#and Bruce is just working on cases and learning how to be a detective

[ravennhearted]

Watching Gotham again and thinking about how baby Bruce is in this show and also the fact that Dick would look just as baby when he first took up the Robin mantle and I

[evilcarmona]

Okay, just listen to me…

So this story starts with the Fentons. Their little omega son was born not so long ago (I don't believe in ABO, where people learn their gender in adolescence, it's weird). In general, he is just a kid, but they decided to go on an expedition because they had an exclusive opportunity… What could have gone wrong?

All. You see, their poor little boy was lost in the mountains. There was nothing they could do. At least their daughter was safe… But because of their carelessness, they lost a child. Because of this, they will never build a ghost portal. In fact, they'll give up ghost hunting altogether and even start visiting Vlad out of guilt (he's a little less of a jerk because they finally remembered him).

In fact, it was a little more complicated.

Let's move to the League. How lucky they were to spot a couple of scientists studying what looked like the Lazarus Pits Water. even better, these idiots were next to their child. Of course, the League took Danny away to blackmail the Fentons into working for them later. But as they delved deeper into their work, it became clear that the Fentons were simply obsessed with ghosts… They are unlikely to be useful.

So they had an omega baby in their arms. Of course, you can get rid of it… But isn't he the same age as the young master? Of course, young alphas benefit from having an omega of their own age around. Why not keep it? Ra's simply waved his hand. He's a f... old man who thinks omegas are cute furniture, if his grandson can get a nice little thing, why not?

So, they grow side by side. Danny's learning some self-defense, but he's not in the best of health, and he's just an omega, so no one thinks he's going to make it. Nor does he show any interest in it. He seems to have inherited all that mad scientist energy from his parents? In this case, he simply joins the scientists working for the League. He tolerates the Water of the Lazarus Pits surprisingly well (after all, when Maddie was pregnant, she was infected with ectoplasm).

So, when Damian got his first missions (let's do the League of Assassins missions with Mom), he started bringing Danny all sorts of things: small hairpins-stars, souvenirs and sweets. It's cute. They became very close. When they promise to marry each other in the future, it's just charming, but Talia doesn't take it seriously, and Ra's just doesn't care (he probably thinks that in 20 years his grandson will have a harem in the spirit of Luo Bingge).

Unfortunately for them, even little Damian takes his promises very seriously.

Only then does Talia pick him up from the League and bring him to his Father. She promises to look after Danny (she lies ). Events follow one another. Soon, Danny joins a project to study the Lazarus Pit water treatment device. What do you think it builds? A few years pass, and Danny becomes the one who launches the portal to the Infinite Realms. Needless to say, he didn't plan on it.

It die. He is alive. When he found out what was on the other side, he destroyed the portal. After collecting the blueprints, he runs out of the league (because now it's much easier for him to do it).

It wasn't that he didn't know where to look for his dear young master. The young master is the only one he can trust with this secret.

After all, it's something fun.

Alfred: A courier came by today. Did Young Master Damian order anything?

Damian: No, what is it?

Alfred: The big box.

Bruce: Be careful, what if it's a bomb?

Danny, jumping out of the box: Has anyone ordered an ectoscientist? A ghost? Maybe the bride?

Somewhere in Amity Park, one of Vlad's inventions starts beeping. He immediately informs the Fentons that an overly powerful ecto-energy burst has been detected… And now it's making its way to Gotham City. They didn't want anything to do with it until Vlad said it was originally near the place where they lost their son.

Could it be the ghost that killed him? Or maybe this is the ghost of their baby, who can be seen for the last time? Anyway, it's the last time the Fentons are out hunting.

(Well, they'll end up hunting really well. I'm not sure what Ra's has to do to get away from Maddie.)

By the way, do you see this ugly suspension with a ghost and a heart? Jack had made it for Maddie before they were married. He was with Danny when he went missing…

[delulupunk]

can you please write batboys (including Bruce) getting jealous when their crush subtly mentions her ex when they do something similar to her ex bf. (e.g. reading a book/watching a show/an activity that her ex used to love etc.)

Of course! Sorry for the late response time, I’ve been in a bit of a writing slump.

:Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Duke Thomas

Bruce Wayne

He immediately clocks it and he doesn’t feel the need to mention it. Bruce has already been told by his kids that he’s too controlling, it doesn’t seem ideal in his mind to push you away.

Bruce will try to put the activity into perspective, for example if it’s a tv show then he’ll learn to appreciate, that everyone watches TV shows. It’s no surprise that you like a TV show your ex also happens to like.

Bruce himself has had lovers in the past and has also picked up little habits from them.

Occasionally if he’s frustrated about a case that’s not going well, he will feel a twang of jealously for your ex lover. He won’t take it out on you for fear it will push you away. Instead he just acts indifferent.

