#alfred pennyworth home cooked meal

[youcalledsworld]

Looking for a Mother.

Danny Phantom had a problem. Actually he had two problems, both problems came from Vlad. No, one problem is Vlad and the other is caused by Vlad.

The first problem is how he could sentence Vlad to "death" in the most painful way that could last years. The second problem was how he could help his daughter who now only had her ghost half and was forced into her core because her human side couldn't keep her ghost half stable.

When he went to Frostbite he got a solution to his second problem. He just had to find a woman to carry Ellie to term so she can grow a new human half. Sadly, that created a third problem.

Frostbite told Danny that Sam or Valerie (who both loved Ellie and would do anything for her) or any other mortal woman wouldn't be able to handle the power coming from Ellie's core. So now Danny had to look for a woman who was willing enough to hold the responsibility bearing his child and strong enough to survive childbirth.

And with Danny's responsibility as King he couldn't just leave to look for a woman to bear his child. He also couldn't ask his court or allies to look for someone for him. Because they would either kidnap someone or to use this situation to make a move for more power.

The Justice League had a problem. They actually had two, one was Darkseid and the other was Brainiac. The League got an emergency from Oa asking for help against Brainiac. So the league sent some of its heaviest hitters, which include the Supers, Captain Marvel, the Green Lanterns, the Flash, Zatanna and other non powered leaguers for help.

So of course Darkseid used that as a distraction to invade earth. And the league was losing, so John Constantine came up with the plan to use the new Ghost King to deal with Darkseid.

The others were sceptical but John told them he was a good kid who would help for free if he could. Sadly, he couldn't because when summoned the summoner or those around him had to give something in return for his help. Which was usually food or space rocks.

So reluctantly they started the summoning with the sacrifice they decided to give (two home cooked meals from Martha Kent and Alfred Pennyworth). They all started to feel cold even Batman in his temperature regulated suit.

Wonder Woman shivered with he blade in hand ready to jump into action at anytime.

After the summoning was complete they asked the Ghost King to help them with Darkseid. They were about to give him the meals but surprisingly he asked them to hold it for now because he has something he would like to ask for. So he told all but Wonder Woman to leave the room because he has something to ask her that only she out of everyone here could help with.

Next

[brucewaynehater101]

Alfred Pennyworth Angst AU

Every single Wayne kid has made the joke that Alfred isn't human. Despite raising Bruce and all of his kids, the man hasn't aged a single day. He's as weathered as he's always looked with not a single wrinkle more. He completes endless tasks (cooks, cleans, chauffer, medical aid, comm assistance, coordinates for events, does laundry, gardening, and more) with perfection. He doesn't tire, besides a dry comment about aching bones, and he has never failed to have the house in order.

Batman can do the impossible and unthinkable, but Alfred is subtle. His unnatural abilities are only apparent when one takes the time to actually think about all the responsibilities he has.

If asked directly, he would deny his otherworldly tendencies with a sarcastic remark. Yet, he would humor questions about his past. The retired serviceman and retired actor would sometimes indicate just how he became so proficient at preparing a meal or tailoring. It's not obvious, but he did not acquire his skills over only a single lifetime.

This is why, when the Waynes die off one by one, Alfred is still there. He himself grieves, but he does his due diligence to those alive and passed. He cleans, he cooks, and he offers his presence to his loved ones.

When the very last Wayne dies, Alfred is still found within the Manor walls. His job is easier now with only himself to wash and feed, but it hurts more. Pain, unlike any he's felt before, constantly ravages his body and mind. He's in agony, but none who would see the old man could be able to tell. Those who knew better, who could see the slight squint of his eyes as the internal screaming it is, are long lost. To those around, the butler maintains his unflappable appearance. He merely toils away at the stubborn rose bushes or the unruly carpet. He keeps his charges' house in top shape despite knowing they will never come home again.

[th3-cr43k3d-m1rr0r]

Red hood story i wanna marry him this time holmes

Jason Todd (Red Hood!) x GN! Reader

Title: The Firsts

Warnings: None!

Summary: You go over the firsts in your relationship with Jason as your wedding.

A/N: No set universe.

You and Jason have been seeing each other for almost 2 years. Now, look at you two having your wedding in front of all your friends and family. The Justice League, The Titans, The Outlaws, The Batfam, hell even Harley Quinn came. Jason just gave his vows and now it's time for yours. You take Jason through all the "1sts" in your relationship.

The first meet was pretty awkward. You two meet each as hereos during one of Jason's outbursts. He was pissed and felt destructive. You entered the scene before he actually did damage to anything and y'all ended up fighting each other instead. You kicked his ass, but he'll never admit that. From there, you guys ended up friends and would spar occasional nights.

The first kiss was amazing. After a few weeks of sparring, Jason wanted more, specially he wanted more of you. He loved your personality and he assumed you would be attractive. At this point it was still two vilgalantes fighting each other for fun. No personal connection. You two didn't know what's under each other mask. Until He simply asked. Of course Jason being Jason was kind of an asshole about it. But, after seeing your face for the first time. He kissed you, and then you kissed back. Jason never felt an action so natural in his life. So, after that day y'all needed a new sparring place.

The first date was weird, it wasn't you typical Resturant dinner or stargazing. Jason wanted help taking down some gang leader in another city. Which is what you thought you guys were going to do. He straight up just led you to a small home he had and you too hung out there. From there on, you saw Jason as a nerd. His place was filled with books. Books on the shelf, half opened books on the night stand. Even a copy of Pride and Prejudice in his fridge. You didn't ask about that one. Jason was also a theatre nerd. He had tapes of broadway musical filmed that didn't have films. Which he claimed he stole, in the most smug look you have ever seen. You guys ended up geeking out the whole evening and falling more in love.

The first family dinner was nonconventional. Jason has a huge family, and as you thought you would be meeting Bruce Wayne that day, that ended up being not the case. Instead when Jason brought you to the Manor, you were greeted by a cheerful Alfred Pennyworth. Alfred had cooked a wonderful meal for you two, his two brothers and of course himself. That night you also met Dick Grayson and Tim Drake. You answered every question they threw you way, and you were satisfied with the answers they gave you. Dick attempted to give a big brother talk to Jason, but you doubt he was listening. They liked you, the liked you with Jason. They liked Jason being happy. Successful First Family Dinner.

Your first fight was not ideal. It was over vigilante work. Jason left for three weeks without telling you. You were angry, you thought he had ghosted you. It was until the second week that you came to Dick asking for answers, he didn't know anything about it, so that was a bust. You thought it was something you did. Then he knocked on your door randomly and you when you opened the door he was just standing there with a really stupid grin. You two argued all night long, and he didn't see what he did was wrong and you sent him out of your apartment. The next night when you came home from work, you found an apology note in your fridge with a delivery gift card for some food. You called him over and y'all made up and ate food together. Telling him if he leaves he needs to text you periodically so you know he's okay.

The first time you started living with each other was when you two realized it would be better financially and romantically to be in the same apartment with each other. What that basically meant is that Jason just moved in with you. He brought only two boxes, one for his books and one for his clothes. You sold your DVDs to make room for his books. He was very emotional about that. He started paying half of your rent and it was so much easier to live. You two were happy together.

The first time you guys were more than just a relationship was when he proposed. It was when the Justice League threat was happening. You two were helping out after Darkseid invaded earth. You and Jason were kicking some parademons out of this world. When he suggest y'all finally get married after this. You thought he was joking. But he actually got down on one knee a week after Darkseid's death at a fancy restaurant. You said yes and you guys ate whatever dessert they brought out. Jason wanted to propose to you more to get more free dessert but you said no.

The first time you walked down the aisle was ten minutes ago. Jason was up on the stand anxiously waiting. He admired everybody who came, he felt so happy and loved. He looked over at Bruce, and he gave Jason a nod of approval. Then the doors opened, and you came down with Alfred at your side. Jason's jaw dropped and he almost cried as you came up.

You just finished you vows and then Jason says "I do."

"Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do"

"You may now kiss"

That was the first time you guys realized you were meant to be.

////

@cagethefrenchfuck

:)

Requests are open!!

[tarrenterror25]

Oooh this headcanon game is fun! Could I please ask these 2 for Alfred? 💕

♦ - quirks/hobbies headcanon

♒ - cooking/food headcanon

AHHHHH 💖

I am overjoyed that you sent me an ask 🥺💖

Also I’m nervous to answer these being you are an Alfred connoisseur 😭💕

Okay, I apologize because I may have, no I did get carried away with this.

I thought long and hard about these and became very passionate about them!

I wrote these with Alfred Pennyworth from both Batman 2022 and Gotham in mind because I love them both 💖

I hope you like them! 🥺

Quirks/Hobbies:

Bruce is asleep most of the day and crime fighting at night. Alfred takes on most of the upkeep of their home on his own as well as some business matters. What does he do with his free time? Sure, he reads, but he doesn't strike me as a stranger to working with his hands so he itches for something to DO.

He's delved into cooking, interior decorating, and even gardening/flower arranging. He's busied himself with all this stuff because until Bruce calls him in the middle of the night, all he has is time and it's going to be spent doing something or worrying about Bruce. He is the level-headed of the two and can't do the latter so he busies himself with the Tower, but discovered (thanks to Bruce) these tasks are more or less work related.

"You need a hobby, Alfred. A real one; not anything that has to do with taking care of the place."

By happenstance Alfred discovered an interest in miniatures and dioramas.

With encouragement from Bruce, Alfred has a hidden space set up for this hobby that's all his own. Bruce calls is his craft space, but Alfred insists it's a "work" space. "Craft" sounds too whimsical and Alfred is a tad bit embarrassed about it.

This is his escape from Gotham, from chaos. Alfred can be in a sunny village where it never rains or a bookstore with a quiet cafe where there’s no fear of Arkham escapees running down the street.

Alfred rolls up his sleeves, puts on his specs, and makes most of the pieces himself. Bruce showed him some videos of people making pieces and sets, but their methods look too messy. Still, Bruce caught Alfred taking a gas mask from the batcave and followed him to where Alfred was experimenting with some resin.

The biggest draw to this hobby is not that these dioramas are neat and orderly, but that Alfred makes them lived in.

His life is dedicated to Bruce and Bruce is dedicated to being Batman. Neither of them are bringing anyone around anytime soon so most of the Tower is untouched. Alfred busies himself with changing bed covers that haven’t been slept in, fluffs pillows that haven’t been depressed, and cleans a floor that hasn’t had the pleasure of a footprint.

Here in his workspace there is a dining room set for four with food on the table, a fresh painter’s palette in the art studio, and a restaurant with candles for diners.

Bruce teased Alfred a little by adding pieces like clothes strewn about and some grunge vinyl records.

“I’m not trying to have this be a replica of your room, Master Bruce.” Alfred, using some craft tweezers, plucks the clothes and puts them way in the closet and neatly stacks the records on a shelf.

Alfred keeps his dioramas tucked away neatly in a glass curio cabinet!

Cooking/Food

Cooking when Bruce was a boy was much better, even if he hardly ate anything, but now? God, Alfred Pennyworth wishes he could go back to cooking one damn decent meal more often.

He has had to resort to researching the more nutritional side of food and makes nutrient packed concoctions for older Bruce who doesn’t have time to eat. Much faster to drink something. (Enter the green drink Alfred brings him to the batcave). Bruce gets embarrassed when Alfred walks up with his drink and insists they just buy some for him to keep in a mini fridge in the batcave.

“No,” Alfred says. “More artificial ingredients are the last thing your body needs. It’s bad enough when you lose sleep and eat all that other rubbish.”

“Alfred, I don’t think one snack is gonna-”

Alfred gives a pointed look to where there’s energy drink cans and fast food bags in a waste bin.

“As I was saying,” he says setting the drink down on a coaster next to Bruce.

Much to his dismay, he has made great friends with the blender and his least favorite, the microwave. Look, taking care of Bruce is sometimes like having a toddler: sure they’re eating pizza rolls for the fourth bloody time, but at least they’re eating damn it! Definitely makes/tries to make homemade versions of Bruce’s favorite snacks. At least he feels better about what he’s feeding the boy.

As much as he is a stickler for Bruce’s health, Alfred has a wicked sweet tooth!

He’s very busy so he loves the ones that are small enough to pick up and eat in one or a few bites as he goes about his day.

Macarons, petit fours, and fruit tarts are some of his favorites!

The fruit flavored desserts he finds refreshing on the palette especially with his tea.

Bruce found some desserts on a tray on the kitchen counter and walked by thinking he’ll come back to them later. Every time he passes by there’s one less. He passes by again and there’s another gone, again and now there’s two missing? Wait, now they’re all gone?

Alfred casually walks by with the morning paper munching on a cookie.

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

fish out of water (hold your breath)

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/gDmFuqN by graverxbin No longer did he have to worry about his next meal; he had a fucking butler who cooked customised menus for him. It’s absurd. Ludicrous. Batshit insane. or An alternate meeting between Jason and Tim involving jealousy, friendship and skateboards. Not too much skateboarding, though. Words: 2824, Chapters: 2/5, Language: English Series: Part 2 of imagine a bustling home filled with people who love you Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: Gen Characters: Tim Drake, Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Dick Grayson Relationships: Tim Drake & Jason Todd, Dick Grayson & Jason Todd, Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth & Jason Todd Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Good Kid Jason Todd, Janet and Jack weren’t absolutely dogshit, just absent, Pre-Robin Jason Todd, Jason Todd is Robin, it happens halfway, Conspiracy Theorist Tim Drake, Skater Tim Drake, Kid Tim Drake, Kid Jason Todd read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/gDmFuqN

[iliumheightnights]

Valentine's Dinner | Bruce Wayne x Male Reader

Fandom: DC Pairing: Bruce Wayne x Male Reader Summary: Even with everything he does, Bruce makes sure to remember to treat his husband with a gift.

