I could handle myself and be an asset, he let me go out with him. I chose the name Robin and to wear bright colours. We worked together for a decade before I outgrew being his sidekick and became Nightwing, operating solo in Blüdhaven or with the Titans."

"I thought Robin died..." Superman looked straight at Dick, locking eyes with him as if his mask wasn’t there.

This startled the two of them. Maybe Clark knew more than they thought. Bruce shifted under his hand, letting him know he was there. This was still a tough subject for them both, given how their current standing with Jason was.

“Well, I’m clearly not dead so… Don’t know what to tell you, Supes.”

Clark furrowed his brows and looked down. The journalist was clearly unsatisfied with that response yet chose to let it go. The rest of the League shuffled around, obviously uncomfortable with the latest development. Dick took that as his cue.

“Welp, with that revelation I shall leave and ponder your offer. Good morrow fair Justice League.” Tipping his head into an incredibly dramatic bow and sweeping his arms out, he turned on his heel and headed for the Zeta Tube. He’d had his fun but the mention of Jason had brought him back to reality and he wanted to leave. A nice, long, warm shower awaited him at home.

Pondering was hard. Dick discovered this as he sat in his shower, the water falling on his face. After making his way back to his apartment in Blüdhaven, he’d climbed out of his suit and straight into the shower as his thoughts finally hit him.

Holy shit, he’d been invited to join the League.

He knew he’d been a vigilante for longer than most of the members, save for Batman, Superman, and Captain Marvel. But that still didn’t diminish that fact he was chosen to join THE superhero team.

Dick loved being on a team. He was a leader by nature but he also liked bouncing ideas between people. He knew he wouldn’t be in a leadership position but he wouldn’t be seen as less. He would be an equal and that was all he needed. Besides, he would be working with Bruce, someone that knew his abilities and just how useful he could be.

“Oh. Ok, that need for approval will be promptly filed away in the ‘things to bring up in therapy’ folder,” he mumbled to himself. He’d been working on his people pleasing tendencies and desperate need to prove himself and be more, yet clearly not enough. Wally called it his ‘eldest daughter syndrome’ and he couldn’t really disagree. He did put the weight of the world on his shoulders sometimes. But this was why he needed a team, people who he could rely on when needed. People who could help remove some of that weight. People he could trust. The trust issues that came with being a bat never really go away, huh.

He stood up, turning the shower off, and wrapped himself in a towel. There was no point in thinking about it any further. His answer was obvious. He opened the bathroom door and made his way into the main room, where Batman was waiting for him.

“You are so lucky I put a towel on.”

Bruce grunted. Dick rolled his eyes in response.

“Seriously, I could’ve walked out with nothing on and that would have been traumatising to both of us. Imagine me having to explain to everyone why you can’t look at me, how embarrassing that would be.”

“Hn. I came to congratulate you.” Dick couldn’t stop the smile that crept onto his lips at that.

“Thanks B. I'm still a little shocked if I’m being honest. I know I’m not an unknown vigilante, but not only being noticed, but getting nominated and accepted is a big deal.”

Bruce stepped closer, pulling his cowl down and placing his hand on Dick’s shoulder. Dick looked down at the ground, sheepish in the face of actual affection.

“Dick, you have been doing this for longer than almost everyone. You’ve helped save the world countless times and been a beacon of light and hope. Not only to the rest of the world but to me too.”

His head snapped up and he met Bruce’s eyes. After a second it was Bruce that looked down at the floor.

“I know I haven’t always been the best, firing you and acting the way I did after Jason… But you have made me proud, Dick, never forget that.”

Almost without thinking, Dick wrapped his arms around Bruce. Since he’d become Nightwing, they hadn’t been very affectionate with each other. They never really were but when he lived at the manor, when he was Robin, he would find comfort in Bruce’s arms after a bad night on patrol or after he woke from a nightmare. This was one of the few moments of vulnerability they shared and Dick knew to let himself fall into it. He felt pressure on his back, and he was enveloped in the embrace. He didn’t want to let go but knew Bruce wouldn’t if he kept hold. He almost didn’t, wanting to keep this moment going, but Batman had important work to do tonight. Gotham wouldn’t stay quiet for long.

As if the powers of the universe were listening, beeping echoed from the cowl and the two separated. Bruce grabbed the comm and listened to whatever was going down, before turning to Dick.

“Don’t feel like you must rush this. I trust your judgement and know whatever you decide will be the right choice.” He moved back towards Dick before hesitating. Dick wasn’t sure what he wanted, but after a few seconds, he found his hair being ruffled. Just like when he was Robin.

The pressure left and with a breeze, Batman was gone. Dick debated throwing his suit on and going to help, but he’d had a long day and needed the sleep. He would catch up with Bruce in the morning, after filing ‘Wanting the feelings he had as Robin’ to his therapy list.

“Has he decided yet?”

Bruce was glad his eyes were covered, otherwise the Flash would’ve seen a very un-Batman-like eyeroll. Wally was settling into the team well after Barry departed a few days prior, but he was clearly impatiently waiting for his best friend to arrive. That is, if Dick chose to join the team at all. It had been a week with no hint of a choice. Bruce didn’t want to push him, this was a big decision, but he also wanted to get the rest of the League to stop asking him. It was as if they were children, poking him and asking ‘are we there yet?’

“He has not, and I will not push him for a response.”

“But he said he would think about it, surely a week is long enough.” Wally paced back and forth as if he was trying to solve a complex math problem.

“I am aware of that, but it is a big decision.”

“UGH I’m gonna call him, see if I can get him to choose.” He sped over to the tubes, punching in the coordinates for what Bruce assumed was Central City.

“Recognised, Flash, 0-7.”

“Stupid tower and it’s lack of phone signal. How hard is it to install cell service up here…” His voice fading away as he travelled off the tower, finally giving Bruce room to breathe.

It was his turn for monitor duty, which he was supposed to do with Green Arrow, but had let Oliver off for the night, due to a gala he needed to attend. He himself was supposed to be there but unfortunately Bruce Wayne had come down with a nasty case of the flu and so wouldn’t be attending. The was partly true, Bruce had caught the flu and was suffering because of it, but no one would notice if Batman was quieter than usual.

The silence he was enjoying was promptly broken by the Zeta Tube announcing the arrival of Clark.

“Entering, Superman, 0-1”

“Hey Batman, how’s the case going?” “Hn.”

“Good good. Don’t worry, I’m just here to pick up something before heading back to work. You’ll be left to your silence again soon.”

Bruce turned back to his files as Clark moved around the Watchtower. Of course, he wasn’t working on the file, but rather keeping track of where Clark was in the room. He was awful at keeping his emotions off his face, and Bruce knew he wanted something. No doubt it was Zeta access to Gotham for the night. Clark was covering the gala for the Planet and even with his speed, it would be quicker to go straight there instead of via Metropolis. He knew Clark was getting closer to him as he moved around, and finally, when he gathered the courage to stand right behind Bruce, did he turn around to face him.

“What do you want, Kal?”