Dick Grayson

Immediate side eye, and a cheeky comment.

“Oh yeah?” His arms slip around your waist as he buries his face into your hair, “Well they’re not with you now are they?”

He spends all his time proving to you why he’s the better option and by the end of it, you’ll forget your ex’s name before you can blink. It’s all apart of the never ending charm he seems to have in spades.

Deep down though, Dick is happy that you feel comfortable enough to share that with him. After spending years under Batmans controlling wing, it’s refreshing to see freedom, you’re not afraid of what he’ll think. Comfort is a big part of relationships with Dick and he’s grateful that you trust him.

Jason Todd

He’s gritting his teeth by the time you’ve ended your sentence. There’s an instant change in Jason’s demeanour. Luckily this is only temporary and by showing him that you’re interested in the things he’s shared with you too, you’ll have him back in no time.

There’s one issue though. The never ending comments. Every time you mention watching something his subconscious response is to mention your ex’s TV show, in a goading tone. You want to order take out? He’s willing to bet you want it from that place your ex used to take you. You want to read a book, ITS YOUR EX AGAIN.

All you’ve succeeded in doing is giving him material to mercilessly make fun of you with.

Tim Drake

He rolls his eyes but encourages you to continue telling him about it. This man is a chronic napper though, so if he’s not interested he’s going straight to sleep.

To put it simply Tim couldn’t give any less of a shit that you like something else your ex likes. Tim’s life is simply too busy for him to be getting jealous over something so simple and human, that’s not to say he doesn’t get jealous though you’ll find he’s more than capable of doing that.

Tim likes to look into things you’re interested in whenever he’s bored and he’s got time. You’ll be laying together with your head his lap. He looks like he’s just scrolling aimlessly on his phone, but the silence will be interrupted.

“Your ex does have good taste.” He’ll mutter.

Damian Wayne

The great Damian Wayne could never admit this, he’s a detective, he’s meticulous, he knows all the facts. But he forget your ex’s name… It’s all down to a mixture of ego and stress. Damian is such a good lover in his mind, there’s no reason to be jealous of any other person. He’s the only one who’s worth your time. Damian is also incredibly busy and with all the cases he works his brain can only take so much. So if he has to exchange your ex’s name for the potential name of a killer he’s making the sacrifice.

Damian’s happy for you to have hobbies or media you like, so long as it’s not disturbing or something that makes him wonder if you’re mentally ill in the worst sense. Therefore he doesn’t flinch when you mention how much your ex loved that show, because he doesn’t realise your ex is your ex.

Duke Thomas

“Umm ok?” Duke is awkward he isn’t sure how to respond. Do you want him to be jealous, or do you want him to not care? Is he doing too much or too little? Has he not said anything for the past ten seconds either?!

The conversation is turned onto a different topic so he doesn’t have to deal with his confusing emotions.

Later he’ll ask you though if you had more in common with your ex than him, out of sheer nervousness. He wants you two to be on the same page and is secretly worried that you don’t want to break his heart so you’re stringing him along. He knows his fears aren’t the most logical, but it’s his emotions taking over.

However the conversation helps with your communication in the relationship and soothes his seething fears.

[jewelsli]

Not that I don’t love when Bruce’s kids outperform him and give him heart attacks, but I think it’s funnier when the kids think they are better fighters/spies/infiltrators/etc. then him but he’s just so proud so he lets them think that they are.

I think that Babs would be a really good hacker, the best in the family, but Tim, who thinks that he is the next best(and is still scarily good) has no idea that Bruce only let him think that he broke his record of hacking into secret organizations.

Dick is amazing at acrobatics, and centers his fighting style around it much more. He even won gold in the Olympics for gymnastics! Bruce doesn’t want to tell him that he trained under several gymnasts, contortionists, even ballerinas!!! and has the acrobatic fighting style mastered, so he (within reason) let’s his kid win on most occasions, he doesn’t need to fake loosing on trapeze though(I am still giving the kids SOME things they are better at…)

Cass knows that nobody can lie to her, she can spot everyone’s tells and knows most people better then they know themselves. Bruce is, however, extremely paranoid and also has a kryptonian he works with regularly. He lies so well that he can convince himself he’s telling the truth(which is literally the point in case of advanced lie detectors), and so what if he lets some of his tells be more obvious around his baby, he’s so proud of her for picking up such small things! And while Bruce is AMAZING at reading people, he can’t beat Cass, it is however much closer matched then the others think.

Let’s be honest, Bruce is banned from the kitchen and isn’t good at cooking… or so everyone thinks. While he’s not as good as Alfred or even Jason he could whip up something Gordon Ramsey would be proud of if he actually tried to.

Damian in the best fighter with swords, this is undisputed. Bruce just hopes none of his kids find his crate of custom katanas in the attic, if they do then he’ll say they are for Damian.