...

M/n sat behind in his chair looking over the batcomputer. Bruce had just finished stopping a bank robbery that hadn't gone to plan. It really was a cakewalk, especially since the robbers were rather new to the crime scene. But just because it was easy, it didn't mean M/n found it less frightening. Every time Bruce put on the Batman cowl he got worried.

"Alright, that's enough for tonight. On my way back." Bruce said over his comms. With that M/n let out a bit of a breath, but he wouldn't truly be comfortable until he was all the way home. "Already? Early night for you?" M/n said jokingly. "Yeah, something tells me tonight is a special night." Bruce said. M/n could hear the smirk that Bruce had and rolled his eyes. "Well don't get TOO excited. I'll see you when you get home."

After that M/n looked to Alfred who was sitting beside him. "You mind keeping an eye on him and making sure he gets home?" Alfred smiled at him. "I always do, Master M/n." With that M/n left the Batcave with Alfred keeping an eye on Bruce.

Exiting the Batcave, M/n quickly made his way to the kitchen. "Alright, let's get this going." He started by turning the stove on and grabbing the dishes he needed to cook. He had picked up a few ingredients earlier to cook Bruce's favorite meal.

"Need some help?" M/n turned around and smiled at the boy behind the voice. "I'd love some help Dami. Please." Damian chuckled and shook his head before moving to help his papa. The two of them didn't say too much as they cooked, just a few instructions and simple things. Neither of them really needed to. They just enjoyed each other's company.

"I hope Father appreciates this." Damian said putting the finishing touches on a dish. M/n sighed. "I do too." Damian helped set the table for M/n and Bruce. "And if he doesn't, you know I'LL eat it." He said with a grin. M/n laughed and tousled his hair. "I know you will. That's why I made you some too. But don't eat it all, Alfred has to eat too." M/n said to his son who was already making his way back to the kitchen. "Yeah, yeah. I'll make sure to leave Pennyworth some."

After dinner had been made and the table had been set, M/n quickly went to his and Bruce's room to get changed. After putting on a different pair of clothes he had chosen for tonight he returned to the dining room. And of course, Bruce was already standing right there. He smiled seeing M/n walk in. "You made dinner?" M/n sighed but smiled. "And you're already home. I was really hoping to surprise you. Guess I should have expected I wouldn't be able to."

Bruce shrugged. "I wouldn't say that. It WAS a surprise to come home to. You even made my favorite." M/n laughed and threw open his hands. "Happy Valentine's day!" He said with a laugh. Bruce smiled and walked forward giving him a kiss. "I love it. But don't think I forgot." He pulled out a box and handed it to M/n. "Happy Valentine's day M/n."

Opening the box M/n smiled looking at the contents inside. Inside was a locket etched in silver and his favorite gemstones. Opening it up he laughed. There was a photo of him and Bruce on one side and the boys on the other. Their family.

"Do you like it?" Bruce asked. For once, M/n actually saw the look of worry on Bruce's face. He cared a lot for what M/n thought of it. "Oh Bruce...I love it!" He pulled Bruce into a tight hug and kissed him. "Thank you." Bruce smiled. "No, thank YOU. For everything. I know it isn't always easy being my husband, but I love and appreciate you so much. Thank you for being with me."

M/n smiled and rubbed Bruce's cheek. "There isn't anywhere else I'd rather be." He kissed him then and there. "Now, let's not let this dinner go to waste shall we?" Bruce chuckled. "Yeah, that would be bad."

It wasn't a bad Valentine's day at all.

[hollyharper]

I think DC neds to do a five year time skip. Take their entire continuity and more it forward five years. Give us fans something new.

Maybe Bruce and Selina finally tied the knot, maybe they even have a little Helena Wayne. Their starting to train her to follow in their footsteps. Just have a bunch of sevens of the little three year old doing splits with her mom, learning how to analyze samples with her dad. Damien teaching her to fight. And of course, all the older siblings spoiling her rotten. Bruce is simply happy to spend time with his wife and kids. Selina still loves her cats. The house is over run with them, domestic and wild.

Dick and Babs should definitely be married. They have a two year old boy, James, after Barbara’s brother. Maybe even start with Barbara’s second pregnancy. This time a girl named Mary, after Dick’s mom. They have a large apartment in Blùdhavan. Dick is still Nightwing. Barbara struggles juggling her roles as his partner and wife, Batman, and The Bird’s Oracle, and being a mom. The Alfred Pennyworth foundation is thriving, and Babs resented reclaimed Gotham Clean Energy. Being the genius she is is Barbara refuses to send her kids to public school. Dick worries that adds to much extra stress to her life. She loves it. To thank her for all of her hard work, Dick brings home little gifts for her at least once a week. These presents range from chocolate bars to new computer equipment. As much as he loves when Babs cooks, Dick usually prepares their meals.

What would truly be a bomb, would be to put Jason in serious relationship. Personally, I would go with Helena Bertenilli. They started working together as partners. As they spent more time together, it became clear that they both were looking for a more intimate relationship. Their shared understanding of loss brought them closer together, until their relationship turned into lovers. Helen’s exceptional skill as a history teacher, earned her a place at Gotham High. Seeing Jason’s talent with kids, her confided him to get a teaching job as well. He mostly teaches P.E. at Gotham Academy, but also has a black smith class. He makes knives and sword son the weekend, and sells them to make money on the side. On the Battlefield, Huntress and Red Hood are inseparable, and on of the best teams Batman has. They both deeply love each other, but are afraid to talk about commitment.

Tim and Stephine are currently have issues. They’ve had an on and off relationship for the last year. Tim has entirely taken over running Wayne Enterprises. He works all day, and is out as Red Robin most of the night. His exhaustion puts a massive strain on their relationship. He feels bad about having so little time for Steph, and to show her how much he loves, her is planning to propose. Stephine feels neglected. As much as she loves Tim, his constant stress weighs on her. After talking with her mentors, she has decided that time apart would be good for both her and Tim, but she doesn’t know how to tell him. Steph has been job bouncing for awhile, another reason she’s cautious about leaving.

Cass is still Bruce’s angel child. She has little interest in dating. Her main focus is always the mission. Barbara believes she needs to get a job and stop relying on Bruce for funding. The only idea she even considered, was Helena’s suggestion to become a federal agent. Bruce strongly opposes the idea. After her father died, Cass has been trying to patch things up with her mom, who unsurprisingly wants Cass to join the League of Shadows.

At first, Damien was reluctant to accept Selina, though he would never admit, he was still hoping for his parents to work things out. When Bruce married Selina, it became clear Talia wasn’t coming back. Over time, she grew on him. Selina was the one to figure out that Damien missed his mother. After some negotiations, she convinced Bruce to invite Talia over for the holidays. It became an eagerly anticipated tradition for Damien. Talia as brings food and gifts for him. It’s the one time of year when Damian’s almost always smiles. Dami adores his little sister, and has even sworn to protect her at all costs. His relationship with Flatline died out very quickly after their meeting. Mostly, because of how immature they both were. Four years, and a sweet ex later, they meet once again on the field of battle. Again sparks flew, leading to a passionate reunion, and another hero and villain love story.

Jade and Lian were recently reunited. Their relationship is still on rocky ground, but Jade is determined to make up for the time she missed with her daughter. She makes every effort to connect with Lian, even while fighting shadows from her past. Every night, to two will sit on the roof outside of Lian’s window. Their shared interest in astronomy is a safe topic, one they touch on often. Lian wants a relationship with her mother, but is afraid Jade will leave again. Jade’s proud that her daughter took the name Cheshire Cat, and love watching her daughter in action, even though it’s usually from a distance.

Dinah and Oliver have been married for a few years. They found out pretty soon that they can’t have kids. After the news, Dinah went into depression. Their friends and family stepped up to help. Bruce tried to convince them to adopt. Neither want to, until they meet a feisty young girl named Kayleigh. Kayleigh is closed off, with deep wounds. She’s trying to become a vigilant in Star City. Her methods are overly violent. Oliver sees his younger self in her and brings her under his wing. Dinah takes a little to warm up to her. Kayleigh gives them both quite a bit of trouble, but their determined to read her. But Kayleigh’s secrets are something that could shatter their belief in her. She knows the day the find out, will be the last time she has anything close to a family.

[blancheludis]

@whumptober2021 Day 6: Bruises

Fandom: Batman Characters: Tim Drake, Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth Tags: Hurt Tim, Injuries, Hiding Injuries, Self-Worth Issues, Protective Bruce, Lack of Communication, Bruce Tries To Be A Good Dad Words: 3.264

Summary: “Master Timothy, what is that?”

That is a bruise the size of Tim’s head spanning over the right side of his ribcage. A few ribs might be cracked but he can breathe fine when not training and it is good practice to avoid being hit in weak spots.

“I’m fine,” Tim says and wonders why anyone even bothers. In his parents’ house, being fine was a requirement and nobody had the time to keep asking about it

---

Pain blossoms through Tim’s chest as Bruce’s fist hits right where he bruised a rib the week before. Just barely, he manages to swallow a yelp and lets himself fall with the momentum, rolling over the floor to get back to his feet a safe distance away from Bruce.

Safety, of course, is an illusion with Batman after him, who has speed and strength and long years of experience on him. Bruce does not come, though, but stays where he is.

“Everything all right?” he asks, never letting his fists fall but looking at Tim with concern.

“Of course,” Tim replies with a grin he does not feel. It is hard enough to breathe. “Should have seen that one coming.”

Bruce nods and advances again. That is something Tim can rely on. He might not be used to people stopping to ask about his well-being, but the rules are the same wherever he goes. Be the best he can be at all times and appear perfect on the surface. The focus just shifted to include physical prowess as well as school work and social encounters.

Training is a gruesome affair. Tim needs every bit of it he can get but he has not had a chance to catch his breath in weeks.

Tim does not mind Bruce’s high expectations nearly as much as he sometimes did his parents. He is learning to be someone better than himself, after all, someone who can make a difference. Heroes do not stop just because they have some bruises.

He has still a long way to go until he can call himself a hero, but the lack of lectures makes him think he is being a passable Robin.

Rolling back on his feet, Tim makes sure his stance is steady as he raises his fists back up. He does not have to wait long for Bruce to come at him again.

This time, he makes sure to guard his right side more.

“I’m fine,” Tim says again when they are finished training for the day, and wonders why anyone even bothers. In his parents’ house, being fine was a requirement and nobody had the time to keep asking about it.

---

Tim flinches when he comes out of the bathroom and finds Alfred in the middle of his room, freshly laundered clothes in his hands.

It is too late to turn around and cover his bare torso. He has also learned by now that Alfred misses little, so Tim’s only chance is to be as casual as possible.

True enough, Alfred zeroes in on Tim the moment he notices his presence. “Master Timothy, what is that?”

That is a bruise the size of Tim’s head spanning over the right side of his ribcage. A few ribs might be cracked but he can breathe fine when not training and it is good practice to avoid being hit in weak spots.

One of these days he has to get good enough at fighting to stop being a liability. Until then, he will walk around with a few aches.

“Oh, that,” Tim says with all the cheer he can muster. “I tumbled off a roof.” And took several hits and kicks in the general region, too slow to properly defend himself. “I meant to ask for some bruise salve.” The lie falls easily from his lips, even though Alfred deserves better. It is just hard to forget that Alfred’s loyalty lies with Bruce and Tim really, really does not want to give anyone reason to complain about him.

Tim is not necessarily afraid of Bruce changing his mind about the adoption. He knows that is a definite possibility because Bruce does not have time for freeloaders, even though he never said so in as many words. It would suck, of course, because he is quickly getting used to Alfred’s warmth and proper meals and the way the house brightens when Dick comes to visit on the weekends. It is not the kind of family he has seen on tv, not even the kind he pretended to be with his parents during parties, but it is one he feels comfortable in.

No, what he fears is not being allowed to go out as Robin anymore. He already is nothing but a pretender, stretching to reach Jason’s level. He has looked up to Robin for so long he can hardly believe he has been let into this house and actually wore the suit.

Good things do not just happen. He has to work for them, has to constantly increase his efforts to stop anyone from noticing how inadequate he actually is. His parents prepared him for that, at least.

“Come,” Alfred says and gestures at the door. His stern look promises bandages and ice packs and a lot of questions that Tim does not want to answer. “I’ll help you with it.”

“Not necessary, promise,” Tim says and walks pointedly fluid, taking care not to show that his hip has been aching, too. “It barely hurts.”

He brings the bed between them, where he is further into the room’s shadows. Alfred notices too much, but Tim has learned to twist that, to put things in a light that better suits him. He does not actually like manipulating Alfred, who brings him hot chocolate and cooks his favourites on good and bad days, but if he gets benched he will not get better and then he is already halfway out of the door.

“It looks fresh,” Alfred says and stares at him rather than the discolouring. Too perceptive for his own good.

But Tim frowns and makes a show of prodding the bruise, breathing through the pain. “Must be the light. It’s only a little sore.”

He looks up just in time to see Alfred’s face smooth over from blatant concern to something far politer. “It’s all right to ask for help, Master Timothy.”

Is it, though? All the evidence Tim has gathered over the course of his life points to the opposite.

So, he grins and says, “I know. I’ll let you know if I lose a limb.” That is probably not even a lie because he has no idea how he would hide that. And, just because he desperately wants to stay Robin, he will not put others at risk just because he cannot let go of a pipe dream.

Alfred straightens, his lips pursed. “Don’t joke about that.” He puts the clothes down carefully on the bed. “Now, let me get the salve for you.”

Tim breathes out in relief once Alfred is done and hurries to put on a shirt. His blunder would not hold up a single second if Alfred had gotten any closer to him. Thanks to having been with Bruce for so long, he knows all about Bruce.