“Well, I wanted to ask if I could have access to the Gotham tubes, just for tonight while I’m working there.” “You can just fly across the bay from Metropolis.”

“I- Yes I can but I would rather no one know Superman was around Gotham, and I believe you do too.”

Bruce sighed, his patented ‘Tired Dad Batman’ sigh as Dick labelled it after he managed to elicit the sigh on many occasions. Clark was right, he definitely didn’t want anyone thinking Superman was operating in Gotham on a night where Batman wasn’t. It would send the wrong impression and risk the exposure of the other Bats.

“Hn. Fine. You can have one time access to the Tube nearest the Museum.” Bruce got up and made his way to the console.

“Oh, wow, err, thanks.” Clark stammered out as he followed. He started to put in the access code and was almost done when the tube roared into life, the screen showing the connection coming from the Batcave. Both men turned to face the tube as a human outline started to appear. Bruce let a small smile creep onto his face as the announcement was made.

“Entering, Nightwing, 3-6.”

Dick stepped through onto the Watchtower and was immediately greeted by Bruce and Clark. He threw his iconic grin onto his face and threw his arms out

“Whoops, didn’t realise you guys were using the tube. Sorry about that.”

Clark tilted his head slightly, as Barry had when he’d been invited. Guess it was a midwestern thing. Bruce, however, just turned back to the console as he spoke.

“I see you had Oracle reassign you.” “I figured you were busy.”

“Yes.”

Dick snorted and made his way past Clark, who followed him with his eyes.

“Wait, Nightwing?”

“Yeah?”

“Why are you number 3-6? We don’t have that many members so you should be a lower designation.”

Dick kept the smile on his face.

“Inside joke, and when Oracle is the one giving me access, I couldn’t not ask.”

Clark looked as if he wanted to pry deeper, but that was cut off by Bruce.

“Superman, you will arrive about three blocks from the museum. I assume you can find your way from there.”

Clark turned back to the tube and nodded.

“Recognised, Superman, 0-1.”

Then he was gone.

Dick turned to Bruce, and was met with a smile.

“Wally just left. He went to call you.”

“Oh, well I guess I’ll just call him back later. I didn’t come to see him.” Dick shrugged.

“Did you need something, or did you just want to test your new designation?”

“Ha, both. But I knew you were up here and working on the Fear Toxin case and came to offer help. That and tell you my decision. I figured it was pretty obvious I would accept.”

“I wasn’t so sure.” Dick frowned at Bruce. “You’ve just left your team, one you lead, to join one with people that don’t exactly trust you.”

“Hey, they don’t trust you either. Now there’s two of us.” Dick tried to deflect but after almost 20 years, Bruce knew to ignore this.

“I was unsure if you’d want to join a team so soon, let alone one where people already are weary of you. My reputation is something I’ve built but now people know you and I have been working together for a long time. The tension has been higher in the past week. I’m yet to be called out, though I suspect people will attempt to gather information from you on the incorrect assumption that would be easier. I wanted to leave the decision to you, but was tempted to inform you of how it has been in case that would change your mind. I don’t regret offering you a place on the team. If I’m being transparent, I would enjoy having you here, someone I can trust without any hesitation. But I want you to make sure it’s right.”

Dick inhaled sharply. Bruce had thought about this, and was actually being open with him. Since their meeting in his apartment, Dick had thought about it a lot. He’d jumped between joining and not, missing being part of a team but worried about how it would affect him and Bruce. When Wally had told him he’d be replacing Barry as the Flash, including joining the League, Dick had the only serious doubt about it. Not because he didn’t want to be on a team with Wally, he was his best friend. He just didn’t want it becoming another Titans debacle, where he was incredibly close to Wally and Donna, but everyone else questioned him because he hadn’t revealed his identity.

That hurt. Being a bat meant wearing a mask and protecting your identity for the sake of everyone else. If even one of them was unmasked, it wouldn’t be too hard to figure out the rest. So he never did. He couldn’t risk any of them. He couldn’t risk his family. And in protecting one, he lost another. The Titans slowly withdrew from him, getting more and more combative, and it resulted in a disaster of a mission.

What should’ve been a simple rescue after an earthquake ended up with Dick having to call in Superman to help. His plan had been solid but everyone other than Donna and Wally had abandoned it in a sort of coup. What they hadn’t planned, however, was exactly how the building they were operating around would collapse. Dick had studied the building’s structural integrity using blueprints and footage of the earthquake, and had constructed his plan to evacuate at the right speed and in the right order to minimise extra strain on the weakened foundations. This required to start from the central part of each floor and work outwards, maintaining the balance of the building. This ensured it wouldn’t crumble under the weight down one side. He’d been in the process of explaining this when the team had run off and started rescuing whoever they could access first, which altered the building’s centre of gravity as they shifted piles of rubble, and caused a complete collapse.

Dick had called Clark immediately, a vulnerable moment where he’d screamed for Superman out of pure fear, who’d helped in recovering the bodies of those that didn’t make it, and after arriving back at Titans Tower, Dick had packed up his stuff and left. He’d dropped his bag at his apartment before going out on his bike. He hadn’t paid attention to where he was driving and the next thing he knew, he was outside the gates to the Manor. Driven there on instinct. He hadn’t gone in, just sat outside for longer than he should’ve, before driving back to Blüdhaven and beating the shit out of some corrupt cops, something that was incredibly cathartic. But part of him regretted not going up to the door and asking if he could stay a while. He missed having people around, and being alone in his apartment didn’t help with his thoughts. He knew it wasn’t his fault the team didn’t listen to him. He did everything he could. But people had died on his watch, and he’d called for help instead of handling it by himself. He was a leader and he’d let everybody down.

A cough brought him back and he looked up to see Bruce had made his way over and placed his hand on Dicks shoulder. He’d missed it during his spiral, and Bruce had noticed. He could see his eyes through the cowl, new lenses that polarised for each other but no one else, and they were full of concern. Dick hadn’t spiralled like that in front of Bruce for a while and it was clear he was worried.

“I- I’m just thinking about the last mission I had with the Titans. Maybe it was time for me to leave leading behind me.”

“Dick,” Bruce brushed the hair that had fallen onto his face behind his ear. “We can’t always win. Sometimes we try our hardest and we lose. But we have to move on. I know this is hypocritical coming from me, but that’s why we have each other. Me, you, Robin, the Batgirls, everyone else. I know how much it hurts, I know the pain and anger and fear you feel inside. I felt it when you got shot, I felt it when Jason died, and I feel it every time one of you gets injured. But we are there to support each other and keep ourselves from getting lost in that pain. You taught me that. So I’m here to support you, and anyone else here will say the same thing.”

He coughed back his tears. Bruce knew what he was doing but made no move to get closer. That would be on Dicks terms.

“I want to be in the League, but I’m scared of messing up again.”