Tim is an amazing investigator, so good in fact, that Bruce has trusted him on his hardest cases. Everyone assumes this is because Tim is a better detective then Bruce, but he just loves seeing how proud his kid gets when he gets a breakthrough.

Batman doesn’t kill, Red hood does, everyone in their right minds knows that’s a lie. Before Robin came along, leaders of drug operations or terrorists would disappear into the night, never to be seen again. The only people who don’t seem to know this are the Bats children themselves. Sometimes you can still hear a cut off scream in the dark before the news announces a missing person that everyone just knew was doing something horrible, criminals are more wary on nights that the Bats brood are in. And people running trafficking rings pray that it’s the Hood when a knock sounds, the bat doesn’t give those people the mercy of death.

All of the bat kids know more languages then Bruce, and they keep learning more to throw him off, for a family of detectives they really should have thought about the fact that Bruce traveled the entire world, he knows ancient languages and the words that world in other galaxies use, if he could speak Martian then he would have learned it by now, he still does know that part that he’s able to learn.

Idk I just need more of Bruce being skilled at SO many things while his kids are like “oh yeah Bruce? He’s good but I could defeat him easily” and Bruce just so proud of his babies when they do ANYTHING.

Bonus:

Tim made a plan to neutralize Superman at some point, it wasn’t as good as Bruce’s but he replaced it so fast. When he later uses it to take down mind controlled or something Supes Red Robin is watching.

Nobody notices that Batman whispers something to Superman before he goes deathly pale and acts like the plan is working so well he immediately gets defeated. As for what Batman said to him? It was basically ‘Clark(they aren’t supposed to know identities here btw) my kid made this plan and I swear to every mortal and immortal force that if you don’t take the fall right now you will regret it for the rest of your life” and Batman was usually scary but this was like, God will cower before him terrifying and it scared evil Superman so much he went along with it.

Res Robin was smiling so brightly that later Clark honestly couldn’t be mad at the Bat.

Edit: I forgot to add this but unbeknownst to EVERYONE (including Alfred somehow) Bruce can and will stay awake longer then Tim and his drinks are somehow worse in terms of caffeination. The difference is that on the fourteenth day with no sleep everyone thinks it’s only been three even though he is Vividly hallucinating. The ability to hide his lack of sleep for the first week and a half leads them to believe he’s actually the worst at staying up since on what they think is his fourth day of no sleep (it’s his seventeenth) he’s talking to an apparently very vivid hallucination of Alfred the Cat in a suit and a Tiger named Tawny(he had met the tiger earlier that week) and having a civilized conversation with them

[disillusioneddanny]

Emergency Contact dick/Danny

Prompt: dick is in an incident and Bruce learns that not only is he no longer his sons emergency contact, his son is also married.

Bruce frowned as he listened to the police scanner, his forearms rested on his knees. There was a hostage situation in Bludhaven. He had seen it on the news in the middle of his work day at Wayne Enterprises. Not long after, Tim had come running in, pale faced and nervous. It seemed that Dick had been a part of the situation and was trying to get the suspects out of the bank.

The two were now hyperfocused on the scanners as the others sent check in messages every so often asking if they had heard anything from Dick yet. So far, they were planning on sending in a group of officers to invade the bank and take down the suspects. The main problem was that they weren’t sure how many suspects nor were they sure what all they had on them or the amount of victims inside of the bank.

Tim was gnawing at the bit to go and intervene. All of Bruce’s children were. The patriarch had to remind them, though, that Bludhaven was Dick’s territory and unless he asked for backup or some kind of assistance then they let him be. And so far, none of them had heard a peep from Dick. So they would each continue to monitor the situation and hope that their family member would be alright.

“Officers Grayson, Sanchez, Roarke, Blankers, and Miyap are in position,” a voice crackled out and Bruce squeezed his hands together tight, heart pounding. Why was Dick doing this? They didn’t know enough about the suspects to know that they would be able to apprehend them without casualties.

“Go,” a different voice ordered through the scanner and Bruce watched the news screen as Dick and other officers forced their way into the bank, guns raised and prepared to shoot if necessary. Bruce watched as flashes of light from gunfire flashed through the building and screams sounded on the screen, Tim turned up the police scanner.

“Shots fired, I repeat shots fired.”

“Suspects apprehended.”

“Shit! Grayson!” A voice shouted and Bruce’s blood ran cold. “We’ve got an officer down! I repeat, an officer down!”

“Get a car arranged,” Bruce said faintly to Tim. “We need to get to Bludhaven as soon as possible,” he said, eyes never leaving the screen as five suspects were brought out one by one. A gurney was quickly wheeled into the bank and moments later the paramedics wheeled out Dick out of the building. To the side Tim was calling Alfred to come and pick them up and make the drive to Bludhaven.