Then again, he knows all about lies, too. Perhaps Alfred thinks that Tim is doing well enough to deserve a second chance if he lets Tim’s lies pass. He knows better than to let his guard down, though.

 ---

This is the fourth time this night that Tim has stumbled over his own feet and now he almost fell off the rooftop, too. He really needs to get a grip on himself.

Tim pinches his hip, right where a new bruise sits. The pain wakes him up a little, but the blurriness in his vision does not vanish completely.

Bruce stops him with a hand on his shoulder. “What’s wrong with you?” His tone is low and a little restless, so Tim knows his patience is running out.

“Nothing,” he says with all the brightness he can muster, then winces inwardly. He is obviously messing things up, so he should not also pretend that he does not notice. The only thing worse than a fool is a fool who thinks he is helping. “I just stayed up late studying for a test.”

He should have studied. That would have been a better use of his time than thrashing around in his bed, wide awake while trying to sleep. But he passed out in English class the day before and while his teacher did not remark on it, he knows he is walking a thin line.

Bruce’s voice drops deeper still, which is never a good time. “You should have said something if you needed to stay home.”

“No, I didn’t,” Tim bursts out quickly. This is the last thing he needs. Staying home means not learning anything. Worse, Bruce might realize he is better off without this Robin and start looking for a replacement. “I’m just a bit tired.”

“You’re slow,” Bruce counters, shaking his head with what can only be disappointment. That is a definite strike. “That’s dangerous for both of us.”

Tim’s fingers dig deeper into the bruise. The words and pain together are enough to banish the sluggishness for now. Nothing but a reminder of one’s own uselessness to awaken the spirit.

“I’m sorry,” he says and makes sure the words are clear, even while he cannot quite meet Bruce’s eyes.

Bruce’s hand tightens briefly around Tim’s shoulder. It could almost feel like encouragement if not for him saying, “Just make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

It is a good thing that Tim is a self-made insomniac. He is used to running on too little sleep. Usually, though, nobody was around to see him struggle. Now, he has to up his game because Bruce does not miss much. His parents, though, were good teachers in that regard. He will manage.

Stretching his limbs, Tim tries to ignore the heaviness weighing them down and does his best to be alert and helpful for the rest of patrol. Bruce does not complain again, so Tim guesses he does a good enough job.

 ---

As the ground rushes up to meet Tim, he follows instinct to curl up and brace himself for the fall. His arms protect his head and his ribs protest only mildly at the shock of impact. As he rolls, though, he hits something with his left knee, knocking what little breath he had left right out of him. He feels it bending the wrong way, the ligaments screaming for a long moment until everything snaps back into place and he comes to a standstill in some dank alley.

Tim lies there, just breathing, cataloguing the new bruises forming. The by now familiar pulsing in his ribs is joined by a more insistent stabbing sensation in his knee. That is the leg that was already messed up before. He thinks of all the things that might have gone wrong. Snapped ligaments, broken bones, luxated knee cap.

Unwilling to get up just yet, he just lies there. Once he moves, he has to deal with this, has to get up and put weight on his leg and decide how to hide this. Ribs are not essential and mere bruises are easy to ignore. Somebody is bound to notice, however, if he starts limping around.

With a sigh, Tim sits up and carefully pulls his left foot towards him. It hurts but not so much that he cannot manage. Nothing looks obviously broken, but it still feels wrong and Tim suspects he ruptured some ligaments. Which is unfortunate.

“Robin, where are you?” Batman’s voice comes to life in his ear. These days, he is always impatient, Tim has been that much of a disappointment.

He sighs, allowing himself another moment of weakness before he pulls himself together with ruthless efficiency. So much for having some time to collect himself. “I’m on my way.”

It is slow and painful, but Tim manages to get out of the alley and towards their rendezvous point. His movements are neither steady nor very fluid. Climbing the roof to meet Bruce is out of the question.

Before he can think about a way around it, Bruce speaks in his ear again, “What happened?”

Tim closes his eyes. Everything was going so well. He was managing things. If he had gotten a minute longer, he would have figured something out.

“I fell and – I hit my knee.” Admitting that alone makes the ache worse. He is not supposed to fall. Jason surely did not tumble off roofs left and right just because he was tired. “Nothing’s broken, probably, but –”

“Why didn’t you call?”

Tim knows how quickly Batman can move and still he flinches away when the dark shadow appears before him suddenly. Even if he were to fell, reality would probably rather bend than give Batman bruises. He barely catches the concerned look on Bruce’s face before he is kneeling down in front of Tim and prods his knee. Tim braces for pain that never comes for Bruce’s hands are more careful and gentler than he would have thought possible.

He does hear the small sigh Bruce lets out. “Let’s get you home so we can have a better look at it.”

Ice rolls down Tim’s back. He is here to be useful and, really, the one thing he really should avoid is being a liability. Robin exists to help, not to hinder Batman from doing his job.

“You don’t have to cut patrol short,” Tim says, desperation creeping into his tone, although he knows better than to show weakness like that. “I can get back on my own.”

Bruce stills, and Tim is so distracted by having done another thing wrong, that he barely hears Bruce saying, “You’re hurt.”

What does that have to do with anything other than Tim being a burden? “It’s not so bad,” he says. “Please?”

“T- Robin.” The almost slip has Tim’s heart missing a beat. Is this it? Is Bruce taking the suit away already? But then Bruce continues “Patrol can wait. You are more important.”

Now, that is a novel thing. Bruce even says it like he means it. Tim is aware that he is staring.

“I can manage,” he insists because he does not know what is happening and he hates when he is not prepared for something.

“I know,” Bruce says but it feels like they are talking about two very different things.  “But you don’t have to.”

 ---

All of Tim’s failings are laid bare. He has a bandage around a cut on his arm he had forgotten about the moment he got it. His ribs are taped. The x-ray of his knee is open on the screen behind them. A small crack runs through his knee cap, although, once he was done with his examination, Bruce declared that the ligaments are probably intact.

Tim is a wreck and he is not even thinking about the plethora of hurts he has gathered. No, Bruce does that thing where he collects himself before a difficult conversation and Tim knows how that will end for him. His usefulness definitely does not outweigh his faults.

“You were hiding injuries from me,” Bruce finally says. His gaze is heavy on Tim, who finds he cannot meet it.

“I didn’t,” he protests, despite knowing that particular fight is lost. “You noticed the knee right away.”

A shadow flickers over Bruce’s face as he likely notices the implication that Tim would have definitely hidden it if he could have. And will try to do so again if he is given the chance.  

“What about your cracked ribs?” Bruce’s voice is brimming with displeasure. “Or the extensive bruising?”

Well, the ribs have not really gotten better since Tim does not manage to let them rest. But the bruises have almost faded. And the new ones he has gotten are not quite as big.

“They aren’t bad,” he says because they are not. Bruises do not immobilize him or turn his brain to mush. He can still learn.

But Bruce leans slightly away from him as if to distance himself from Tim’s denial. “I did some of them.”

He almost sounds guilty, but Tim is quick to reassure him. “During training. I won’t learn if you hold back.”

Tim has problems ironing out his own faults, but he will not let Bruce blame himself for things Tim should have kept from happening.

“You won’t learn if you don’t take proper care of yourself,” Bruce argues with a quiet insistence that leaves Tim confused. This is not quite the lecture he was expecting. “If you’re too injured –”

“I’m fine,” he interrupts. And he is. There really is no other alternative.

Bruce sits back, realization dawning on his face. “So, every time you say that you mean the complete opposite?”

No, he does not. It means he is working on it. It means that he is doing his best no one else will find the cracks in his composure.

“Don’t throw me out,” Tim blurts out, sounding small and nervous and hating it. Robin has to be strong, an asset, not a scared kid. Nobody wants a child around.

“Tim.” Bruce inhales audibly and reaches out as if to pull him in but stops the motion just before he actually touches Tim. “I’m not going to throw you out. Even if you chose to stop coming out with me at night. You don’t have to meet any conditions to live here.”

That is a lie if Tim has ever heard one. Life is built on conditions, and who cannot do their part has to leave – or gets left behind. That is the first lesson he has ever learnt.

“But you need a Robin,” Tim says. With a tremble in his voice, he adds, “A capable one.” Deep down, he knows that is not him. But it is so hard to let go of this stupid dream.

Now, Bruce’s hand bridges the last inch between them. His skin is warm, a comfort Tim is not sure he deserves, but he leans into it anyway.

“I went for years without a Robin,” Bruce says without a hint of accusation. “And your well-being is so much more important than me having someone to chatter with on patrol.”

He sounds like he means it. Worse, Tim wants to believe him, perhaps more than he wants to keep wearing the suit. For years, he waited for his parents to come home for good or to take him with them at least. But he was never enough to keep them close. He just does not come first for anyone. He should not come before Gotham’s innocents.

And yet. That is the thing with dreaming. He has been offered a hand and now he wants to conquer the very heaven. Be helpful and cared for? Hope is a dangerous thing, but being unable to let it go might just be another failure of his.

“You don’t chatter,” Tim says because that is easier than to acknowledge what else Bruce said.

Bruce smiles and that is warmer even than his hand. “No, I don’t.” He quickly grows serious again, although the warmth stays. “You need to tell me when you’re hurt. And you need to take breaks.”

Tim nods. Anything to keep Bruce like this. Still, he says, “But I’m doing fine.”

Once again, Bruce sighs, but his expression never changes. “We’ll make sure you do,” he promises. “Now, let’s get you upstairs before Alfred has my head.”

He does not let go of Tim, helps him up the stairs, still so very gentle. And Tim, of course, vows to be better. But perhaps being better does not always mean hiding.

He has gotten a second chance, so perhaps he will try things Bruce’s way this time. Mostly. At least until his knee is all healed up. And then, he will see what happens.

[srose-foxfire]

“First Impressions” Part 3 -Damirae Short Fic-

Part: 1

Part: 2

Part: 3 ⬇️

Damian knew he had to be paying closely attention in class, but his mind was elsewhere. He had his eyes down on his notebook, scribbling nonsense as to make it look, he was actually taking notes. A raven flew by the school’s 4thfloor window and landed next onto a branch causing Damian to turn his attention to the black bird and forget he was in school. The bird squawked and then flew off, clearly spotting something to eat.

The young Wayne let out a silent sigh as he returned his gaze towards his notes and found he had written Raven’s name all over the page. He could feel his blood boil and his face flushed, not wanting anyone see him turn red Damian laid his head onto his sleeved school coat.  

“Something the matter Mr. Wayne?” Damian looked up, to find his history teacher, poking her eyes out from the top of the textbook she was holding and lifting a brow at him.

“Nothing.”  He simply answered and went back to looking down at his notebook, scribbling some of the words he caught as Mrs. Han continue with the lecture.

-- -- -- --

Damian was glad he wouldn’t had to see any of his peers or his teachers now that Thanksgiving break had started, it only reminded him that the fall semester would soon end and then he would only need to focus on completing his last spring semester as a senior. Already Damian had applied to colleges and universities to please his father, but Damian felt he was ready to take over the family’s company. He has been groomed since a child, but his father insisted Damian have a normal life like any other teen or young adult. Whatever that meant. As he lingered on his thoughts a sudden image appeared across his mind of Raven smiling.

He shook his head and wondered why she was consuming all his thoughts. True he was seeing Raven more often as she hanged out regularly with Cass and Steph over the weekends. They lock themselves in Cass room and do girliethings, Damian could only assume as he would pass by the closed door and hear squeals coming from the other side.  

Damian finally heard the story of how his sisters met Raven. Steph and Cass were out on a shopping spree, while he was away with his father on a business trip. The girls were on their own -none of his brothers offered to accompany them- and bought more than they could carry. One thing led to another that both Steph and Cass lost their grip on some on their purchases, resulting most of their brand-new items to scatter across the mall’s floor. No one offered to help, as the two girls scrambled to pick up everything, only a girl dressed in black came to their aid. She showed no amusement to what had happened only concerned and wanted to help to lighten their day. While the other shoppers only laughed at the incident, the raven-haired girl only offered Cass and Steph a gentle smile. Thus, began start of a beautiful friendship.

Damian couldn’t ask his sisters for more intel, for if he continue to pry into their friend both Cass and Step would become suspicious of his questions. He could try and ask Raven some questions in order to learn more about her but that was something he wouldn’t be able to accomplish. Recently Damian has been noticing that every time he had the slightest chance to speak with Raven in private, either his sisters would come into the room and whisk her away from him. Other times when he would find her alone, she would get a call from her mother to return home. It would seem the universe was conspiring against him to ever redeem himself.

-- -- -- --

Perhaps the universe was finally giving Damian a chance. It was a little pass midday on Thanksgiving Day and Damian was seated in the back of the family’s limousine as Alfred drove him towards Raven’s home. She and her mother were invited to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner at Wayne Manor. Ariella, Raven’s mother insisted they cook some of the dishes themselves to contribute to the meal. This pick-up trip had been tasked to Cass and Jason but the two backed down last minute, making Damian go instead.

He didn’t mind since this would be a great opportunity to be alone and just have a decent conversation with her. Already his mind was working on topics they could talk about, he could share his own favorite novels and authors. Recite excerpts he enjoyed, maybe even get a chance and invite Raven to watch a movie the following weekend. He could feel himself smile a bit at the ideas, he then looked up when he felt Alfred pull-over the limousine. His smile soon disappeared at the sight before him:

Raven was hugging an older boy with green hair.

Damian could feel his heart shatter into a thousand pieces, and it hurt.Could that be her boyfriend? He wanted to ask Alfred to return later but knew the old family butler would question him and that was the last thing Damian wanted to do. Was to talk about his feelings.