“You didn’t mess up. Clark told me what happened, how your team ignored your plan and acted in a way that caused the collapse. You then called for help when you knew you couldn’t do anything more. That’s why we are here, to help when needed.” Bruce sighed, but this time it wasn’t out of annoyance for Dick, but annoyance for myself. “I know I trained you to be the best. I know you put so much pressure on yourself to save everyone. To be there for everyone. And I know that is my fault. But you are not capable of saving everyone. No one is. Not me, not Wonder Woman, and not even Superman. That’s why the League has so many members with different strengths. Our strengths fill holes in others weaknesses. You would do that. You’re a natural leader who sees the best in everyone. You have an ability to light up the space and make people feel comfortable. You are one of the smartest people on the planet and could take over the world if you tried. Which, please don’t try to take over the world.”

Dick let out a sob as he laughed.

“I don’t plan on it yet, but if I do I’ll make sure to give you a few minutes' notice before I begin.”

Both men let themselves be vulnerable for a minute, holding each other and laughing. If the other Leaguers had been there, they would’ve lost it at the sight of Batman acting like… a person. The League probably believe all the rumours that Batman is a local cryptid, or maybe they prefer the vampire story. He’ll be able to find out, probably from people asking him about it.

Dick pulled himself back from Bruce and looked back up at him. They’d both been crying, but they both needed it. They’d both learned to be vulnerable sometimes, even if progress was slow. Bruce put his hand back onto Dicks shoulder, steadying himself. They moved apart and he straightened himself out.

“I’ll be okay, B. Besides, the moment someone else walks into the room, I’ll be all happy again.”

“Dick.�� Bruce tried to grumble but he could hear the compassion that lay underneath.

“Ugh, fine, I will deal with it, Mr Hypocritical.”

Bruce smiled at that, knowing how this discussion would go if it continued. Dick knew it too, and soon they were standing next to each other, staring out the window at Earth.

He bumped Bruce, who bumped him back. It felt so calm, the two of them together. Not as Batman and Robin, but as Bruce and Dick. Father figure and first son. Two decades of fighting together, training together, learning together. He was going to have a lot of fun working with him again, this time as individuals.

But more than that, he was looking forward to playing the League. He was ready to ruin them, to make them doubt themselves. He wanted to see how far he could go before Batman would step in, and knowing Bruce, it would be pretty far.

He was going to be ok.

Notes:

i hope you didn't hate that, it was a brain worm that bounced around in my head for weeks and i'm glad i was finally able to get it out oh, and the inside joke is that 3-6 is the date dick debuted in the comics, March 6th 1940, so for the non-us americans it would be 6-3 but they are american so... the title is a lyric from inertia by ajr, which i listened to whilst writing this (specifically the acoustic version) it's so good and can be found on youtube or spotify

#dick grayson #nightwing #bruce wayne #batman #justice league #fanfiction #fanfic #dc comics #probably ooc

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onesidedradiostatic · 14 hours

Note

"if he had the same power level as an overlord he WOULD STILL BE AN OVERLORD we see from alastor that selling your soul does not negate overlord status therefore husk likely lost his status from losing power"

Exactly! Overlord STATUS, its really more of a societal title!! Overlords WOULD take away that status, regardless of power, if the Overlord's soul was taken! Alastor still being an Overlord isn't much of an argument when no one knows his soul has been sold. (With the exception of Husk, who's likely under orders not to mention anyway.) MOST LIKELY, Husk lost his status because he sold his soul, not lack of power.

"idc if he saved some power through his deal, he still lost enough to lose overlord status"

(See above for latter argument)

This is me being picky with words and lyrics but if Husk had only saved SOME power through his deal, I feel like the lyric wouldve been "to save some power" and it wouldn't change the beat too much. So, it would seem like Husk did manage to hold onto all of it or at least a vast majority, not a small quantity!

"and val has his smoke, cover the room in that shit and husk can TRY not to breathe that in."

BZZZT WRONG! See previous argument: environmental damage. WHAT ROOM? Husk can blow those walls WIIIIIIDE open and let alllll that smoke out. A great advantage bc Husk's got long range weapons and can still attack while airing the room out. Val would be shooting BLIND. Husk just has to aim at the center and not even need to be 100% accurate because EXPLOSIONS.

"bullets are also faster than cards. val wins."

With his EYESIGHT? With his smoke covering a hella lot of his vision? Even with four gattling guns he'd be lucky to be aiming in Husk's general direction.

as far as we know, overlord status is determined by the number of souls an overlord owns. we KNOW husk gambled his souls away and from that we KNOW he lost the power gained from those souls and as far as we know we haven't seen him with any and he himself definitely doesn't consider himself an overlord anymore. "Exactly! Overlord STATUS, its really more of a societal title!! Overlords WOULD take away that status, regardless of power, if the Overlord's soul was taken!" is an incredibly bold assumption. we do not know this. as far as we know overlords are demons that reach a certain number of souls owned.

no comment on the lyrics I genuinely don't think him not saying "some power" means anything it makes just as much sense to just say "my power", but this entire line is confusing to begin with. my impression was he sold his soul to save his power from being completely lost after he gambled all his souls

not if the smoke reaches him first and disorients him

and oh my god I'm too tired to debate all this I just think it's ridiculous to think husk, an ex-overlord who's hit rock bottom, can beat val, a current overlord with heavy power and influence, one on one. are we trying to diminish val as a threat here

#ask #osrs.txt

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owlwithanapple · 3 days

Text

Bird & Fox

Chapter 12

Nightwing & Fox make a bet.

You returned home stood at the entrance take off your shoes. Kirin went to room and slept on the bed. You went to the kitchen get a bottle of beer sat in the living room to drink it. The first sip felt so refreshing. It had been a long time since had a beer and now finally had a drink. Why did you drink? Actually, you were worried because of the situation you had just with Mr. Wayne, and you couldn't help lecture Damian.

You looked down at the bottle in your hand blurted out "family..."

It was so suffocating to be alone at home and think about all sorts of things. You couldn't bear the pressure, put on your equipment turned into Kitsune and ran out with a few bottles of beer. You reached a high place found a good place put the bottle and sat down. You pushed the fox mask up to reveal your sweet lips and started drinking. Everyone's life has its own story, including you and your family. There is a tragic past.

Should it be fate or reality? You witnessed your parents being slaughtered to pieces, and your only hope, younger brother, could not escape their clutches. You were the only survivor who was rescued by SHINOBI. You saw them killing all the demons until only one head was left. From then on, you followed their footsteps into the future. It is your great fortune that you see the light from the brutal abuse.

You want to forget your family and those demons. You keep saying that you have forgotten them, but can't do it. Even though they have been killed beyond recognition, their faces still vividly imprinted in your mind. The scene at that time still in your memory. A sea of blood enveloped you, the sound of pain kept lingering in your ears. The young self was tied up with ropes and cut all over by hot knives.

The funniest thing is someone handed a knife and told you to stab the demon to end your hatred. Unbelievably, your resentment and pain disappeared. You returned the sharp and powerful knife to that person. You didn't do it. Maybe your heart was dead and couldn't be cruel to those demons, or didn't want your hands stained with your family's blood.

"Won't it be lonely to drink alone?"