Soon he’d be getting the call from either the hospital or the chief of police to give an update on Dick’s condition or to tell them what happened. He was Dick’s emergency contact, after all. If anyone was going to be alerted it would be him.

The call never came.

Bruce, Tim and Alfred made their way to Bludhaven General Hospital and Bruce was already contemplating the words he would be having with whomever was in charge about how he had not been alerted of Dick’s current status. He couldn’t believe that the Bludhaven PD and hospital were so ill equipped that they couldn’t even call an emergency contact and make them aware of what had happened to his son, his precious boy, his eldest sweetheart whose smile was brighter than the sun.

Yes, he would be having words alright.

The three rushed into the hospital and Bruce stormed towards the front desk and rested his hands on the plastic desk carefully. “I’m here for Richard Grayson, he was a part of the altercation at the Bludhaven Bank,” he said, trying his best to keep his tone even. “I should be his emergency contact, Bruce Wayne,” he said, adding his name just for good measure. Just in case they didn’t know. However doubtful that may be.

They lady typed along the keyboard for a moment before she looked up. “I’m sorry Mister Wayne, but Detective Grayson does not have you listed as his emergency contact nor as someone who can obtain his information. I’m unfortunately unable to share anything with you.”

Now Bruce was going to see red. This had to be a mistake. He was Dick’s father. He had been his son’s emergency contact for as long as he had Dick in his custody. How dare this woman say that he wasn’t, that he wasn’t privy to Dick’s information! His sweet littile boy!

Bruce let out a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying to maintain an aura of calmness. “I need you to call his doctor then, and obtain permission. I am Richard Grayson’s father, I should be listed on his emergency contacts list.”

“I’m sorry sir, but the only name we have associated with Officer Grayson is a Daniel Nightingale and he is already in the room with Mr. Grayson. I can call and let them know that you’re here but I can’t do much more than that, I’m afraid,” the woman said, looking beyond flustered as she grabbed the phone.

“Please do,” Alfred said, shooting the eldest vigilante a pointed look as he ushered Bruce and a shocked Tim away from the information desk.

“Who the hell is Daniel Nightingale?” Tim said, looking beyond stumped. “And why would he be Dick’s contact?”

“I have no idea,” Bruce said, his jaw set as he thought of ways to get around the information desk and find his son without anyone suspecting a thing. He could do it, he really could! He was the Batman!

“All I can find on him is that he’s a reporter for the Bludhaven Gazette and has written several high fantasy novels about ghosts,” Tim said with a frown. Bruce looked down at Tim’s phone to find a scrawny looking man with dark black hair, white streaks scattered throughout, crystal blue eyes and a wide smile. If he weren’t obviously a grown adult, Bruce would think that he was a Bruce Wayne Adoption Bait candidate. Otherwise, though, he was unfamiliar, Bruce had never seen the man before in his life.

“How does he know Master Dick?” Alfred asked with a frown as he glanced over at Tim’s phone.

“I’m not sure,” Tim said with a huff. The three looked up, though, as footsteps echoed in the near empty waiting room and a gangly man stepped through the doorway and gave the three men a sheepish look.

Bruce looked between the picture and the man standing before them and scowled. It was the same person.

“Hi, uh, Dick is still unconcious,” he said, walking towards the three vigilantes. “I didn’t realize he took you off his contact list for emergencies,” Nightingale said, looking clearly distraught.

“Who are you?” Bruce demanded, eyes narrowed.

Nightingale sighed. “He’s fine, by the way, in case you were wondering. Two shots, one in the hip thankfully didn’t hit anything. One in the thigh right above the major artery. Other than that, his kevlar vest took the brunt of it, he’s just very bruised. They knocked him out, though to give him stitches and get some rest but he’s going to be fine.”

“Who are you?” Bruce repeated, despite feeling calmer knowing that his precious boy was going to be fine. He was going to be benched for a few weeks but they would get someone else to patrol Bludhaven in his stead. Bruce would probably be able to get Red Robin or Orphan to take over the area while Dick was out of commission.

Nightingale blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. “This wasn’t how Dick wanted to introduce me,” he mumbled, looking embarrassed. “He’s going to kill me. But I’m Danny Nightingale, his husband.”

“Dick isn’t in a relationship,” Tim blurted out as Bruce stiffened beside him. “He would have told us.”

Danny gave him a weak smile. “No, no he wouldn’t,” he said awkwardly. “Not if he hadn’t been ready, at least.”

“How do we know you’re telling the truth?” Bruce said, his heart aching. How could Dick keep this from him? An entire husband? Bruce’s entire world was falling down around him as they spoke. He couldn’t believe this, how the hell was his son married? How had he not been invited to the wedding? How had Alfred not been invited to the wedding?