“Wait for me here Pennyworth.”

“As you wish Master Damian.”

Damian walked over the two young teens, hiding his fists in in trousers pockets. Raven was still hugging the green hair boy and Damian had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from frowning. The hug ended when Damian grunted, Raven and the guys beside her turned around to face him.

“Greetings.” Who the hell says that these days? Damian wanted to punch himself in the face for making himself look like a fool before them. “Pardon, I came to help you bring anything back to the manor?”

“Right.” Raven only smile at him and cleared her throat before gesturing to the guy beside her “Damian this is-”

“Jasper Sky, I presume?” Damian said so naturally as he extended his hand out to him. “Pleasure to meet you.”

Damian’s hand was still in the air, as the guy before him only lifted a brow at him, “Jasper who-now?”

Raven chuckled nervously before adding, “actually Damian, this is an old childhood friend of mine, Garfield Logan.”

“You can call me Gar for short.” Gar said with a smile before giving Damian a hard handshake. “Well it seems you are busy Rae; I hope you and you mom like the quiche. Happy Thanksgiving.”

“Bye Gar.” Raven said warmly and Gar returned the gesture with a huge grin on his face. He went to grab a black skateboard and rode down the block before turning on a corner.

Damian looked at Raven from the corner of his eyes, and saw she was still smiling. Seeing her smiling like that only made him want to smile as well, but he couldn’t allow himself since he was still figuring out his damn emotions. Damian turned his hand into a fist, brought it next to his lips before grunting again. “Apologies, I thought… never mind. Do you need help putting the stuff inside the car?”

“Yeah, my mom left everything ready upstairs. You wanna follow me upstairs?”

Damian could only nod and followed Raven into the apartment building. He could see why Cass and Jason bailed on helping load the limousine. Raven’s home was on the fifth floor, and the elevator was out of order making them go up a few flights of stairs. Damian can only hope, he could stack certain dishes together to minimize the ups and downs. Both teens arrived to a dark red wooden door with 405written in paint plastered in the center. Raven took out some very looking worn out keys and opened the door. They entered and Damian couldn’t help himself but examined the home.

It was small, perfect for just two people to live here. The entrance was right into a small hallway, the left side clearly lead to their rooms and straight ahead was a small living room adorned with a white love seat and a small coffee table. In the living room, there was a small flat screen, on the soft light blue painted walls was adorned with assorted picture frames of Raven and her mother. It amazed him how they were both much alike and could see where the black-raven hair girl got her beauty from. Just a little up ahead was a talk mosaic counter splitting the living room to a small kitchen which was decorated with knitted autumn leaves. There was a small wooden table filled with large crystal containers with different prepared dishes.

“Your home is quaint.” Brain stop talking, Damian told himself.

“Thanks… so if you don’t mind grabbing these and…” Raven pointed to some larger containers which had smashed potatoes, string beans, one with macaroni and cheese. Raven busied herself of getting what looked like gravy, rice pudding, and a container filled with chocolate chip cookies. Damian had thought there were more items, but between them two they would be able to take everything downstairs in one trip.

They existed her home, being a gentleman Damian waited for her while Raven locked the door before heading down flight of stairs that waited for them. They were both silent, concentrating on each step they took so not to trip. He wished he could break the silence but all his previous well though-out conversations in the limousine had decided to escape him. Damian was about to call it a defeat when-

“There’s no Jasper Sky.”

Wait what? He had to blink a few times before turning his head to look at her, but Raven kept her amethyst gaze on the steps below her. Her face had become a somber look, like the confession was had been consuming her. “Pardon?”

“I… I don’t have a boyfriend. I made him up.”

He could feel that it was hard for her to confess but the side of him wanting to comfort Raven couldn’t help but add; “I don’t wish to pry but if you need to vent I’m open-”

“Your sisters kind of pinned me to a corner. Short story we were just talking, and something lead to another which resulted of them lining up guys for me to…date. I panicked and made up the idea that I was already seeing someone, making me create Jasper Sky.”

Damian could feel she had more to say and only remained silent to allow her to continue, “I had to confess to someone and well, out of everyone I feel like you would help me come clean to your sisters. Besides I feel you wouldn’t judge me and… arh! I’m not making any sense, am I?”

“No need to feel embarrassed, I could only imagine the predicament my sisters may have put you through and I feel honor you can confide in me.”

“Thank you, Damian. I really appreciate it.” Raven smiled at him, before going up a step and doing something Damian wouldn’t had expected from her. She gave him a light peck on his cheek. “You’re a good friend.”

Raven descended the last few steps and exited the apartment building, unaware that Damian had stopped at the last step of the stairs as he stared off at her. In that moment he wished he wasn’t carrying items in his arms, wanting to touch the cheek she kissed. Raven was opening-up to him and he couldn’t believe he could have a chance to continue getting know about her, all the while supporting her in any way, she made needed him. He would do anything she could ever asked of him. Damian couldn’t help but feel all giddy inside and wanting to shout out load how happy he that the universe was finally giving him a break. 

A/N: Hello I hope everyone has been staying safe and well. I apologize for not getting part 3 out sooner and hope you enjoyed this. I busy myself and work hard getting this done and edited today. We are nearing the end to ‘First Impressions’ but this has given a chance for me to create more fics and au’s on Damian and Raven. I am also working on some fics for the Damirae Fanzine so that’s currently my number one priority at the moment. Once I am finished with that I am will be open to take some short Damirae prompts (from you) for me to write and help me better myself as a writer. Till next time and Happy Holidays!

~~Simona R.  

[current-interest-writings]

December 5th

What they want for Christmas head cannon:

DIN DJARIN

Sleep

The kid to be safe

Some damn sleep

MARCUS PIKE

To find the love of his life and cherish them

FRANKIE MORALES

His back to not ache

His daughter to be loved the most

Some white shirts

JAVIER PEÑA

Escobar in prison

Sleep

Whiskey

AGENT WHISKEY

His family around him

Some sleep

Maybe world peace if he’s in a good mood

Tequila to stop singing Christmas songs constantly

BRUCE WAYNE

Gotham to be safe

His kids alive

Alfred to be immortal (low key kinda is though)

His kids to take care of themselves in a healthy manor

JASON TODD

A better life for kids like him

Dick to stop being so cheery all the damn time

Maybe to kick Bruce in the shin a lil bit

Hot coco

DICK GRAYSON

MORE TINSLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hot coco

Cereal

To be the favorite sibling

TIM DRAKE

A new coffee mug

Coffee

Maybe a butt and back cushion

DAMIEN WAYNE

Still doesn’t get what the purpose of Christmas is

But wants hot coco

And more animals to be allowed in the house

ALFRED PENNYWORTH

Bruce to stress less 😂

Tim to sleep

Jason to stop tracking mud in with his shoes

Dick to cook a real meal for himself at least once

Damien to just behave like a child for 10 seconds

Oh and some warm socks and cards would be lovely

Along with photos of the children to add to his family book

TONY STARK

Alcohol

Shawarma

Steve to light up

Sleep so pepper doesn’t worry

STEVE ROGERS

Shirts

Socks

DVDs

Help learning tech

A movie partner to help catch him up

NATASHA ROMANOV

Just being at clints home for the holidays

CLINT BARTON

To be at home

WANDA MAXIMOFF

Her brother

Peace

To not be feared

A new coat would be nice

Maybe shoes

VISION

Is still trying to comprehend the fake and real trees inside the home

TCHALLA

What is tinsle

More of it

Shuri to erase the video

THOR

Loki to accept being his brother

Loki to apologize

His eye

The hair cut

LOKI

To be left alone

Maybe world domination

BUCKY

To just understand half of the crap he’s learning now

More baseball caps

[dontcare77ghj]

Batfam

Steve x reader x Sam x Bucky x Natasha

I’d like to do a part two with this pairing and their week in Gotham. Let’s see what happens.

"I already said, I'd come home." You said, leaning back on the couch. "When have I ever lied to you?"

"Never," Damian admitted. 

"Exactly, and I don't plan on starting now." You assured him. "I will be home in three days, I promise."

"Will you be bringing your partners along?" Your youngest brother asked you.

"I don't think so, Dami." You sighed.

"Are you ashamed of them, Y/N?" Damian quizzed you.

"No, I could never be ashamed of them, any of them." You shook your head.

"Is it us then? Because I could persuade Drake and Todd to behave themselves."

"When you say things like that, it makes me worried you're going to something Dick would not approve of." You laughed. "Leave Jay and Tim alone."

"Well, if you're not ashamed of us, or them, why haven't we met any of them?" Damian pushed you. "You have been with them for three years, sister. Even father wants to meet them."

"That's because dad wants to scare them. As do the rest of you, don't try to deny it. I mentioned Steve's name to Dick and got a very explicit picture of what would happen if he, or any of them, broke my heart." You rolled your eyes.

"If you think Grayson's plan is explicit, you should hear what Todd and I have planned."

"I want to be happy the two of you are getting along, but you just threatened my partners, so not gonna do that." You told him, managing to make the boy laugh ever so slightly.

"If I promise to talk to everyone and ensure they don't cause too large of a scene, will you bring your partners?" Damian asked of you.

"I will ask them tonight." You promised him after a minute. "And I will get back to you with their answer."

"Better get back to me soon. Pennyworth will need to know." Damian reminded you.

"I will. Love you, Dami." You told him.

"Love you too, Y/N."

Hanging up the phone, you let out a sigh and hung your head over the edge of the couch. Damian had made some good points.

You had been with Steve, Buck, Nat, and Sam for three years, and none of them had met your family. You weren't exactly being fair to them or your family. Perhaps it was time you brought the four home.

"Something smells good," Natasha commented, wrapping her arms around your waist.  

"Are you talking about the meal, or me?" You smiled as she pressed her nose into your neck.

"Both." She hummed, contently watching you make dinner.

"Dinner's almost ready, can you grab the boys for me?" You asked her.

"Of course." She said, tilting your head back and pressing a kiss to your lips. Natasha moved away from you and stood in the doorway.

"Boys, dinner!" Natasha yelled.

"I could have done that." You rolled your eyes.

"But you asked me to do it," Natasha smirked, taking the prepared plates and putting them on the table.

"You screeched?" Sam asked, entering the room with Steve and Bucky right behind him. 

"Don't be an ass." Natasha chided, hitting Sam lightly in the ribs.

"You love my ass," Sam smirked, pulling Natasha into his chest.

"Yes, everyone loves your ass, Sammy," You smiled, bringing the rest of dinner over to the table. "Now, sit your pretty ass down and eat." 

"Yes, ma'am," Sam said, sitting at the table.

"What our asses? Should we sit them too?" Bucky asked you.

"Yes, all four of you should sit your pretty asses down and eat." You said, pinching Bucky's ass.

"Cheeky." Bucky grinned, taking his seat. 

"This smells delicious, sweetheart." Steve complimented, leaning over to kiss your cheek.

"Tastes even better," Natasha commented, having already started her meal.

"Jason taught me." You said, picking up your knife and fork. "He's the only one apart Alfred who can cook."

"I'm going to have to thank him one day." Bucky moaned appreciatively. 

"That could be sooner than you think." You mentioned cutting into your meal, not looking at anyone.

"Care to elaborate, mysh'?" Natasha asked you, sipping her wine.

"It's my father's birthday in three days." You said, looking up. "I already said that I'd come home, and I want you to arrive with me. Stay at the manor and meet my family." You suggested.

"You've gone back to Gotham twice in the past three years," Steve mentioned. "You never seem very happy to go back. What's changed?"

"I miss my brothers." You admitted. "I miss dad. I miss Alfred. My family's fucked up, and we never see each other. We're always arguing about something or other, but everyone's going home for dad's birthday. First time in years that everyone will be alive, and there."

"And you want to bring us?" Sam asked, putting down his cutlery. "Wouldn't that be awkward? If it's just your family?"

"Dick's bringing his wife, Timmy's going to bring Steph." You shrugged. "You don't have to come if you don't want to, I just thought it was time you all meet." You added, looking down at your dinner.

"We're not saying that baby doll," Bucky said, taking one of your hands. "I'd love to meet your family."

"We all would," Steve added, Natasha and Sam nodding in agreement. 

"But we just want to make sure this is something you want," Bucky said. "That this isn't just something your family is pressuring you to do."

"No." You shook your head. "This is something I want." You assured them.

"Then we better book tickets for a plane to Gotham." Natasha smiled. "It's time to meet the family."

"We are an hour away, Jay. We'll be there." You said. The five of you had made it to Gotham. Alfred, who you had hugged tightly, had been waiting for you as you exited the airport.

The six of you had piled into the car he'd brought and were on your way back to the manor.

"No, Jay, don't do that. Put Dick on the phone." You sighed, leaning into Sam's side. "Hey, Dick, do me a favor take all the weapons away from Damian and Jay."

"This house is full of weapons. I don't think that'll work." Dick laughed. "I'll keep everyone under control, I promise."

"I'm regretting this." You sighed as Sam chuckled.

"Too late to back out now, baby bird," Dick told you. "We see you when you get home. Love you!"

"Love you too." You said, hanging up the phone. "Is it too late for us to go back to New York?" You asked your partners.

"Yep!" Steve said, resting his head on Bucky's shoulder. "No going back now."

"We should go sightseeing tomorrow," Sam suggested. "You could show us where you used to hang out when you were young."

"You want to explore Gotham?" You asked slowly.

"Well, yeah. I've never been to Gotham before, and now I've got a native as a tour guide." He said, throwing an arm around your shoulders.

"Okay, I'm willing to take the four of you sightseeing, but there are a few things you should know about Gotham." You said, sitting up in your seat.

"So in short, Gotham has a killer crocodile, a scarecrow, a penguin, and a clown running around, causing havoc?" Steve asked after you finished explaining your childhood.