You turned and saw a person, his feet stretched in the air, his hands on the ground, step by step, walking towards you. You put down the bottle looked at him with a confused look on your face, although the mask covered you. He turned back and stood beside you with an elegant posture. You saw the tall and slender figure was Nightwing, his behavior made you speechless.

"Excuse me, what are you doing, knight?" You said with a smile.

He sat next to you, his back straight, his legs swinging. "I saw you here alone, so I came to check on you because I was worried. What's wrong? You look depressed."

You shook your head. "Nothing serious."

"If you don't mind, you can talk to me. I also have something on my mind want to talk with someone." Although he told you calmly, his tone was a little heavy.

You bumped him with your shoulder. "Knight you skipping work?"

He bumped back. "Knights guarding the city also get tired and want to rest."

You took a bottle of beer opened and handed to him. "Not talk about it first, drink it, it's low in alcohol and you won't get drunk."

He was chuckling. "Thank you."

You poured a mouthful of beer and swallowed it. You heard Nightwing also take a sip. The two of you very close, shoulder to shoulder but not touching each other, just quietly accompanying each other. Nightwing's attitude turned into a quiet person because he sad, and he didn't flirt with you as charmingly as before. You are also a chatterbox in daily life, but you want to be quiet when you are worried.

You poured beer into your mouth and found that it was a bit unsatisfying. In desperation, you planned to go home and continue drinking. You stood up with the empty beer bottle to leave. You walked a few steps turned around to see Nightwing was still there. You ignored him left directly, threw the few bottles into the trash can. You clapped your hands. Although you wore gloves, you had to pay attention hygiene habits.

You looked up at the sky into the distance, a feeling of worry surged in your heart. Although you couldn't see Nightwing's expression just now, but vaguely feel he was sad. You didn't want to meddle in other people's business. After all, you two were not familiar with each other's lives, and you couldn't say nice things for no reason. But, you just couldn't let him be alone and depressed.

You quickly returned to the place found that there was no one. He was no longer sitting there. You felt a little regretful for not saying goodbye to him. The feeling of worry might be an illusion. Since he left, there was no reason to stay here any longer. You took the step to leave, someone behind you quietly reached out pull you. You quickly looked and saw it was Nightwing.

He smiled and walked towards with an expectant attitude. "Why did you come back?"

You shook your shoulders and acted nonchalantly, pointing to the sky. "I came to see the night view."

He shook his head with a sly smile. "Haha, are you kidding me?"

You tilted your head looked at him. "How dare I? I don't want to provoke you."

He smiled. "You did provoke me."

"Huh?" You were confused.

He approached and held your arm. "Then can I expect something from you?"

Nightwing POV

Memories-

The day before the business trip, Bruce asked me to help attend some work events, and needed to go out of town for a few days. I knew Bruce was too busy with work, so I accepted his request. At that time, he handed me two plane tickets, and I thought Babybird could help me. So I went to his room, I knocked on the door he opened and asked me to come in.

I saw his bed was full of books. Since he came to the manor, there are more books in the house because of his love of reading. I took a book from his bookshelf and read it. The books he read so profound that I doubted my life. I put the book back sat on his bed. Although he complained and told me to get out, he still didn't drive me away and let me lie on his bed.

I sat up and saw him reading very attentively. "Babybird, are you busy recently?"

He read the book but didn't ignore my question. "Very free, except for patrolling and training at night. What?"

I forced the plane ticket on him. "Work with me! It can only be you!"

He was surprised. "What!? Are you crazy?"

"Bruce gave me some work, I need you to help me with some. Please, Babybird." I looked at him with a pair of pitiful eyes.

He shook me off and avoided my pitiful eyes. "Why must be me? You know I'm not good dealing with those upper-class people. Flattering is not my strong point."

I put my arm around his shoulders. "Why? Can't bear to leave your girlfriend?"

He looked at me with a blush. This was the first time I saw the cute side of Babybird. "Fuck. How many times do I have to tell you! Pure friendship!"

"How about... I tell her that Red Hood who kissed her lips through the helmet is Jason Todd?" I took the opportunity to bully him.

He snatched the plane ticket and pointed at my face with a fierce look, "Damn it! I'm warning you! If you dare to tell anyone, I'll kill you!"

I hugged him happily, "My dear brother, I love you so much!"

He tried desperately to break free from my embrace, "Damn it! Let me go!"

I searched for his luggage and found it. I took out some decent clothes from his closet. Of course, suits are indispensable for entertaining those upper-class people. Babybird is strong and tall, Bruce always prepares clothes that fit his size for him. I put all his things neatly in the luggage.

I thought of his crush, and I reminded him, "Babybird, remember to tell her you are on a business trip. Otherwise, she will be worried."

He was surprised, but because of what I said, he took out his phone obediently, "It's not your turn to teach me how to do it."

Babybird has a rather irritable personality and temper, but he still has a gentle and considerate side, especially with the girl he has a crush on. He won't introduce me to her, and I'm so anxious that wanted to secretly go and see who the lucky girl is. When Red Hood kissed her, I was too far away to see her face clearly.

"Hey, when are we leaving?" I heard Babybird ask.

"Leave tonight and arrive tomorrow." I answered.

He jumped out of bed "What?! Tonight! What time!"

So we quarreled for a long time that day, and finally succeeded in convincing Babybird to go on a business trip with me. Of course, he kicked me a few times, and my butt was numb. After, there still some free time, so Babybird dragged me to clean up his messy room. I sorted all the books in order, and he was checking the contents of the luggage.

After ready, he and I dragged the luggage to downstairs together. I saw Bruce in the lobby waiting for time, and Alfred greeted us. Bruce was surprised when he saw Babybird, his reaction was normal because he rarely interfered with Bruce's work. But when Bruce saw Babybird, his face was full of happy smiles. This is what I expected, living like a family.

We learned that Alfred would take us to the airport, Bruce would drive himself because the flight times were different. Before leaving home, Bruce and I hugged each other before getting in the car. I put Babybird's luggage in the trunk of the car, then opened the door of the passenger seat and sat in to wait. I happened to see Babybird and Bruce talking, after the conversation, they hugged each other. What a warm and beautiful picture.

On the fourth morning of the business trip, I woke up and stretched in bed. I heard the sound of snoring, from Babybird who was sleeping soundly in another bed. He must be exhausted, because had to face things he didn't like and was not good at in the past few days. Talking business with those upper-class people really couldn't escape the fate of being forced to drink. Thanks to him blocking for me, I could stay sober and rational.

My phone suddenly rang, I quickly took it and ran to the balcony, fearing I would wake up Babybird who was sleeping soundly. After I got to the balcony, I looked back at Babybird lying on the bed. It was great that he was not woken up by me, so I was relieved. I was worried about Babybird but forgot to press the answer button and the call was hung up. I found it was my friend Wally West calling, I called back immediately.

As soon as I called, Wally answered immediately, "You are too slow to answer my call."

I sighed and smiled said, "Wally, you are too fast. What do you want to talk to me about?"