Danny blushed even brighter at that as he pulled out his phone and handed it over to Bruce. Bruce clicked the button to unlock it to find Danny and Dick, drunk off their heads with a marriage certificate held up between them and a wedding chapel behind them. “It happened like four months ago? We had been dating for like five months beforehand and well it just happened. We decided to go ahead with it and stick to it. We’ve been married ever since. Dick didn’t want to tell you because he wants a redo, especially since I stole his thunder and apparently proposed to him with a ring pop.”

“Take me to him,” Bruce deadpanned.

“Woah, Big Bat,” Danny said, holding his hands up placatingly. “I can’t do that. He’s only allowed one visitor at a time and it’s me. You’ll just have to wait until he wakes up and they move him out of ICU.”

“I thought you said he was fine,” Tim said with a frown as he inspected the picture before searching on his phone to find the marriage license. Danny pulled his phone back and tucked it into his pocket.

“He is, it’s just as a precaution until he wakes up,” Danny said. “And when he does, I’ll come and let you all know how he’s doing and what his room number is. In the meantime, I have his phone on me and you’re welcome to call me any time you have questions.”

And with that, Danny fled from the room as quickly as possible.

“He called me Big Bat,” Bruce murmured. “Dick wouldn’t have told a man he barely knew all of our secrets, not without telling us first!”

“The marriage license is legit,” Tim said with a sigh. “Can’t believe he got married and never told us.”

“Hn,” Bruce muttered out grumpily.

…

Danny was going to die, he could feel it in his core. Either Dick was going to murder him for spilling the beans to his dad, or Bruce was going to murder him for telling him he couldn’t back to see Dick.

It seemed that his husband wasn’t exaggerating when he said that Bruce was insanely overprotective of Dick and would always see him as his baby boy. It was almost endearing if it hadn’t been so utterly terrifying to be glared down by Batman himself.

He shook his head roughly as he marched down the hall and back to his husband’s hospital room. Enough with that Nightingale, he said to himself. He was the star reporter for the Bludhaven Gazette, hell he had turned down that stupid news place in Metropolis when they offered a position. He was good, he was great and he was not going to let Bruce Waynce scare him!

He had dealt with much scarier than his father in law out in the field and he needed to remind himself of that fact.

He made it to Dick’s room and took a seat at his bedside, holding his husband’s hand in his. “I can’t believe you did this to me, Dick, you scared the half life right out of me,” he murmured, running his thumb along the back of Dick’s hand softly. “And now we’re going to have to deal with your father and it’s all your fault because you still haven’t quit the police force, you big dummy.”

He let out a huff and looked away from his husband. Dick had been talking about quitting since Danny had met him nearly a year before. He had realized that the police life just wasn’t for him and that he’d never be able to get rid of the corruption but he had been struggling to quit, to figure out what he would want to do instead. And Danny had been there to support him all the while but it was starting to worry the halfa. He knew that Dick was Nightwing, had figured out the identities of all the bats almost immediately upon moving to Gotham. It hadn’t been too hard for him to figure out. But then again, he was a journalist, he always knew how to sniff out the truth and the Wayne’s big secret was no different.

Of course, there was also the fact that he had also been a hero once upon a time and he didn’t care what anyone else said, you could always spot another hero a mile away if you knew what you were looking for.

He sighed and felt Dick’s phone vibrate. Already he was getting floods of texts from the Wayne Family.

This was going to be a long day.

…

“I want a divorce,” Danny seethed as soon as Dick opened his eyes. The cop gave his husband a tired smile and squeezed his hand lightly.

“Hello to you too, Dove,” he murmured.

“Your family will not leave me alone. Why didn’t you tell me you took Bruce off of your emergency contact information? He’s driving me up the wall,” Danny whisper shouted, trying to be mindful of his husband’s current state.

“I didn’t think about it,” Dick muttered. “How mad was he when you told him we’re married.”

Danny snorted and ran his fingers through Dick’s hair. “He bluescreened,” he admitted softly. “Definitely wasn’t happy about it, Alfred looked hurt and Tim looked like he thought I brainwashed you.”

Dick chuckled softly and shook his head. “Well they should move me to a general room soon so they can all calm down. Until then, I need you to take care of your poor, injured husband.”

The halfa laughed and pressed a kiss to his husband’s forehead. “Never scare me like this again, Dick Grayson, or else you’re joining me on the ghostly side, understand?”

“Understood,” Dick mumbled, his eyes fluttering closed once more. Danny just sighed and fell back into his seat. Thank god he was Dick’s emergency contact, or else he’d have to have used his ghost powers to sneak in here to get his husband. Unlike Bruce Wayne who seemed to be following the rules and waiting in the waiting room, Danny was not a patient person and he would have absolutely refused to wait and not see his poor husband.