"That is only a couple of the assholes I used to deal with." You told him. 

"Why doesn't SHIELD come in and attempt to help?" Natasha asked. 

"Nat, we've had the Justice League, Titans, everyone come in and help when they can. New villains spawn faster than you can blink in this place." You said.

"Christ," Bucky muttered.

"I can't believe I'm the one who's bringing this up, but couldn't you just kill them?" Steve asked you.

"Dad has a code." You shook your head. "We get 'em arrested, and we don't kill."

"Though that rule has almost been broken a handful of times." Alfred cut in. "Once by yourself, Miss Y/N."

"You almost killed someone?" Sam asked you in surprise.

"I should've actually killed him." You nodded. "He killed Jason after all. Dad came in and stopped me before I could do it."

"Her brothers almost broke the rule five years ago," Alfred commented. "After the fear toxin incident."

"Fear toxin incident?" Bucky quizzed you, raising a brow. 

"I'll explain it later." You said as the car pulled up to the house. "For now, you should prepare, we're here." You smiled, opening the car door.

Grabbing your bags, you were almost bouncing on your feet as you waited for your partners to take their things. 

"You look like Peter that time he stole Clint's coffee." Natasha laughed, throwing her bag on her back.

"Okay, two things, that boy is never allowed caffeine again." You said.

"I can agree with that." Steve nodded.

"And two, that just hurts my feelings." You said, causing Bucky to chuckle.

"Of course it does, sweetheart." Steve smiled, throwing an arm over your shoulders and kissing your cheek.

"Come on, let's go, let's go." You continued bouncing. 

"How much coffee have you had?" Sam asked, taking Bucky's hand as the six of you began walking up the stairs to the front doors.

"I refuse to answer that." You stuck your tongue out.

"How do you act younger than Damian, Y/N?" A new voice said from the top of the stairs.

"Dick!" You exclaimed, running forward and jumping into your brother's arms. 

"Hey, short stack." Dick laughed, spinning you in a circle.

"Oh, shut it." You rolled your eyes as he set you down. "You're a bloody giant."

"Offensive." He scoffed as your partners raced forward.

"Dick, these are my partners Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes, Natasha Romanoff, and Steve Rogers. Steve, Buck, Tash, Sam, this is my brother Dick Grayson." You stepped to the side, introducing them to one another.

"It's nice to meet you," Natasha said, holding her hand out to your brother.

"You as well." Dick nodded, shaking her hand. Dick smiled as he shook her hand but then turned to each of your boyfriends and stared them down.

"We've heard a lot about you," Steve said.

"Then you know we're all highly trained, some of us with teams of our own." Dick attempted to intimidate Steve.

"Okay, calm down." You said, rolling your eyes. "You can intimidate them later. We've been on a plane for hours and just want to sleep."

"Fine." Dick sighed. "But wait until Tim gets back, there will be group threats."

"Of course, there will be." You kissed his cheek. "Is everyone else here? I want to say hello before we take a nap."

"Damian and Bruce are on a quick patrol. Jason had to go out and deal with something. They'll all be back for dinner." Dick explained as you led your partners inside the house.

"Okay, we'll see you then." You promised. You led your partners up the stairs and gave them a basic tour of their surroundings. "And this is my room." You said, opening the door.

"Who needs a bed this big?" Sam questioned, putting his bags down and collapsing onto the oversized bed.

"This is just a little bigger than the bed we have at home." You told him.  "I'm going to apologize for Dick now, as well as the rest of my family."

"Dick wasn't that bad," Natasha said, joining Sam on the bed.

"That's because I was there." You told her. "I can assure you if any of you find yourselves alone with him or any of them, they will be worse."

"What's the age difference between you and all your brothers?" Bucky asked as he looked around your room.

"Dick's two years older than Jason and me, Tim's six years younger than me, and Damian is twelve years younger." You told him.

"Quite an age gap between you and the younger two," Sam mentioned.

"Yeah, and they still act like they're older than me." You snorted.

"Does that have anything to do with the fear toxin incident?" Natasha asked you as you joined them on the bed.

"A little." You nodded. "But they've always acted like that, even before that happened."

"What was the fear toxin incident?" Steve pressed, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

"I met a boy at a college class. He was sweet and funny, and I really liked him. After two weeks of talking, he wanted to take me out. I thought he really liked me, but it turns out he was working for scarecrow. I was to be the test subject for a new toxin he was working on. Luckily, Jason had been following us and got me out of there." You told them. "I was stuck in my worst nightmares, screaming, for twelve hours."

"Is this boy dead?" Bucky questioned you.

"No, the boys wanted to kill him, but dad stopped them." You said. "We don't kill, severely maim sure, but don't kill."

"At least it's a consistent rule." Bucky nodded, flopping onto the bed. "I'm so tired." He groaned, closing his eyes.

"Well, we have five hours until dinner." You said as you picked up your phone. "Five-hour nap?" You suggested.

"Knew there was a reason I loved you." Natasha smiled, pulling you into her chest.

“Hi, Timmy!" You laughed as he crushed you into his chest. "Dammit, you're taller than me now too."

"Everyone is taller than you." Tim laughed.

"Not everyone. Damian's shorter than me." You denied him. "Tim, meet Natasha, Steve, Bucky, and Sam." You introduced him to your partners who smiled at him.

"Y/N has said a lot of good things about you all." Tim smiled, shaking each of their hands.

"Likewise." Sam nodded.

After the five of you had taken a much-needed nap and freshened up, you'd all made your way into the dining room. You'd been greeted by Dick, Damian, and your father, both of whom you had hugged fiercely. Your father was happy to finally meet your partners and had welcomed them in kind. Damian had greeted you with enthusiasm, well as much enthusiasm as Damian could show, and had been slightly cold towards your partners.

Shortly after, Tim had arrived with Stephanie and Jason in tow. Jason had pulled you into your arms and given your partners a similar greeting to Dick's. 

Tim's reaction to your partners made you smile. It was refreshing to see someone greet them without threats.

"Word of warning, ever hurt Y/N, and I will make even the government believe you've killed three world leaders," Tim said, staring each of them down.

"Jesus Christ, Tim." You groaned.

"Understood," Steve said, not flinching as he stared back unwaveringly at Tim.

"I like them, Y/N." Tim chuckled as Bucky pulled you into his side.

"Alfred said to stop intimidating our guests, and that dinner is ready," Barbara said, entering the room.

"Thank Thor for that." You sighed as you all walked back into the dining room.

The seven of you took your seats at the table and began the dinner you'd been dreading for years.

"So, Y/N tells me you're all apart of the Avengers." Bruce started as you all began eating.

"Yes, sir." Steve nodded, gaining a look of respect from your father.

"What kind of war zones are you throwing our sister into?" Damian asked.

"Damian." You narrowed your eyes at your brother. "You promised you'd behave." You said.

"I am behaving." Damian raised his hands in defeat as Jason smirked.

"Sure are demon spawn." He laughed. "Seriously, though, are we talking worse than Gotham?"

"Fewer men in costumes, more Nazi's," Sam explained.

"Also, aliens," Bucky added, causing Sam to nod in agreement.

"And Gods." Natasha nodded.

"You never mentioned anything about aliens, Y/N," Bruce said, turning to face you.

"Or Gods," Tim muttered.

"I'm not an idiot, dad. I know how you would react to that." You said, drinking your wine. "And we won against them, so they're not that big a deal."

“That’s the same thing you said when Harley stabbed you in the stomach.” Dick rolled his eyes.

“It wasn’t that big a deal.” You argued.

“You were holding your insides in with your hands.” Jason reminded you.

“And I lived,it’s fine.” You said, causing everyone around, minus Bruce, to sigh.

“Bruce, do you see what you’ve raised?” Jason asked your father.

“He can’t say shit, he does the same thing.” Tim cut in before Bruce could answer.

“Is it too late for us to go home?” You asked Bucky, who was seated to your left.

"Far too late," Damian said. "I haven't even had a chance to interrogate anyone."

"Neither have I." Jason agreed.

"Why can't you two get along in areas other than threatening my partners?" You sighed.

"Too much effort." Jason shrugged.

Non-reader POV

"I'll be right back." Y/N said, standing from the table. "Please, no-one be dead when I come back." She sighed.

"I'll watch everyone, Y/N," Barbara said as Y/N left the room. The room went silent for five seconds before everyone turned to the Avengers members.

"Let's get a couple things straight." Bruce started. "I'm Batman."

"I am Nightwing and a member of the Justice League," Dick added. 

"I'm the Redhood, a member of the Teen Titans.” Jason stated.

"I'm the Red Robin and a skilled hacker." Tim nodded.

"I am Robin, as well as an ex-member of the League of Assasins," Damian said.

"If you hurt her, we will know," Bruce concluded. "We will find you, and we will ensure no-one will find your bodies, understand?"

"Of course, we understand." Sam nodded. "But there are a few things you should know about us. I'm the Falcon."

"I am Captain America."

"I am the Black Widow. A former assassin of the KGB."

"I was the best assassin for HYDRA. I am still the Winter Soldier."

"And none of us would ever want to or will ever hurt Y/N."Sam finished.

"That's what I wanted to hear," Bruce smirked, leaning back in his chair.

"Bab's, I thought you were supposed to be watching them." Y/N sighed as she re-entered the room.

"I was watching them." Barbara defended herself. "And no-one is dead."

"If it makes you feel better," Dick started. "I think you picked some decent partners."

Reader POV

"So, we'll go sightseeing tomorrow?" Bucky checked as the five of you laid in bed later that night.

"Yeah, just before lunch." You hummed, resting on Steve's chest. "We can either have breakfast here or, if my family has scared you off, we could go out." 

"Your family is not that bad," Natasha told you. "They could have been much worse."

"Yeah, Damian could have stabbed us." Sam snickered.

"So could have Jason." Bucky pointed out. 

"And yet they haven't stabbed, or maimed, any of us in any way," Steve said as Sam intertwined your fingers.

"And I think your father genuinely likes us.” Natasha told you.

“He likes you because you don’t have a penis.” Sam snorted. “The two of you left the room and he had a speech prepared of what he would do to us if we impregnated Y/N.”

“I’ll talk to him in the morning.” You promised him. “Get him and the boys to dial back.”

“I’ve never met the family before.” Bucky commented. “This was good.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it because your stuck here for four more days.” You smiled drowsily.

“Somehow I don’t think it’ll be that bad.” Natasha said.

The five of you soon drifted off to sleep in your childhood home. You would all be abruptly awoken the next morning by your brothers throwing the doors open but even so, this was a good trip to Gotham.

Taglist

@rvgrsbrns @smilexcaptainx @hopingforbarnes @starlingelliot @piper-koko-barnes-rogers @jelly-fishy-babie @skeletoresinthebasement @agent-barnes40 @reann-loves-sebstan @skadikh

Natasha Romanoff Taglist

@5aftermidnight @ohfuckno

Coming soon

Dean x reader x Cas

Bucky x reader x Natasha

Meg x reader x Cas

Wanda x reader x Vision

Steve x reader x Bucky x Peggy

[whereflowersbloom]

Alfred’s farewell

The sky had begun gloomy since even before the sun had the chance to rise. Mist was overshadowing the city of Gotham, and drops of dew are still littering every surface. The birds were unusually quiet, nestling safely under the warmth of their nest. A large group of grey clouds lingering above the place, promising unpleasant weather to deal with later on. Lighting crackled in the grey sky and snatched away any hope of a golden day. Only songs of sadness spread around, feeling the sorrow taking place. Even the world is holding its breath and everything is still, the earth seemed to be mourning as well the unexpected loss. The atmosphere was exceptionally dark and lifeless, each face filled with silent and bitter grief and regret. Tears do not fall, there’s a blackhole forming in place of his heart. This date…this date would be burned into his soul for the rest of his existence, it would be a permanent reminder to himself of how foolish he was, how everything…could change in matter of seconds. Seconds only a few more seconds would have made the difference. The tree that was once full of life, the one Alfred looked after kindly, because he planted it himself after coming to work for Thomas and Martha Wayne, was now barren as the weather grew colder and the icy wind blew the leaves away.

There’s people gathering, familiar faces and unknown ones. The solemn mode had settled between them, and soon the ceremony comes to an end. It’s time to say farewell.

Will I always, from now on, be this cold? Was Pennyworth really gone? He didn’t dare to pronounce his name. He discerned the sounds of footsteps slowly fading away and all that was heard afterwards was the thud of knees hitting the ground. Grayson. Even Dick was so lost and crushed, the man who always looked so high-spirited and brave, so even-tempered and filled with honor, seemed so weak now.

“Alfred, I am so sorry…” Richard whispered with a low-pitched and desperate sob as he caressed the stone with his trembling hand. His face, marred for life, had an even more painful expression plastered on his face as tears started to fall slowly onto the dirt. But it’s not your fault. Damian wanted to let him know. He wasn’t there to stop it. Unlike you his mind whispered.

Jason Todd remained silent. Todd had always been quick to emotion in general, to tears when someone else was sad, to contagious laughter when their siblings were smiling, quick-tempered, choleric when provoked. Surprisingly an empathetic sensitive soul, spent many years alone, hungry for tenderness and familial ties. And yet he was wearing an expressionless mask, but his body betrayed his affliction, shaking so badly that Tim had to grasp tightly at his arms to prevent him from going down. Drake. Tim was clearly having so much invisible burden on his shoulders. His curved jaw clenching tight, and his dark blue eyes cast downwards and unblinking. He didn’t have his daily cup of black coffee. No, he didn’t have a single drop of his precious caffeine today. He kept his head low the entire ceremony, maybe he didn’t have the heart to look up at the crying mess everyone was. Perhaps he thought somebody had to tough it out, specially considering Father’s absence.