"Are you working?" Wally asked suddenly.

"I'm done. What?" I said casually.

Wally said excitedly and expectantly, "Do you want to have breakfast together?"

I laughed. Wally West is the Flash himself. He is the kind of person who is always available. His lightning speed can move around the world quickly. When I was working as Nightwing, sometimes took a lot of rides with him, riding on his back. Thanks to my friend who is fast, he always appears in the first time to help me a lot, and I have successfully escaped many crises.

"I'll send the location now. Meet over there."

"No problem, I'll be there in a few seconds!" After saying that, he hung up the phone.

I returned to the room, washed up, and changed into casual clothes. I took a piece of paper wrote a note saying "I'm going out for breakfast" and put it next to Babybird's bed, then left the room. I left the hotel walked to a nearby restaurant, which was not far away only took three minutes to walk. Suddenly, a flash of lightning flashed in front of my eyes, and in that instant I was standing at the door of restaurant.

As I expected, I looked to the left saw a man with dark red hair who was about the same height as me. "Very punctual, Wally."

He winked at me, "Of course."

We both walked into the restaurant and chose a suitable seat to sit down. I flipped through the menu ordered a simple breakfast and a cup of coffee to refresh myself. I returned the menu to the waiter, and about a minute later the waiter brought the drinks to us. I finally understood why Tim liked coffee so much. The aroma hit me in the face, couldn't stand the charm of coffee.

"You work alone?" Wally suddenly asked.

I shook my head "Nah, I came with my brother."

"Which brother?"

I laughed and said "Jason. Unbelievable."

He looked at me in surprise "Indeed."

I put the cup to my lips and took a sip then put it on the table "Free today?"

He nodded "Yes, I was bored. So I came to see you."

His answer made me laugh so hard. Wally is a great guy who teases me. It's very comfortable to be with him. He's the kind of guy who can come whenever I need him. There were several times I couldn't pass the game, and he showed up at my house after I called him. Sometimes Tim and Damian were surprised by Wally's sudden appearance and disappearance.

Wally swiped his phone and showed me the news "Hey! Hot news! Look!"

I took his phone to see what news could make Wally excited. I read the content bit by bit, and my eyes widened instantly. The title said Robin and the fox mask Gotham Runner joined forces to fight criminals. It's unbelievable that Damian acted alone during my absence, the most unbelievable that he fought criminals with her. But I didn't expect Kitsune to fight criminals. I thought she would be an enemy.

"I'll go Gotham City one day to spar with her~" Wally smiled evilly.

I looked at the news, reading it carefully one by one. I found her style of doing things very simple, like last time she chased the robbers. Obviously, we were both chasing the same target, but she chose not to join forces and solve it herself. I can't see through her, and I don't know which side she is on. Bruce said talk to her first to find out about her, but she is really hard to understand and control.

"Hey. You still there?" Wally snapped fingers in front of me.

I woke up "Oh! Sorry! I was thinking."

"But, do you know which side the fox mask is on? Batman will investigate her if messes around in Gotham City like this." Wally suddenly asked a question I couldn't answer.

I crossed my hands in front of my chest and shook my head "Batman sent me, I don't know her. She is very mysterious, I can't get her, and she avoids sensitive questions."

"I understand." He nodded.

I shook my head and blurted out "The so-called woman's heart is like a needle in the sea."

Wally was silent and asked carefully "Hey, you still can't let her go?"

I returned the phone to Wally, looking embarrassed "You mean Barbara?"

Wally nodded, his expression looked worried "Is there another Barbara?"

Barbara Gordon, my ex-girlfriend, Batgirl. She was a young, smart and lively girl. The appearance of Batman inspired Barbara to embark on the road of fighting crime, and she soon began to cooperate with Batman and me. She became Batman's most important assistant. I gradually fell in love with this smart, kind and lively girl, and then I had many romantic relationships with her.

I sighed and shook my head, saying in a cold tone, "It's a thing of the past."

Wally took a sip of his drink, "The next one will be better."

I laughed and exhaled, "The next one... I haven't figured her out yet."

Wally was surprised and excited, "Is there really a next one? Who?!"

I woke up instantly, and I was thinking about Kitsune in my mind. I quickly clarified with Wally, "No, no, no, really."

Wally laughed and pressed my shoulder, "Then figure her out."

"Damn... Let's eat first, I'll tell you next time." I started to eat breakfast.

After finishing breakfast, I went to the counter to pay then walked out of the restaurant. On the way back to the hotel, I blinked and arrived at the hotel entrance in an instant. Wally said goodbye to me and disappeared like lightning. I stepped into the hotel and waited for the elevator. I took out my phone to read the news about Kitsune. Her side of fighting criminals attracted a lot of attention.

At that time, I didn't take her down in time, and was caught off guard by her counterattack and electric shock attack. I thought about it for a whole night, I turned into Nightwing again to look for her in the night, but I couldn't find her. Her appearance was mysterious, she appeared randomly and disappeared out of thin air. She didn't seem like a neurotic person. When I talked to her alone, I felt that she was a very smart and rational person.

I put my phone away stepped into the elevator. As the elevator went up, Kitsune's voice and figure kept surrounding me. Her mystery and words attracted me to think about her all the time. Could it be... I looked up saw the bright lights in the elevator. It was too bright, I closed my eyes lowered my head. I shook my head tried to make her fox mask disappear from my mind.

But I couldn't do it….She was still in my mind. "I should go check it out."

End of memories -

Y/N POV

What's going on now? Nightwing seems to be a little off. His aura been strange since we met just now. He talks nonsense and you have no idea what he wants to say. He expects something from you. Is he going to make you an alliance? But you are really not interested in such things. Or he drunk from the beer just now? It's even more impossible. That was the low-alcohol kind.

"I didn’t have anything to expect." You blurted out after laughing.

"That's hard to say." You can hear that his tone is a little arrogant.

You sighed and tried to shake off his hand, but it didn't work as you wished. To be honest, you are not someone worth expecting. You can't be someone who is idealistic. It's like being driven away. "Really, I didn't lie to you."

He pulled you and you threw your body towards him. You could feel the fluctuation of his breathing at such a close distance. Your bodies even pressed against each other, and you didn't know what to do. Suddenly, he whispered in your ear, "Maybe you think you are not worth my expectation, but I look forward to seeing you every day. Today I finally found you."

"Why did you find me?" You were confused and curious.

"Hehe... I just wanted to see you, nothing else." He said with a smile.

You were confused by him and a little angry didn't say it directly. You don't like the kind of vague words, and you are the worst at analyzing such situations. "Tsk, I thought you wanted to say something."

He lifted your chin up with his fingers "What's wrong? What do you want me to say?"

He is indeed quite good at flirting, you can't help but laugh out loud "Oh Knight, you really don't learn your lesson."

He was confused by what you said "Huh?"

You give him a small electric shock, and he immediately pushed you away took a few steps back. "Hahaha! You are careless for being so close to me!"

He opened his arms with a smile on his face "Are you serious? I want to give you a hug, it's a waste for you to interrupt the romantic mood like this."