Anyone is welcome to add to this btw. I just needed to get it out of my head XD

[haveihitanerve]

What I believe would have happened to all the batkids if Bruce hadn't come in and been Batman, dark version-

Dick- he would have been consumed by vengeance and tried to kill Tony Zucco without Bruce’s guidance and support. Would have tried. He is dead by age eight. If he succeeds at killing Zucco, he is immediately caught by the police commissioner. At eight years old Dick Grayson is thrown in jail. He dies two years later, still behind bars. If he escapes the cops, he succumbs to his Talon nature as his tooth is not bitch slapped out of him by his father figure. He becomes a Talon and works for the Court of Owls, always present but never truly in control.

Jason- Jason never meets Bruce, never steals his tires, never gets killed by joker. He does not die at age 15. He doesn't even make it to age fourteen. He dies in an alleyway in Gotham, on a cold winters night, alone at age twelve. 

Tim- Tim does not stalk Batman and Robin. He is neglected by his parents and because there is no neighbor for him to stay with(cough cough bruce) Janet and Jack Drake take him with them on their cruise. Tim Drake is skinny as a bean pole and underweight. He gets rocked off the side and drowns because he never learned how to swim. 

Babs- Barbara Gordon becomes a detective just like her father at a very young age and makes it her mission to capture all the villains in Gotham. She succeeds almost and has about half of them in Arkam when she falls into a Joker trap. Due to the lack of technological access, she dies of a fatal wound at age twenty. 

Steph- Stephanie does not become a vigilante because of her father because he is taken down by Detective Gordon(age 18) before she has a chance to. Babs sees herself in the ten year old girl and starts to teach her how to be a detective and work with the law instead of outside it like vigilantes do. They create a strong bond however after Barbara dies Stephanie seeks revenge and is about to kill Joker when she gets shot from behind by none other than her own father, Arthur Brown, because with Detective Gordon out of the way he had a massive prison break. She dies at age 13. 

Cass- cass escapes from her father after her first killing and flees to Gotham, but without the protection of the Bat is captured by her father again and forced to become Ra’s Al Ghul’s bodyguard. Sickened with the death and killing required of her Cass committed suicide, but continually got resurrected by the pit until she could stand it no longer and stayed. 

Damian- Damian is never born, as there is no Batman. Talia never becomes pregnant with him. She does however, create a child with another assassin who is her lover and she gives birth to a strong, healthy boy named Aziz. He grows stronger every day until the day he turns twenty three, when Ra’s Al Ghul puts him in the pit and absorbs his youth, the same fate that would have befallen Damian had he stayed with the league(or in this case even been created). 

[ruoshik0]

Tim is a dragon. P2

See above for p1

Tim, as a proud representative of the dragon race, does on the regular.

Normal caffiene doesn’t work on him. He has to keep pouring in energy drinks after energy drinks after coffee after tea after magic caffiene to wake himself up. As you can probably guess, this would freak out the family if they knew.

Cold cases are fun! Coupled with morbid fascination of murder itself, and the fun quest of finding the whodunnit, Tim’s stack of solved cold cases are nearly triple that of Bruce. Dragon brain power had a lot to do with it. (Bruce is jealous and Tim finds that a funny bonus. Arrogance would be the death of him but who says he cant have fun?)

Toying with businessmen and women alike. Backhanded compliments and playing the victim are his favourite past-time during galas. Building connections gets boring after a while

Morals mean nothing to him. Following batman around, tim learned humans put a lot of weight on killings and such. It helped with bringing batman back to himself but tim never really saw any point in saving villains and the like. (‘C’mon Dick! Let em die! It’s karma! It’s not murder if we didn’t do anything to save them!’ Tim thought as he calmly and regally explained that that clone was basically him with his mindset)

In a family of detectives, Tim barely even tried to hide nature. Having the ability to turn invisible at any point in time with his magic, Tim plays a game with the Bats that only he knows they are playing. Which is; Find out what is wrong with Tim! Featuring! Tim himself!

Dragons are beautiful. It’s no wonder girls were so willing to change themselves to fit his type. While Tim does like that he is pulling, he could do without all the forced kisses, he’s not really the romantic type most of the time.

Superboy and Impulse never died. What do you mean they died? They didn’t.

Everyone else still died though.

Sometimes, dragons like to hibernate. Sometimes, Tim’s family and friends get worried because he has now reached hour 23 of uninterupted sleep. They think Tim has some kind of illness when he doesn’t wake up no matter how hard they try.

No one can hack through Tim’s firewalls. No one but Tim himself. And master hackers who has a Sorcerer or Sorceress Supreme on speed dial. (His dragon magic is a very good asset in his technology ventures)

His appearance as a dragon is very very VERY majestic. Sometimes, he likes to scare wizards and witches in the Wizard world with his sudden appearance. (Dragon appearances are rare, almost all records are only about Tim too)

He likes to tweet. Most of his tweets are just him making fun of the Waynes. (He is a hater at heart. He will always be.)