Stephanie standing close to him, blonde curls dancing with the autumn wind, biting her lips the entire time. Stephanie who tried to be strong and now, after holding in for too long, the tears break out like a leaking dam. She was devastated and weeped openly, clinging to Tim’s coat as if her life depended on it, as if she were drowning, the sight made the hole in Damian’s chest squeeze around his heart. Guilt. Distress.

Cassandra was hardly moving from her spot. She had a deep crease on her brow, and face as hard as rock. She hugged herself in the arms, shielding her frame from the icy wind, when Duke swiftly placed his Armani cashmere coat on her shoulders, her hands were going cold, and the moment Duke noticed the way she shivers with small movements. He considerately held them between his, providing temporary warmth, trying to find some kind of comfort in each other, but Cassandra avoided making eye contact with anyone, her mind was really blank as a void. Possibly still attempting to process the reality. Duke Thomas, the only one that hasn’t lost his mind amid this consequent emotional instability, drops of tears still hanging from the corner of his eyes, while the rests were slowly drying on his cheeks. Damian wasn’t exactly close to Duke but he wondered how he managed to carry on. Where did he find the strength to persist? Damian walked closer to the tombstone, feeling resignation seep into his bones.

Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth, beloved father, grandfather, mentor, friend, heroic veteran, a talented cook, a man of family, with a great big heart. Alfred Pennyworth had been a man with many facets. He brought balance to this dysfunctional family, he was the peace and voice of reason. Alfred who made Dick stay in bed when he was badly injured and encouraged him to eat proper meals, lectured Jason for his vulgar language, introduced Jason into the culinary arts, trusting him with the top secret Pennyworth recipes, who secretly switched Tim’s coffee for decaffeinated when he had too much, who prepared Stephanie waffles after a night out patrolling, didn’t say a word of the nights she sneaked out with Kara, who enjoyed the company of Cassandra lurking around the manor, when she’s having a bad day he used to watch the stars with her, listening to Cass make up stories about each star, Alfred who never had to fix anything Duke broke because Thomas instantly apologized and offered to fix it himself, Alfred that found intriguing sudden Duke’s interest in gardening. Alfred... who who spend each and every Damian’s birthdays with him ‘every birthday is special and must be celebrated Master Damian’, gifted him a cat because it made him think of him, offered him a cup of hot chocolate or tea sleepless nights. Alfred, who told him he was proud of him. Alfred, who raised him and loved him wholeheartedly until his last breath.

Damian ran his hand down a large polished stone, ‘Wayne’ carved into it expertly. He sighed wearily and stood beside a gravestone, right next to the family stone, he absentmindedly ran his fingertips along the engraved letters.

‘Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth’

August 16, 1943

-

October 10, 2019

‘The light of our household is gone. Leaving only haunting echoes lingering in this home. A place is vacant in our hearts, which will never be filled.’

It was indeed fitting. Their light was Alfred and he was gone for good. For good the words echoed in his head like an incessant prayer. He felt a pang of pain surge through him as he recalled his last moments with the man who raised him. It felt as if his life was torn apart just yesterday.

‘I miss him already.’ Cassandra gestured in sign language, a single tear rolling down her cheeks. Damian didn’t know if she was saying it to him or his siblings, maybe she just wished to get the weight off her chest, when he didn’t think it could, his heart broke even more.

“Fuck.” Jason swore with pained voice, his turquoise eyes blurring with angry tears that he wiped away roughly. Not particularly at his siblings but himself. For not being able to protect the man who offered a ray of kindness to him, who nurtured his severely malnourished body to health. He didn’t blame Bruce or the others. He was supposed to be better, strong enough to defend his father. Dick was a fucking mess in the dirt,embracing the tombstone with all his strength, like it would somehow bring the dead man back to life. Steph wouldn’t stop crying. Tim was silently punishing himself in his own way, and Cass had been in a mental limbo until a a minute ago. Bruce wouldn’t leave his room for Pete’s sake. He isolated himself from everything and everyone, he simply existed in his bedroom. Not surprised. He should be here, saying goodbye to Alfred, who dedicate his entire life to help him, instead of retreating to a dark room and lying in bed, brooding over his problems. Damian. Damian was so young, he looked like hell, devastated as everyone else. Jason could detect the shadow of regret in his green eyes. He’s seen it before because he experienced it and he saw it every day in Bruce’s eyes. But at least Damian was here, dealing with the crude reality and his anguish.

It felt unreal, like this was only a horrible slow-motion nightmare and they would wake up any minute, a sharp knife that bore a hole through their hearts yet they kept on standing still.

Perhaps it was time to fulfill Alfred’s wishes. He wanted Bruce to set his thirst for justice aside and find happiness, maybe a companion, spend quality time with the children, who clearly weren’t children anymore. The youngest being Damian, who just turned fifteen a couple of months ago. He wanted Richard to start a family of his own with Barbara. He wanted Jason to come back home and stop fighting with a Bruce. He wanted a Tim to seek professional help, see a counselor, quit drinking that damned coffee in excess. Stephanie to stop denying her feelings for Tim and give their relationship a chance. Cassandra constantly suppressing her emotions, fearing to get attached, she was human not a machine trained to commit murder when ordered. Duke should leave behind any doubts to forge his own path and accept he was loved by their family. Damian who Alfred loved like his own grandchild, no matter what he did or what type of person he decided to become, Alfred would always be proud of Damian. ‘In the end, you makes you. No one else, Master Damian.’

“How are you holding up, shortstack?” Jason asked him unexpectedly, snapping out of it, he didn’t know how long his mind had been replaying fond memories with Alfred, he felt the weight of Jason’s hand falling on his shoulder, wearing a genuinely concerned expression.

A cold wind passed by, gracing the leaves and making some brief sounds. The wind leaving with a trail in the form of chilly, close to freezing air. Damian weighted the question in his head. There was only ever-growing emptiness in his chest. After a long moment he spoke.

“I will live.” Damian answered softly, eyes completely fixed on the stone. “I’ll miss him, too...brother.” The young Robin unreservedly confessed, Jason looked slightly taken aback at the words Damian muttered. Damian’s emotions were expressed with snarky comments, throwing daggers and knives, making deadly threats and intimidating stares. He had an aggressive and confrontational demeanor. Damian has never called Jason brother, but it made his lips curl into a small smile. Yes, he was his brother.

Damian was vaguely aware of Jason’s body heat now at his side, followed by Richard who was helped by Tim to stand up, his chest sore from sobbing, black suit covered in dirt but he didn’t seem to care. Meaningless material assets, nothing compared to the irreparable loss they suffered hours ago. Steph took a couple of steps closer to them, her eyes, twins pools of sadness, red and swollen, soon the Wayne siblings gathered around their youngest brother. Embracing tightly the teenager into a group hug.

They shared the same deep numbing pain, but it's more agonizing for Damian because he had been there when it happened, they all knew Damian was suffering so much. The feeling ate him inside, consuming and breaking every part of him miserably. But he isn’t alone anymore, he has his family with him. Damian’s tears are hot and travel down his tanned cheeks, he didn’t want to cry but he couldn’t hold it in any longer, the heartache, the loss, agony, guilt, everything was hitting him all at once. It hurt so much knowing full well that Alfred won't wake up ever again from this neverending deep sleep, buried under the ground lonely and cold and breathless. His grandfather.

It'll be just the the eight of them and it is frightening to accept the truth, that Alfred wouldn’t be around anymore to look after them like he did after all these years. Ever since he first set foot in the Wayne manor. He would me missed every single day. Rchard’s heart broke at the sight of Damian in such crumbling state, his characteristic composure fallen and so alien after living together so many years. Damian was broken too. Dick did the only thing he could think of, patted him affectionately on the back, rubbing it soothingly, mumbling quietly “We are here, Dami.” Letting him know they were all there for him in every possible way. They would try to carry our Alfred’s last wish, for them to get along, integrate, be an harmonious family. Be true siblings. Always Alfred’s children. Together they sang farewell to Alfred with broken chords.

I am not sure if I want to edit this later but here s the progress. I might add Bruce’s part later or tomorrow. My tribute to Alfred 💜❤️❤️❤️

@sofiii @chromium7sky @deep-in-mind67

[sparkle9510]

Baby Robins and Tiny Ladybugs Ch. 2

Hey guys! Happy holidays! I’m so terribly sorry this is so late! Honestly, I got lazy, wanting to do other things (making presents and drawing stuff), but writers block kept getting to me. I wasn’t satisfied where this was going, so I decided to let inspiration hit me and I am so glad I waited cause indeed it did, and I am much more satisfied with this chapter than my previous idea. With that said, let’s move on with the show!

------------------------------------

Masterlist

First Prev Next

It was a beautiful day at the city of Paris, France. It was peaceful and quiet. All until laughter filled the air near the Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie.

“Grayson did what?” Marinette giggled. “I can’t believe he burnt the pancakes.”

“Grayson was always inept in cooking. Though everyone in the family is. You should see father burning the water,” Damian rolled his eyes. “We’re lucky to have Pennyworth with us.”  

Marinette chuckled, understanding that Damian was actually showing that he cares for his family. It has been 2 years since they had first met and exchanged numbers. They had exchanged emails very frequently, and emails then turned to phone calls before it turned into video calls. All that time spent talking to each other helped them both know each other’s quirks. At least, she hoped so.

“I’m glad your father’s back safe and sound,” Marinette smiled. 

Damian had informed her that his father, who was missing or most likely dead, had been found. He was injured and needed time to heal, but overall, was relatively safe and sound. She was so happy to hear that, especially since his mother figure was not a part of his life anymore so he said.

“I am too, although,” Damian frowned. “now that he’s back, things will be different.” Will I be accepted? He seemed to radiate, from what Marinette can tell.

“Damian,” Marinette decided to interrupt his thoughts. “you are amazing, and from what I hear, your dad will love you.” 

“Angel, thank you,” Damian gave her a small grateful smile.

Marinette grinned, opening her mouth to respond when her mom called her. 

“Dami, I got to go,” She frowned. “I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

Giving their goodbyes, she ended the call before heading downstairs. Down in the kitchen, her dad was kneading some dough and her mom was nearby, a phone in hand.

“Maman?” Marinette called. “What did you need?” 

“Marinette, we just got a huge order of catering, though the location is pretty far.”

“Where Maman?”

“Gotham.”

———-

Damian sighed, hands in the pockets of his jackets. He observed his father looking over the decorations and progress of the setup. His father had decided to hold a gala in honor of his return. He had understood his father had to show he wasn’t fazed and pick his playboy facade back up, but Damian so did not like these meaningless social interactions.

“Why the sigh, Lil’ D?” Dick asked. “You’ve been doing it more often.”

“Probably cause he hasn’t done his weekly thing,” Tim yawned, typing away on his laptop. “Whatever that is.”

Damian scowled and looked away. He couldn’t be bothered with Drake at the moment. It’s been around 2 weeks since he had last called Marinette. She hadn’t shown up and picked up the call the last two times he called, the most recent being yesterday. She had said she was busy and went awol. O-of course he wasn’t really worried, he told himself. She could just be really busy.

“Ooh, you may be right, Replacement,” Jason smirked, leaning onto Dick. “The demon spawn hasn’t stayed his room for hours. I wonder, maybe he’s hasn’t been-” 

Before he could continue, Dick elbowed Jason in the ribs, earning a yelp from the latter. Jason glared at his older brother, only to receive an annoyed look that said, ‘Are you serious?’ In return, he stuck his tongue playfully. 

“You don’t know what you’re saying Todd,” Damian scoffed, narrowing his eyes when he felt someone ruffle his hair. “Cease that, Grayson.”

“Dami, you know what you need?” Dick grinned. “Sugar. And you know what? they have some desserts at the cater table and I’ll bet they’ll let you have something sweet.”

“You know I don’t care for sweets.”

“Just have something, Lil’ D. If anything, you can check on the food,” 

“Very well.”

And with that, Damian begun heading over to the food, but not without hearing Jason whispering to Dick. 

“Dickie Bird, you’re up to something. Spill,” Jason interrogated Dick.

“Just being a good big brother,” Dick cheerily replied.

A good brother? Very unlikely. Damian rolled his eyes. When he got to the area, he saw a large man and a woman setting up the food. It smelled good, and somewhat…familiar? There was one place he thought up, but how could it be here when it was at-

“Maman, Papa! Here are the rest of the order!” a girl, carrying multiple boxes tried to rush past him. 

However, she didn’t notice him and bumped into him, sending her almost tumbling down. That is, until Damian helped steady her. 

“I’m sorry,” the girl replied. “I’m so clumsy. I-”

Damian’s eyes widen. He knew that voice anywhere. Adding the clumsiness, that could only mean…

“Angel?”

———

Marinette’s eyes widen, realizing who it was that stopped her. She figured there was a good chance of seeing him, but she thought it would be more of her telling him than running into him.

“…We’ve got to stop running into each other,” she smiled, slightly embarrassed she had yet again, ran into him. 

“I don’t mind,” Damian chuckled. “Let me help you.”

Grabbing two-third of the boxes, he begun to walk to the table. Marinette immediately followed, still stuck in a dazed state. 

“Oh! Thank you, sir,” Sabine quickly relieved Damian’s load. “I hope our daughter didn’t cause you any trouble.” 

“It’s no problem, Mlle.” Damian smiled. “It’s an honor to finally meet Marinette’s parents. She told me so much about you during our chats.”

“Chats?” Tom questioned. “Oh! You must be that boy she calls frequently. She mentioned how-”

“Papa!” Marinette called. “Don’t you need to finish setting these up or something?”

Her dad chuckled before going back to his work. Marinette sighed, feeling the heat still on her face. Damian didn’t need to hear what she said about him. 