You laughed out loud, he was so funny. He knew he would get shocked by you, but he still dared to approach you. It's bad enough that he didn't learn his lesson, he was still joking. It seems that he has cured all the bad mood today, you are really laughing now. You stole a glance at his expression, he was confused but the smile on his face was very sweet. You are very happy with you are doing now, he opened his arms took the first step towards you.

You shook your head slightly at his gesture, "If you don't want to be shocked by me again, you'd better stay away from me."

He smiled confidently and said, "You can try, I believe I can bear it."

You laughed so hard that your stomach cramped at his every move. You backed away step by step, trying to get away from Nightwing's clutches. It seems that tonight is a good time for flirting. It's rare to see you so happy until forget yourself. You stepped back and woke up because you missed a step. You knew you were about to fall from a high place. You were so excited that you forgot you were on the edge of a high place.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Nightwing ran over and grabbed your endless hand. If you let go of his hand, you definitely would really fall. Your hoodie was blown by the wind, revealing a head of bright white long hair fluttering in the wind. To conceal your identity, you dressed yourself in another way before changing into your equipment to prevent yourself from being exposed.

He pulled you into his arms held you tightly. You leaned against him, feeling a little overwhelmed. You felt his hands trembling, and he looked very scared and helpless. He held you tightly with one hand, and gently touched your white hair that fluttered in the wind with the other hand. After calming down, he approached your face, when you thought he was going to take off your mask, you heard him say, "I caught you."

You saw a confident smile on his face, and you asked, "What will happen after you caught me?"

He smiled shyly, "There is no future now. But …. When you came back to me just now, I believed there would be a story between us in the future."

"How do you know we will have a story?"

"I have been staying here since the first time I saw you. I am waiting for the day to meet you. Today I met you, and you came back to find me."

You shook your head, "Coincidence does not mean we will have a story."

"Then why did you come back to find me?" he suddenly asked.

"I said, I came to see the night view."

He laughed softly and took a deep breath, "You are stubborn."

"I thought you were praising me, thank you."

Although there was a mask between us, your eyes were looking at him, and your hands which had nowhere to put, were around his neck, "I had a lot of fun tonight. And thank you for saving my life."

He nodded, "Me too. Thank you for staying with me."

You both let go of each other at the same time, and for some reason he looked regretful. You walked to the edge and stood on it, letting your dazzling white hair fly in the air. You looked towards the distant sky, suddenly Nightwing pushed your shoulder to make you face him, then held your waist high and spun you in circles.

"What are you doing! I thought you were going to push me!" You pinched his cheek.

He laughed and breathed a sigh of relief, "Haha! You're doomed if you turn your back to me."

You were so light that he could easily pick you up with one hand, and the other hand held you so that your knees rested on his abdomen. Since you were taller than him and could look down at him, you put your hands on his shoulders to prevent yourself from falling. "Knight, you are so mean, you surprised and delighted me."

He couldn't hold back his smile and laughed, "You too. We are both like this to each other."

You held his cheeks with both hands and stroked them lightly with your fingers, "You are so funny. I hope we won't become enemies in the future."

He smiled slightly, "Then let's not be."

You shook your head, in fact, there was no smile on your face. Because you didn't want to become enemies with Nightwing. Your heart was heavy but

still maintained an optimistic tone and said, "It's easy to say, but you know it's hard between us. Neither of us can’t guarantee any changes between us."

Your words hit him so hard that he fell into deep thought. He carefully put you down, and you just looked at him without saying anything. Every word you said secretly carried some truth that he should know. You both from different worlds and different concepts. You don't expect him to stand on your side, because you know clearly that you can't guarantee either side.

He turned to you and blurted out "I believe in us."

You were surprised, your heartbeat accelerated, you turned your back to him at a loss, and waved your hand perfunctorily, "Hahaha, I don't believe it. You know it."

"I know I believe in you, and you trust me too. Otherwise, you wouldn't feel at ease leaning on me, you know you can get rid of me easily." He said it suddenly, and you couldn't respond to him. You are wary of everyone, and you are afraid he knows your momentary slackness. You clenched fists and closed your eyes to suppress your emotions. Why did he appear today to disturb your mood.

He stood behind you, holding your hands tightly, and leaned his head on your shoulder. "I know we can't guarantee what the future will be like. But I want to make a bet with you, and I hope you are willing to make this bet."

You shook his hand off, interrupting his ambiguous conversation. "Oh~ my knight, to be honest, I really want to believe you. I don't know what you want from me by saying sweet words to me. I guess it may be Batman who instructs you to do this and you arrest me."

He opened his mouth to explain himself, but you shook your head refused him with a gesture. "You want me to bet, but unfortunately I can't accompany you. I don't want to have an irreparable relationship between us."

He grabbed your arm. "Are you unable to accompany me or you afraid?"

"It's better to let me go, knight." You looked at him.

He said with a smug expression, "Dump me or shock me. You can do it."

You looked down and muttered, "Fuck you."

He lifted your chin to face him, "Since you didn't fight back, I can take it as yes."

You put your other hand on your waist and said, "Knight, you want to bet without seeing my face, you are at a big disadvantage. What if I take off the mask it turns out be an old woman?"

He was amused by your words, and then nodded in understanding, "It's true when you mention it."

"So don't bet. Neither you nor I want to be disappointed." You exerted a little strength to break free from him.

He held you tighter, but didn't hurt you. You saw him smile confidently, and you didn't understand why you couldn't get rid of him. Your heart was also led by his sweet words, and his every move kept disrupting your pace. You tried to calm down, but you were attracted to him and couldn't control your emotions. This is what you fear the most, and it's hard to change once it starts.

"Kitsune, I dare to challenge everything and willing to take risks for you. I said there is a story between us, as long as you are willing to bet, it will start."

"Knight, how brave are you to take these risks."

"Because I believe in you, I am willing to face it."

You hesitated for a moment, but decided to reject him decisively "I'm sorry."

"What are you afraid of?" He let go of your hand.

You touched the hand he let go, and you could still feel the warmth "I'm more timid, that's all."

He stretched out his hand, and his expression was no longer smiling but steady "Please, let's start as friends, okay?"

You look at his hand, your real thought is hold his hand tightly. But you dare not take the first step. You are a coward and choose to retreat. "It is better for us to keep some distance."

You walked past him, and he suddenly said, "At least I won once."

You turned around and looked at his back. "Huh? What do you mean?"

He turned around and said to you, "Just now. I believe you will come back to find me."

You laughed out loud, "Knight, I said I came to see the night view."

He shook his shoulders, "Whatever you say, I will prove it to you. I always believe that there is a story between us. Just wait and see, Kitsune."

You were silent and replied, "We are not destined to be together."

You heard the name he gave you, and your heart was happy but you couldn't be happy. You left the last words and disappeared, you didn't want to stay with him. You afraid more emotions would make you fall into the abyss and couldn't extricate yourself, so you chose to escape or give up on him. You covered your hair with a hoodie and wandered alone on the streets in the middle of the night until the last moment before going home.