[pagannatural]

2.07 The Usual Suspects

-Sam being interrogated about Dean is so so good because we get to see Sam being told that his brother is a scumbag criminal and the way he reacts by rolling his eyes like he’s heard this before. It’s almost like seeing a teenage version of Sam. The detective keeps telling him to throw Dean under the bus and the whole time he’s just giving attitude and plotting how to help Dean and work the case. He keeps looking out the window. Some of his reactions are raw and some are fake and some are both and his mind is running through his options assessing what to do and how to get out of this.

When confronted with the cliff notes on his and Dean’s life, Sam runs the gamut of emotion from sad and grief-stricken about Jessica to defending Dean and acting all scandalized to being a smartass, to whatever the hell this is when she says “it’s not your fault he’s your brother, we can’t pick our family”

The double meaning here. The not meeting her eyes, the tension on his face, the disdain. It’s giving Bitch don’t I fucking know it, yet I would choose him a thousand times and every time I would be a little bit miserable. “It’s not your fault he’s your brother, we can’t pick our [soul mates]” is probably what God tells him in his most comforting dreams.

-So the detective’s theory is what? That after a shared sordid serial killer childhood Sam escaped the life and then Dean murdered Sam’s girlfriend in a house fire to lure him back in and make him his crime wife?

Because I mean yeah I would read that AU. That fits their vibe pretty nicely.

-She says “Dean’s a bad guy….his life is over, yours doesn’t have to be” and Sam looks at her like that’s the dumbest thing he has ever heard.

She doesn’t know that they become sickly and depressed when they’re apart like a pair of bonded sewer kittens.

When she tells him he can get on with his life and Dean’s as good as gone you can almost see him tuning her out and calculating how to lie about this.

-Sam starts on his cover story, using his trademark Sweet-Innocent face. He relies on his charms and on appearing helpless to manipulate people into doing what he wants. He would’ve learned to do this when he was a child as a survival skill, and I can just imagine how well this complemented Dean’s tough but earnest seduction thing. Acting sweet and helpless when you’re actually savvy and resourceful is a trope commonly used in female characters. These traits (innocence, sweetness, feigned helplessness) are associated with women gaining/utilizing agency in the ways available to them.

Because narratively, Sam is the girl. It’s stuff like this, plus the way he’s depicted as Dean’s tempting damsel in distress in other episodes. It increases the sexual tension between Sam and Dean when they rely on these archetypes because we know what it means when two leads are masculine and feminine, when they need each other and the plot hinges on their conflict. It means they’re the love interests.

-Dean makes a joke about Sam being Scully, and Sam’s like I’m not Scully you’re Scully, and Dean says “No I’m Mulder. You’re a red headed woman.” Really spelling it out.

Dean is smirking and making prolonged eye contact and just— he’s flirting. There’s a Bruce Springsteen song titled “Red Headed Woman” about how “it takes a red headed woman to get a dirty job done.” I have no idea if this is what Dean’s referencing or if it’s just a Scully reference but it’s a very specific thing to say and Sam is brunette. The song is very suggestive.

-Dean HATES waiting around while Sam works. Within seconds he becomes insufferable and has to leave to go do something, flirting with Sam again on his way out.

-“Sam’s story matches Dean’s to the last detail” they didn’t even SEE each other before talking to police! They’re just so connected that they tell the same exact story. Then they both work on the case in their separate interrogation rooms using different methods and arrive at the same conclusion at the same time. They also make the same joke about their public defender.

-I keep seeing this post about who knew Dean better, Sam or Castiel, and I just want to point out that these two are so in sync they can essentially read each others minds.

-We have an outsider perspective on their lives and relationship a few times this episode, and the detectives comment more than once on how weirdly connected the brothers are. Like, Dean communicates to Sam via movie reference to escape and Sam is already all over that, he’s been assessing how to climb out the window since his first scene.

-Dean tells the detective to go to Sam so that Sam can save her life, giving her their info on “how we find each other when we’re separated.” That’s very practical. It’s also true that when they aren’t together they are obsessed with finding each other and making sure they know exactly where the other is at all times. They must have felt so untethered when Sam was at Stanford. I’m imagining Sam going on a little trip over spring break and feeling like he’s forgetting something really important and starting to panic only to realize it’s just that Dean won’t know where he is.

[arkangelo-7]

Okay, but Bruce Wayne plays chess. And you can pry this hc out of my cold dead hands.

Remember that Bruce Wayne is the tactical genius behind the Justice League’s success. Strategical maneuvering is his thing. And on top of that, he’s excellent at reading people. (He didn’t earn the title of the World’s Greatest Detective just because he’s pretty—he earned it because he’s so fucking good at figuring out how people think).