“Marinette,” her mother called, catching her attention. “We’re almost done here. If you want, you can go spend some time with your friend.” 

“Really?! Thanks Maman!” Marinette kissed her parent’s cheeks before grabbing Damian’s hand. “Let’s go!”

———-

“So that’s the Wayne Memorial Clock Tower, that’s the Wayne Animal Sanctuary, and here we are at the Gotham City Central Park.” Damian pointed out to Marinette. 

“The park’s beautiful Damian!” Marinette grinned. 

The plants looked really taken care of. The flowers planted were blooming and bright and beautiful. But before she could say anymore, she felt her stomach rumble, and it wasn’t quiet at all.

“…I’m feeling a bit famished.” Damian looked away. “Do you want to accompany me?”

“S-sure!”

“I know the perfect place.”

———-

“Welcome to the Wayne Manor,” Damian smirked and gave a playful bow. 

“Damian, a-are you sure?” Marinette seemed unsure. “It’s a bit sudden and what if your family doesn’t like me?”

“It’ll be alright. They're probably still handling the arrangements for the gala anyways,” Damian assured her. “Nevertheless, they will like you, I’m sure.”

After all, Damian inwardly, this was all set up by at least Dick.

“Welcome home, Master Damian,” Alfred greeted them. “And I see you brought a guest. I hope he has been well behaved?” 

Marinette giggled and stuck her hand out.

“He’s been quite the gentleman,” she replied. “Though I’m guessing that might not be normal? I’m Marinette Dupain Cheng. Is it safe to guess you’re the all knowing Pennyworth?”

“How right you are Mrs. Dupain Cheng,” Alfred confirmed, reaching out and shaking her hand. “Just Alfred is fine. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m glad Damian made a friend. As you may guess, he has some difficulty getting along with many of his age.”

“He has his quirks,” Marinette admitted. “But he’s a sweet guy once you get underneath the tough layer.” 

“Pennyworth,” Damian interrupted. “I would like to request a meal prepared for both of us.” 

Alfred nodded. “Very well, young Master. While I do that, you may keep yourself occupied in the living room.”

Damian took that time to do a quick tour of the house. Of course, he avoided the areas that could reveal the family’s nighttime occupation. They may have made it hard for visitors to figure it out, but Marinette wasn’t normal. Of that, he knew. She probably will figure it out within the day if he wasn’t careful enough.

He did show her a quick view of his room. It was the place where they chatted anyways, so Marinette was somewhat familiar with it. She complimented many of his drawings hanging on the wall (No, he was not blushing. It was just kinda hot in the room), and was curious about his weapons in the room. Not long after, they decided to hang in the living room, where they quietly conversed.

“Alfie!” Dick’s voice rang out. “We’re home~ We got hungry and thought we might as well have some of your wonderful cooking.” 

Oh no. This is going to get troublesome pretty quickly.

“Hey, look who the demon spawn brought in,” Jason’s voice rang from the door entrance of the living room. “Looks like the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” 

“Close your mouth before you sprout even more ridiculous ideas, Todd,” Damian spat. “What are you doing here.” 

“We got hungry,” Tim replied, walking into the room while typing on his laptop. “We didn’t want to go out and eat.” 

Damian scoffed. “Nice cover up. Did Grayson tell you to say that?”

“Chill, Lil’ D,” Dick appeared right behind him. “Let’s not have our usual fights while your friend is here. Speaking of which, introductions are due. Hello miss, I’m-”

“Grayson,” Marinette interrupted. “And you’re probably Drake, and that’s Todd. A-ah! I’m sorry I interrupted! I’m Marinette Dupain Cheng.”

“It’s all good cupcake,” Jason grinned, “but call me Jason. Jason Todd’s my full name.”

“Tim Drake’s mine.”

“Richard Grayson, but call me Dick.” 

“D-dick? But isn’t that…?” Marinette questioned, but decided to drop it, deciding to turn to Damian. “Wait, I thought- Damian, you didn’t tell me that those were their last name.”

“It wasn’t important,” Damian shrugged. “They’re not of importance.”

He looked at Marinette to see her eyebrow raised. A silent scolding clear on her face that made him feel a twinge of guilt.

“Ignore him,” Marinette turned back to the group. “He doesn’t say it often, but he does care about each of you.”

“Marinette,” Damian glared at her, but unfortunately it didn’t seem to faze her.

“So, the Demon Spawn actually cares for us,” Jason grinned, earning Damian’s death glare, “How sweet~ The devil has a soft side.”

“Todd,” Damian began before he was interrupted. 

“Demon Spawn?” Marinette asked. “Isn’t that a bit harsh?”

“It’s a bit of an inside joke,” Tim explained. “Though he does acts like one sometimes.”

“It’s a term of endearment,” Dick whispered to her. 

Marinette nodded, “Ah. Wait, Dami, is that also why you call me Angel now and then? You know, Demons and Angels are...?”

Damian winced. Maybe it was a mistake bringing her to the manor. He wasn’t going to escape with his dignity intact.

“He calls you Angel?” Jason’s eyes bulged in glee. “Ah, this is good blackmail.” 

“Don’t you dare,” Marinette warned. “You’re not gonna use this as blackmail.”

“And what are you going to do about it, munchkin?” Jason smirked. “You can’t stop me.”

“Can too,” Marinette stuck out her tongue. “Bet this tiny girl can beat your butt.”

With that, they decided to have a match after lunch. Damian knew she could take care of herself. Hell, that was a part of why he quickly was taken in. But Jason was older and had more experience, he was sure. Plus, his violent tendencies might take over, and he didn’t want her to get too hurt.

———-

Marinette was in awe when she got into their workout room. It was huge, with many equipment that she had not seen used as a workout as well. But luckily, there was a large empty area, with mats she assumes is the area where they spar. Damian had told her they do that to practice their self defense.

“Ten bucks that Marinette is going to beat Jason,” Tim grinned, looking over to Dick. 

“Fine,” Dick agreed. “She’s a firecracker, but don’t think it’s enough to beat Jason just yet.”

“Tt,” Damian scoffed. “Imbeciles. Betting over things like this?”

“Dami, it’s alright,” Marinette grinned, feeling a bit mischievous. “It’s nice that Tim believes in me. And if anything, it’ll be fun to rub the fact I wiped the floor with Jason to both him and Dick right?” 

“No mercy,” Damian smirked. 

Marinette shared his smirk, taking position on the mat.

“I’ll go easy on you,” Jason announced. 

“Big mistake,” she chuckled. 

With that, they began. She sent a big punch followed by a side sweep, predicting where he would move next. He was good, dodging and landing his own hits, but she also was able to land her own. After a few minutes, she did see a certain pattern. He tended to reply on his fists more than his feet and left his side open. It wasn’t a big blind spot from what she could tell, but a blind spot, nonetheless. It was obvious that he spent some training making sure his weaknesses were minimal.

Looking for the right opening, she noticed he still had his leather jacket on. Maybe she could… She looked at her surroundings. Okay, nothing else to work with but she could still do something.

Dodging a right punch, she spun behind him. Before he could react, she grabbed onto the back of his leather jacket, and flipped over him, letting the jacket go over his head. She yanked on it so that it started to come off, but before it completely came off the sleeves, she dived under him before using that sudden weight and pull to keep him pretty subdued as she dragged them both on the floor, her being on top of him.

“Owned by a pixie,” Dick teased. 

“Fuck you,” Jason replied. “though he’s right. You got me. Nice job kiddo. Clever idea. Though… hm, I think there might be a slight rip now.”

“Ah! Sorry,” Marinette apologized. “I tend to use my environment to help me, and your jacket was the only thing…”

“It’s alright,” Jason waved off. “I can get Alfred to fix this.”

“No, wait, lemme fix it since I caused it.” She insisted.

Relenting, Jason handed over the jacket. Quickly, she grabbed her sewing kit that she carried everywhere with her. Taking out the necessary items, she quickly went to work. It took 10 minutes, she fixed up the jacket. It was just the stitching that came undone.

“Good as new,” she cheered, handing it back to him. 

“Thanks Tinkerbell,” he grinned. 

“Tinkerbell?” Tim raised his eyebrow. 

“Yeah, she can find things and make something new out of it, assuming she can, and she can fix things,” Jason shrugged. “Plus, she’s as small as a pixie.”

Marinette rolled her eyes at his jab at her height. Damian walked next to her and gave his hand.

“Good job Angel,” he praised. “Knew you could do it.” 

“Thanks Damian,” Marinette smiled. 

“Dick, you lost the bet, so pay up,” Tim cackled. 

“So you were betting instead of getting ready for the gala?” 

Everyone turned and standing at the doorway was a man in a suit. Tim and Dick had quickly walked over to him and informed him of what was going on, from what Marinette was hearing. 

“Welcome to the manor,” the man smiled, sticking his hand out. “I’m Bruce Wayne. Thank you for taking my son down a peg or two.”

“A pleasure,” she replied. “wait, Wayne, then does that mean?” 

She swiveled to Damian, who only smirked and nodded. Oh dear. Ooooh dear. She was with the Waynes. The rich billionaire family, and she just beat one of them. 

“Wait,” Dick was laughing when he realized. “Marinette, you didn’t realize we were Waynes?” 

“I-I just thought,” Marinette sputtered, rambling off a bit. “the W-waynes were pretty common. I didn’t think you guys were the Waynes. Though I guess the manor and butler should've tipped it off.....”

“… I like her,” Jason grinned. “Can we keep her?” 

Marinette still felt a bit embarrassed, though Damian gave her a small pat.

“She’s not a pet,” Bruce joked back. “Marinette, I know your parents will be catering during the Gala, but how would you like to accompany my sons and keep them entertained during that time? They tend to find trouble when bored.”

And that was how Marinette got swept up into more of the Wayne’s shenanigans (with her parents’ permission of course). They gave her a beautiful dress to wear (where did they get it so quickly?). And at night, they came to the gala by limo. 

“Ready, Angel?” Damian offered his arm as Marinette came out of the limo. 

“It’s now or never,” Marinette took it, letting him lead into the building. 

 The night was fun. She danced with all of the members of the Wayne family. Jason, pulling her into a very energetic tango. But she danced with Damian the most. Though like Bruce had predicted, she had to stop the boys from starting bits of trouble here and there, especially when they would try to do it behind her back. Jason did take a picture and suspiciously began typing on his phone, but she did not give it any thoughts. Before they knew it, the night was over, and they dropped her off to the  Gotham Royal Hotel.

“I had a great time,” Marinette chuckled. “Thank you, guys! I had a great time!”

“No prob, Tinkerbell,” Jason grinned. “We’ll keep in touch.”

“We’ll come visit,” Dick winked. 

Waving them off, Marinette stood by the doors for a few seconds. She then felt the vibration from her phone. Pulling it out, she saw she had a new message, from Damian. It was a link followed by a, ‘Todd is an imbecile’.”

She pressed it, noticing it took her to the social platform, Tweeter. 

@JayTodd

Welcoming Tinkerbell as an honorary member of the Wayne family. Don’t let looks fool you. This pixie can beat your ass.

The picture earlier! She realized. At least, he didn’t actually show her face, not completely where people can identify her. But this tweet he sent was already at 1.3K and counting. 

“JASON!”

———-

And after that, they did meet up more often. Sometimes Damian and his family would visit her, and sometimes they flew her over. She felt bad and didn’t want to keep having them fly her over, but they insisted.

After the first social media fiasco, Marinette did appear more frequently on their social media, though hidden. She ended up making an account for it though, but everyone didn’t know who she was, only knowing her as Tinkerbell.

It was a fun time, and she was really happy. She had another family that cared for her, who she cared for. And she wouldn’t change it any other way.She hummed softly, sewing her newest idea when her phone rang. 

“Hello? Jason?” Marinette greeted, a bit curious.

The other line was silent for a while, making her worry.

“Jason what-”

“He’s gone.”

“What?” Marinette’s eyes widen with worry. “Who are you talking about? Who’s gone?”

“Damian, Marinette,” Jason replied, his tone dead. “There was an accident and…”

“He’s gone.”

First Prev Next

Masterlist

---------------------------------------------------------

ANNNNND THERE WE HAVE IT! THE NEXT CHAPTER FINISHED. AND THIS WAS TOTALLY LONGER THAN THE LAST ONE AS A TREAT. (Ahhh I wrote a lot of interruptions haha ^^;)I hope you guys liked it!! Any questions, then let me know here or in my ask, whatever’s fine! Btw him disappearing is during the time he died from Heretic. So, he’s gonna be dead for a bit 0w0. 

Taglist (let me know if I forgot anyone):

@mooshoon @bluerosette23 @zestyzealot @luciferge @gingerdaile @crazylittlemunchkin @queenmj10 @hypnosharkrebeldreamer @razzledazzle247 @dorkus-minimus @this-is-vander​

[fangzeronos]

Love Lost Birds

This is all @xaphrin‘s fault for getting me to love this ship. Seriously, you guys go read her Shadows series. It’s so damn good! Hope this is enjoyed!

The rainy and hellishly loud nights in Gotham City drove Damian crazy. In his teens, he’d been a Titan, fighting with the people he had come to consider a family. As much as he bitched to Grayson, and even Drake on occasion, Damian missed the Tower. What made the Tower bearable was her. The way her eyes sparkled in silent laughter at something Logan or Reyes would do, the small smiles she would give him, or the way they worked together.

 Then she disappeared, days before her birthday with nothing explaining why or where she was. He’d felt her disappearance before not seeing her, and even knocking on her door before bursting in confirmed the empty feeling in his stomach. He had sat in the dark of her room for over an hour, his fingers around a note he’d never read, her handwriting perfectly done on the front of the envelope.