Nightwing POV

After she left, I stayed in the same place. The place where I met her, but there was no her around, only me. I don't know why I want her so much, I didn't see her face with my own eyes but my heart was moved by her. It wasn't as good as I imagined, she kept rejecting me, no matter what I said, she was afraid.

After meeting her, I have been thinking about her and all the details of her. Since then, I have been missing her every moment, and I don't know why. Until today I saw her again, I was sure of the meaning of this relationship. I took the first step because I wanted to be sure and confident of my choice. That's why I wanted to make this bet and bet on our lives.

I thought about it for a long time, and I was worried about her. She was right. What would I do if she was not my ideal type without the mask? But I never thought of giving up on her because of her appearance. She may not be beautiful, but I have seen her helpful actions several times. She gave me the feeling of being a trustworthy and supportive friend, but I stepped into the threshold of love.

After some communication and body contact, I wanted to love her more. She was originally a girl with a very charming and mysterious personality, but gradually I found that she was actually more timid than I thought. When she was confident, she was not bound by constraints and allowed indulge herself.

I found that her weak side because of emotions. She did not dare to try but chose to retreat. This further inspired me to take the first step with her, and it seemed that it would take some time for us to accompany each other.

I sat on the edge muttered to myself, "Kitsune... who on earth are you that can fascinate me so much."

Chapter 12 End.

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Text

~A Medieval Tale: The Rogue & His Lady. Part II~

Plot: Y/N is a damsel who captures the heart of a rogue, misunderstood prince named Aegon Targaryen in 14th century England… with no civil war to disarray the family.

It’s fluffy, very mediæval like; smut; long post.

(+21)

***

Even sun sets in paradise.

Clouds rumble in the skies, a sign of storm, a bad omen to all those who fear the ire of the divine. Many were the peaceful years of King Viserys’s reign. Some would incline to judge this monarch as fool, others, wise, good even.

Whatever epithet this king deserves, it goes to wind, blown away by the first evidences that peace is yet to be supplanted by something worse. What might that be… is yet to be found out.

With the sun eclipsed, new events are setting stage. Aegon and you are forced to be apart by these circumstances and you fear to remain a shadow in his memory, praying to the divine that he does not forsake you .

On his part, this redeemed prince has renewed his vows to you. But he’d come to find that easier is said than done for his attentions are required elsewhere. Demons are coming out to reclaim his soul and he’s the target of evil again.

Indeed, to be surrounded by such creatures requires an inner strength that a fragile faith cannot knock down. Here, Aegon finds difficult to shake ‘em off.

Oh why Lord hast thou forsaken me?

Masking his pain, his porcelain skin turns to ivory. Sweet Prince is now a king… who faces the opposition of partisans who threaten to replace him with Rhaenyra.

Where there is smoke, there is flame. And someone might get burnt.

You, despite yourself, feel inclined to let be consumed by these unnatural flames.

Already pained by how politics are preventing one to find the other, you swallow your pride and discreetly search for him.

Aegon is found in secretive talks to Lord Daeron, his brother and councilor, who thinks best to marry off his sister in order to prevent political troubles that could arise in her state— and none seems to suspect, though, that the Lady Rhaenyra is holding the reigns of her life by taking her own uncle, Lord Daemon Targaryen, as her husband.

How bold, the scandalized court would whisper.

Part of shadows, you are invisible to the eyes of men—and to those of the women, too. For who are you if not part of a nobility that few are familiar with? Your family possessions may give them some credit, but no name, no blood, nothing… could commend you to His Grace.

The tentacles of the Devil hereby try to persuade you of your insignificance, thus trying to work against the designs of the Cupid by pushing you away from him, the one your heart desires.

To the most pious, though, this is read as an announcement of a heavenly battle for two lost souls. Which one is going to be the victor?

One could only pray to fight away such impertinent demons…

But a soul when linked to the other is prompted to recognize its other significant half… regardless the crowd that tries to part them.

Which means to say that His Grace’s lilac eyes find the y/c eyes of yours. So lost. Plagued by this intermittent chaos.

In silence, screaming for the lover stolen.

“Lady Y/N!”

The stunned group of councillors, and here his relatives are included, follow the cause of the king’s disrupted distress.

To many, the evident surprise in their faces when seeing it is you the very reason why Aegon II is more concerned to a damsel than politics may lead to that old superstition, understood as a sort of common sense, which places the blame of wrongs in women… simply because they are not obeying the natural orders.

Regardless, spotlight is on. The Cupid dances, the Devil threatens. Fate is about to play deadly its cards.

“I could not reach out for you. I pray you forgive me for being…”

Even if staying at the center of this stage is something you do not wish for, it is too late to storm out. Your destiny escapes your hands, it’s been woven by the divine. This is all you know.

“Do not apologize, lord. There is nothing to be forgiven for”, you smile, but Aegon sees sadness in your irises. “What can we do before duty? Should be me the one to ask you forgiveness for my meekness, my spirit so prompted to be passional…”

“I see nothing in you to be faulted for. Reason cannot conceive it. Lady Y/N, I aim to reclaim not your body, even if it arises the desires of my flesh, but your soul, so only I before it can be whole.” He cups your face with his hands, in complete ignorance of his mother’s baffled countenance. “Even so, unworthy of thee as I am, take me not as king, but as a man.”

“Poet of mine heart”, you sigh, to the delight of the Goddess of Love who claps before this chaotic profession of most profound sentiments. “I could not refuse you, whether as a beggar, whether as a king. Likewise, my heart is yours to be commanded… despite my most inappropriate station.”

Aegon smiles and it is as if sun shines the brightest. To a general astonishment, the king loves. And such a love is above mortal, fable laws; above lust, inferior desires that have made no other victims than himself.

“I care naught about the laws of men, for I stand before them. My wife you will be, lady of this court, mistress of the realm”, says he in a tone that leaves no argument to it.

Devil is finally fought off. Victory is placed in the hands of Cupid. Heaven smiles below… even if skies remain grey still.

***

Nothing evokes a greater scandal than unexpected unions. Disregarding reason and every sensible advise, the king intends to make his word law of the realm.

All of this is suffice to say that making you his queen attracted great disapproval of the court. Something unseen since the days of Maegor the cruel.

But Aegon may be many things. Cruel he is not. And you are unlike any of his consorts.

Despite the gleefulness of finally being tied to Aegon, you know that working for peace is part of your queenship.

Therefore, days before the wedding you come after the dowager queen, lady Alicent Hightower. You hope to be as convincing as possible in arranging domestic peace, for you do this overall for the man you love—never forgetting, however, how uncommon this union is, out of the Targaryen inbred and hierarchically mismatched.

The redhaired lady, once praised for her piety and discreetion, who once possessed a crown over her head, welcomed you with distrust in her eyes—even if you see how queenly she is in manners. That is to reinforce the regal obligations one has… out of habit, perhaps, when dealing with others she is less… inclined to like.