 He had called every magic user he knew, from Constantine to Zatanna, even in contact with Tala or even Nabu, but none of them could or would locate her. Two years of looking, trying to find his way into side dimensions, or pocket universes, always being rejected and flung back to the cold darkness of the Tower at the mention of her name.

 Retreating back to Gotham and choosing to ignore the Titans worked for a while, but when Kori was around he was forced to talk. Sometimes he despised the Tamaranian, but he could tolerate her for Grayson’s sake.

 “Damian, you know she had to have had a reason to leave,” Kori had said one night on a patrol, her flaming hair sending steam into the air in the rain.

 “Without saying anything? Least of all to you or I? I do not buy it, Starfire. I will not stop until I find her,” Damian said, dropping onto a rooftop and sliding some thanks to a puddle on the roof. He slammed his hand against the wet bricks, anger surging through him. “Why? Why did she leave?”

 Kori landed beside Damian, putting her hand on his shoulder. With his hood over his face, she couldn’t see his eyes, but she knew talking about their missing friend was troubling him and causing him grief. “I don’t know, Damian. I don’t have the answer you’re looking for. I wish I did, but…she never confided in me her reason to leave,” she said.

 Damian growled, shaking Kori’s hand off as the sound of sirens pierced the thundering skies. He jumped off of the roof, thankful for the distraction.

 Deciding to hell with the city, Damian returned to the Batcave, tugging his cape off and pulling his domino mask off at the same time. He changed out of his suit, hanging it to let it dry. “Four months of rain in this godforsaken city. I am starting to wish Freeze would just ice it over and be done with us.” He started for the stairs to the library, deciding to walk to clear his head.

 “Master Damian, you know that is not a thing to wish,” Alfred said, looking at the young man as he turned in his chair from the computer. “Oh, Master Damian. You received a message from a Jaime Reyes."

 Damian froze, turning back to Alfred. “Reyes? What does the Beetle want with me?” he asked. He stepped off of the stairs, heading to the computer. “What was the message, Pennyworth?”

 Alfred handed Damian a sheet of paper with Jaime’s message on it.

 “Hey, Damian,

 It’s been a long time, and I’m sorry we never got in touch with you in the last few years. Dick said it’d be easier to message Alfred to get to you. You may want to sit down before you keep reading, because you’re going to collapse if you don’t. Sitting down? Good.

 She’s back. She’s been back two days, and she asked us to wait two days to contact you in case she had to go again. She wants to see you, amigo. How quickly can you make it back here? Let me know.

 Jaime”

 Damien’s blood ran cold, sinking into a chair as his knees gave out on him. She couldn’t have been back. He’d have felt it. He’d have felt her again. They were so attuned to each other, he’d have known. “Thank—” he started, his voice thick with emotions. He swallowed the lump in his throat, licking his lips softly. “Thank you, Alfred.” Forcing himself out of the chair, he took the elevator to the library, heading for his room.

 Once alone, he set Jaime’s note on the desk before opening a drawer, taking the letter out, his fingers tracing the letters on the envelope. Sitting on the floor, Damian turned the envelope over and broke the seal, his heart hammering his ribs. Pulling the slightly yellowing paper out, he unfolded it and started reading.

 “My Damian.

 I can hear you yelling at Dick and Kori about where I am. Just know that I’m safe so that you all stay safe too. Please don’t hate me for leaving. It’s something I had to do in order to keep Earth safe from my father. I have to go to Azarath, learn from the Monks and hopefully find a way to stop Trigon for good.

 If I know you, you’ll look at this envelope and say that I’m coming back soon and that I’ll be there quick, and you won’t open this until you know I’m home. I don’t know how long this will take, but I hope that you find peace after my leaving. I have loved every minute we’ve spent together, from carnivals and busting up bad guys to just quiet nights watching the rain or fireworks in one of our rooms. I don’t have enough time to write out everything I wanted to say to you, and I hope that once this is over I can say them face to face.

 We’re both going to be different people when we meet again, Damian. I hope you forgive me for not telling you I was leaving, but you’d have insisted on coming with me or protesting and try to get me to stay. I wish I could stay, but doing that would endanger the world, and I can’t lose you.

 I’ll see you again. Just know that, even though I never said it before, and reading it in a letter is not the right way to say it the first time, I love you, Damian. I always will.

 Love,

 Raven”

 The letter was marked with a kiss, the same shade of lipstick Raven would wear in her suit. “Raven…” Damian closed his eyes, taking a shaky breath as he pressed the letter to his forehead, drawing his knees up. He sighed, feeling like a weight was lifted off of his chest and dropped into his stomach. Looking up as a knock sounded on the door, Damian got up, wiping his eyes.

 “What?” he asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.

 Bruce opened the door, looking at his son. “Damian? Are you alright? Alfred said you were less bitchy then usual after patrol.”

 Damian nodded, explaining about Jaime’s letter and finally opening Raven’s. “I’ll take the jet to San Francisco, meet up with the Titans again. If Raven really is back…I have to go, Father.”

 Bruce nodded, putting his hand on Damian’s shoulder. “I’ll make sure it’s fueled and ready for you for in the morning. We can cover Gotham until you get back.”

 Damian nodded, sighing softly. “What if this all goes to hell?” he asked. “Raven and I? I…I don’t think I could handle losing her again, Father.”

 Bruce smiled softly, sitting on the edge of the bed beside his son. “If you love someone, you’ll fight to keep them. When you found out she disappeared, I got a continuous stream of calls from Jason Blood, Zatanna, Constantine, Doctor Fate, even people like Tala, Black Adam, and Faust saying you were desperate to find Raven. You spent two years trying to find her, and if that isn’t love, Damian, I don’t know what is.”

 Damian looked at the letter, shaking his head softly. “I had the answer in my possession the entire time, but I never opened this. I thought if I did, she’d be gone for good. The fact that she’s back, after four years…? I don’t want to lose her again.”

 “Then don’t,” Bruce said. “When you see her, you talk. You find out how she’s been, what she’s been doing, tell her what you’ve been doing and how you’ve been. Then you work for your future together.”

_____________________ Leaving before dawn the next morning, Damian sighed to himself as he flew the Batwing toward San Francisco. After eleven hours in the cockpit, thankful he’d had Alfred’s meals to keep him company as well as a book from Grayson, the Titans Tower came into view.

 “Batwing to Titans Tower. Requesting permission to land.”

 “Like you gotta ask, Birdboy! Lighting up the roof!” Garfield’s voice said.

 “Thank you, Garfield,” Damian said, shutting the communication line back off before flying down and landing on the illuminated helipad, shutting the engines off as the landing struts hit the concrete. He opened the cockpit and grabbed his bag and trash, jumping down and letting it close up before he jogged across the rooftop and walked through the door.

 Walking into the main living room of the Tower, Damian was hit with the sounds and sights he’d been missing for over four years. Garfield and Jaime were playing games on the massive wall length television, Tim was on the computer and looked like he hadn’t slept in a week. He was the first to look over and see Damian.

 “Hey, man,” Tim said, getting up and shaking Damian’s hand. “Good flight?”

 “Alfred’s cooking and a book made it more bearable. If I admitted how nervous I was the entire way, none of you would believe me,” Damian said. “Where’s--?”

 “Her room,” Tim said. “Asked us to tell you and leave you two be, and only to come running if one of you stormed out and disappeared.”

 “Glad to see everyone still listens to her,” Damian said. “Thank you.”

 “Good to see you, Damian,” Tim said with a genuine smile.

 Damian smiled a little, waving to Garfield and Jaime before heading for his room. He didn’t even pay attention to where he was going, his feet on autopilot before he ended up at his door. He pushed the door open and tossed his bag on the bed, pulling his mask off and changing into civilian clothes before he walked out, sighing as he headed down the hallway. Making his way to Raven’s room, the ethereal raven emblem on the wall. Reaching his hand up to knock, the door slid open.

 “You don’t have to knock,” Raven’s voice said, a light turning on and illuminating the room. She was floating over her bed, cloak on the mattress and her legs crossed in her usual pose. Her hair was longer and drawn into a ponytail, her cloak the same but in white, and she’d lost the leggings, leaving her bare legs to the elements.

 “It’s polite,” Damian said, walking in and letting the door shut behind him. “Especially after not seeing someone for four years.”

 Raven nodded, floating down before letting her feet land on the floor. “You never read the letter, did you?” she asked, meeting Damian halfway in the room.

 “Not until last night,” Damian said softly. “If I read it…it would have made it permanent in my mind. I thought if I didn’t read it, I’d wake up and you’d be here. But every day for a year, that dream was always shattered. I couldn’t stand it after two years, moving back to Gotham and leaving all of this behind.”

 Raven smiled softly, putting her hand on Damian’s cheek softly. “I thought about you all the time,” she said. She watched him close his eyes and lean into her touch, the tough as nails Grandson of the Demon turning into a gentle giant around her like he always did. “Never went a day without hoping you were okay or thinking about a rainstorm and sitting here watching the lightning, tea in our hands.” She reached down and took his hands, feeling his warmth spread through her. “I missed you.”

 “I missed you,” Damian said softly, squeezing Raven’s hands. “Four years and nine months, Raven. Four years I wondered if I’d done something to you, something to make you leave without explaining. I thought you hated me.”

 “Never,” Raven said, shaking her head. “I could never hate you, Damian. I left to keep you safe. You and the other Titans. When my eighteenth birthday came, I woke up with a burning on my skin. I knew exactly what it was, and I knew I didn’t have time to explain. I’d written that letter the night before, knowing you’d find it the next day. I packed and left the minute I’d woken up. The burning was my father’s mark, signaling the day arrived I was supposed to destroy the world.”

 Damian sighed softly. He didn’t know why, but he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Raven’s waist, pulling her toward him. He felt her arms go around his neck, and he buried his nose against her shoulder, the familiar scent of jasmine and lavender filling his senses. “Don’t leave me again,” he said. “Please.”

 “Never,” Raven said softly, tightening her arms and closing her eyes. “Four years was long enough without you.” She smiled, holding tightly to Damian.

 After a few minutes, the pair stepped back, Damian putting his hand on Raven’s cheek. “You were right about one thing.”

 “Just one?” Raven asked with an amused smirk, cocking an eyebrow.

 Damian rolled his eyes and smiled softly. “The letter. Reading it on a page isn’t the same as hearing it,” he said. “I love you, Raven. I always have, and the last four years have been torture on my heart, not knowing if you were dead or alive, or even if you were safe. I’d gotten so used to feeling you around me, that when you disappeared I was empty. I was never satisfied or happy without that connection. Nothing I did filled that hole in my chest.”

 Raven smiled, putting her hand on Damian’s and turning her head softly, kissing his palm. “I know,” she said. “I wish I had explained before abandoning you for Azarath.” She took his hand and intertwined their fingers, enjoying his warmth against her skin. “I love you, too. I won’t leave you behind again. Not ever.”

 Damian smiled softly, leaning forward and kissing Raven, pulling her against him again and looping his arm around her waist. “Good,” he growled lowly, his tone sending a shiver through Raven’s spine that settled in her hips. “You do, I will not stop until I find you and I will punish you.”

 Raven kissed Damian back, her chest heaving from the force of the kiss and his threat of punishing her. “Mm…what did you learn in four years?” she asked with a smirk, backing up toward the bed before sitting down, watching him stalk forward.

 “You’ll have to find out,” Damian said, leaning down and kissing Raven again before she pulled him onto the bed, flipping him to pin him to the mattress. “Gotten stronger, my love.”

 Raven smiled, straddling Damian’s hips before leaning down and kissing him again, threading her fingers through his. “I also learned some new ways to play with my magic. Nights on Azarath got very boring,” she said, grinding her hips against Damian’s slowly, cocking an eyebrow as she teased him.

 Damian laughed, looking up at Raven. “Well. Looks like we’ve both got some new experiences to share with each other.”

 “That we do,” Raven said, kissing Damian.

 Neither Damian or Raven knew what the future would hold for either of them, but as long as they were together, they knew they could face whatever demons, both figurative or literal, that came their way.

[thebatsbutler]

When: Present Day Where: Star City - Slade’s Apartment With: Slade @terminator-deathstroke​

Alfred had met with Master Dick since his hospitalisation, he’d made certain the boy knew that he held him no ill will nor disappointment for who he chose to share his life with (though he felt some at the thought of Dick pushing him away because of it). But, Master Dick was only half the issue in this case; Alfred still needed to meet with Master Slade, it only felt right. 

So, during a time when he’d known Master Dick was not at home he’d come with another batch of food and knocked politely on the door. Alfred had his own way of sizing up a man and he (unlike Master Bruce) felt no need for grand posturing. He would meet and speak with the man and make his own decision. 

The door opened and he spoke, “Master Slade I take it?” he asked politely, “I am Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth, Retainer to the Wayne Family. I have brought some home cooked meals for Master Dick since, as I suspect we are both well aware, the boy could burn water.” 

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

fish out of water (hold your breath)

by graverxbin No longer did he have to worry about his next meal; he had a fucking butler who cooked customised menus for him. It’s absurd. Ludicrous. Batshit insane. or An alternate meeting between Jason and Tim involving jealousy, friendship and skateboards. Not too much skateboarding, though. Words: 2824, Chapters: 2/5, Language: English Series: Part 2 of imagine a bustling home filled with people who love you Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: Gen Characters: Tim Drake, Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Dick Grayson Relationships: Tim Drake & Jason Todd, Dick Grayson & Jason Todd, Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth & Jason Todd Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Good Kid Jason Todd, Janet and Jack weren’t absolutely dogshit, just absent, Pre-Robin Jason Todd, Jason Todd is Robin, it happens halfway, Conspiracy Theorist Tim Drake, Skater Tim Drake, Kid Tim Drake, Kid Jason Todd via https://ift.tt/gDmFuqN