“Madame the Queen”, you address her accordingly. “I thank you for welcoming your humble servant.”

Your speech definitely surprises the dowager queen. The lady Alicent has judged you as some sort of gold digger, who craved your nails in her son and whose manners were most undignified of Aegon—even if he is not, as she knows well, the great moral of her house.

However, when studying you, your modesty and meek speech, she realizes she’s been wrong. Not many could surprise Alicent Hightower, but you, Y/N Y/LN did.

“Please rise, child”, she softens towards you. “I am not a queen… not anymore.”

“One never ceases to be a queen, even if the crown is legated to another. You are the force behind this house, my lady. I would do harm to all of us if I only followed my heart.”

Wise move. Oh, this lady possesses a sharp wit. Certainly not like any of the mistresses Aegon had conquered to warm his bed.

And yet… hasn’t Lady Alicent been remembered of that heroine whom she admired, Isolde being the character’s name?

Though the dowager queen envied you for being who she aimed to be since the days of her girlhood, she is not unreasonable where you are concerned.

“I appreciate you come after me for that. I admit all of this caught me out of surprise, for little I expected seeing my son so besotted.”

You try smiling, charmingly if you dare.

“Indeed it has baffled me as well that the king considered me in high esteem. Unworthy as I am, I, however, feel likewise.”

“But you surely must be aware of his flaws”, the dowager queen could not help herself. You remind her of sweet Helaena, who, however, even in her sweetness had a driven force that led her elope with Aemond, her brother.

“I am, my queen. I do not love for the king he is, but for the man he is becoming. I too have my flaws.” The final card is yet to come… “Before the divine, we are inferior beings, all longing for redemption.”

The Queen smiles. You’ve succeeded in captivating her.

“This is very true. Sometimes… when we least expect, we come to learn that love sent from above is yet to redeem us all.”

From this day on, you and the dowager queen become close, perhaps occupying the vacant position left by the princess Helaena.

***

It is the ceremony day. Here you and Aegon are, lawfully married. A banquet is held on your honor, as well as tournaments are drawing high and low born men alike who spots in the jousts an opportunity to write their names in history.

Most want to be the lady Y/N’s champion, but you’ve already granted your favour to Lord Daeron, the king’s youngest brother, who used to be your childhood playmate.

As wine is poured in your silver glass, you and your lord husband speak as if there is just the two of you in a gold and green salon.

“I espoused you”, says he with his typical smug.

“Indeed”, you side smirk. “But I pray you are reminded daily that I was not any conquest of yours.”

“No”, he agrees, looking deep into your eyes as he takes your hand to his lips in a lingering kiss. “You are the redemption of a lost sinner, my lady.”

But this sweet, intimate moment is interrupted by Aemond’s boast.

“It appears”, he announces in his own way, “this is the moment we have all been waiting for. The bedding ceremony.”

You look away, crimson pink painting your cheeks all the whilst Aegon raises his eyebrows at his brother—though he’d indulge in lies if he didn’t admit he’d been looking to it. Perhaps too much for a man who until recently was slaved by his flesh.

A path of flowers follows your steps as the gentlewomen remove every piece of your green gown. Your carefully embroidered hair is now loose in your back and every jewel that embellished your skin is carefully removed.

Never before you felt so nude, so exposed. Specially under the cries and giggles of the ladies, some of which behave in what you judge to be somewhat in the old ways.

“Be merry, my dear. Today is the day your queenly duties begin”, someone tells you.

You smirk at them, but pay little attention to their sayings, detesting this exhibition. Until your mind suddenly goes blank before the view of perfection that stands right under your eyes.

Aegon Targaryen hasn’t seen you yet. Perhaps to drink away his nervousness, he downs his glass of wine. His hair is somewhat a mess, falling short down to his neck; but your eyes scan his muscles, perfectly shaped after years of sword training.

The lines of his body that reinforce his shape awake something different in you. And when he turns at you….

Your face goes instantly red.

“My queen”, and it doesn’t help you that he scans you with the eyes of a predator.

And you like it how he smirks and moves all the way to welcome you properly.

“You look beautiful like always”, his whisper is like a summer breeze, warming and cozy; his arms are like a fortress, strong and safe. “Do not shy away from me, my dear.”

He is right behind you, his arms snaking around your waist, thus involving you in between. His chin is resting over your shoulder, his lilac eyes staring at your heart-shaped face as he uses one hand to play with your hair all the whilst the other is resting over your belly.

“You are gifted with a beautiful out of this world. As a sinner, I should not dare to look at you, but because of my weakness, I have my feebleness exposed.”

“Oh Aegon, you are no man, nor king, nor something in between. You are above all, and as your subject I boldly commend myself to you.”

Speeches are silent from the moment his lips meet your skin and your mouth drops in an “o” right as you give in under his touch. His slender fingers caressing your belly, squeezing gently your waist before cupping your breasts make you experiment—truthfully this time—this dragon fire.

And you want to get burnt so desperately.

“Aegon…”, you moan softly, dropping your head at shoulders.

Sinful has never been so tempting. Where there is a flame someone is about to get burnt, and you place yourself willingly in this position, notwithstanding the morals of the Church against lust and the dangerous of having pleasure in marital bed—everything must be balanced.

You certainly do not feel condemned by any means when he’s kissing your neck and cupping your breasts; nor guilty when his tongue paces slowly towards your neck.

Aegon too revives his old self, though he is now controlling his lust, not the other way around. As when he lowers his right hand and through forest he finds waterfall in you, diving in you and together finding pleasure in sin.

“Oh yes”, he groans in your ear, pleased to please you. “Give yourself to me, my dear”.

When your gazes meet, you know it’s your end. You are doomed.

And Aegon, has truthfully been tamed.

***

As when sun and moon meet, so it occurs a significant event the moment your body meets his. When he holds your thighs and pushes within you, when he looks at you with a mix of love and lust… you know it’s nothing regular.

It’s supernatural.

Divine.

Like when Mars met Venus and in her he planted his seeds, so the king plants his in you.

When does profanity begin? When does sacred end? A line so fragile between extremes is yet to be traced.

But one gaze, one kiss… one bliss is enough to bring altogether what has ever been apart.

Victory thus falls upon the hands of the Cupid, and Heavens will too bless this unique match. No one could have foretold the plans of the divine… as no one could have fought them either.

***

• Epilogue.

The king sits on his throne, eyes glued on his dancing queen. A smile dances over his lips, some might say Lady Y/N is a witch.

A love for a crown?

A crown for love?

When all eyes are set on their offspring, doubts are quietened. A pair of twins is seen dancing with their mother, whilst another, the elder and heir, is found by his father’s side.

All is well that ends up well… with you.

Aegon smiles. Against all wishes, the peace he provides. And he rises, uncontestedly victorious.

Their family is yet to grow further, with Lady Y/N, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, mothering at least ten more children. Their lives will last… until spring comes and summer passes.

During the autumn of life, when marriages thrive, you outlive your husband only to see Jaehaerys II with Jaehaera by his side.

Thus it is how this Targaryen line survives…

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