Chess is the hellchild of both tactical strategy and extreme observation. Any chess master worth his rooks utilizes both of these disciplines—because chess, at its heart, is a game about using complicated moves to outsmart another person.

So naturally Bruce fucking loves it.

It’s, like, the only board game he’ll actually play. Yes, he’ll sit through a round of Bananagrams with Steph or Scrabble with Jason or (one time) Bop It with Dick, but he mostly does that for the kids and doesn’t put much of his brainpower into it. But chess? Bruce won’t half-ass it. He will eviscerate you.

No. Mercy.

Because other than the Riddler’s occasional break outs from Arkham, chess is the closest thing to a brain teaser that Bruce can feasible get. (His brain works way too fast for those ones you can find online and solving murder cases a little too depressing to be any fun, even if they’re particularly hard to crack.) For him, chess is fun in a way a lot of games just aren’t.

He’s forced all the Batkids to learn it. It’s like unofficial hazing in Wayne Manor—once you know chess, you’re basically a part of the family. But most of the kids don’t like it all that much; Dick can’t sit through it, Jason got too frustrated, Damian was taught by Ra’s and now hates chess by extension, and Steph, Duke, and Cass don’t see the point if they know they’ll never actually be able to beat Bruce.

So they all hate it—except for Barbra and Tim.

Barbra is the only one to have beaten Bruce while he was at the top of his game. Her mind moves like a computer and she counter-attached his strategy before Bruce could even compute what was happening. Now they play every other Wednesday.

Tim got his ass handed to him the first few times he played Bruce, but took that as a challenge. He ended up going on an entire side-quest with Young Justice to uncover some hidden chess manual just so he could have a leg up on Bruce—but Bruce is still just a little bit better. Now, whenever they play, the matches last up to 20+ hours and neither of them will say a word the entire time.

So, yeah. Bruce plays chess.

[briarmoon1015]

Have some headcanons of the league being genuine friends with Bruce to combat all the aus and headcanons that the league know nothing about him and his family :))

Barry and Bruce get along super well. Bruce and Barry often compare cases and love talking about detective stuff together. Both go to each other to geek out about cases, more so Barry than Bruce, but either way they enjoy it. They are also the most introverted on the team, so they often will have moments when they need a break and find the other doing the same thing. They both find a lot of comfort in silently being able to enjoy each other’s company. Dick and Wally get along so well because Bruce and Barry were always down to hang out with each other.

Hal and Bruce obviously don’t get along super great, but they respect each other massively. Bruce actually took advice from Hal about the Batplane, and has even let him fly it. Their birthdays are also a day apart, so the league often throws shared parties for them. They have a friendly competition to see who can make a better cake everytime. They both lose, of course, because neither are good at baking. Luckily Barry doesn’t seem to mind finishing them off for everyone else.

Diana is very close to Bruce as well, but out of everyone, is mostly likely to actually touch him without losing a finger. Diana has a habit of picking up the closest person when excited and swinging them around, and when Bruce happened to be said person, all the other leaguers nearly lost it. They are also each others favorite sparring partners, as they both feel as if they learn something new every time.

Clark and Bruce are clearly besties, but are super competitive with one another. They often compete to get each other better gifts, Clark’s being insanely thoughtful, and Bruce’s being insanely expensive, as well as trying to mess with the other while at work. Clark will help the daily planet write about how Batman fell off a roof during a league battle, Bruce will post on Twitter every time Clark makes a spelling mistake. It’s all in good fun, but the league totally takes advantage of it to get the two off their backs.

J’onn is also one of Bruce’s favorites. It took a while for Bruce to warm up to J’onn, mostly because the mind reading thing put him on edge, but as soon as Bruce saw the tactile advantage, he was all over it. J’onn loves exploring Earths culture, and often enjoys watching movies with Bruce, who is somewhat of a movie buff for the classics. Bruce’s tendency to over analysis them is very enduring for J’onn, as the constant chattering is informational, as well as remind him of the constant telepathy on Mars.

Oliver and Bruce have known each other the longest, as their families wealth has caused them to run into each other before they were heroes. They often like to tag up at undercover missions and during business deals, as the familiarity is quite nice, especially in such a secretive occupation. Being able to cancel a meeting because Scarecrow just decided to go gas downtown Gotham is much easier to explain when your business partner gets it. They also have a one sided competition, but it’s only on Oliver’s side. He ties hard to outclass Batman both as Queen Industry’s and as Green Arrow, but it never seems to work. However, Oliver is a surprisingly good sport about it.

Dinah is one of Bruce’s other favorite sparring partners. Her skill is similar to his, and fighting someone who also can’t lift up a bus is a nice change of pace from time to time. Dinah often tries to tell him gossip, of which Bruce always denies wanting to hear, but gives in quite quickly. Often times people chalk up Bruce knowing what’s going on as him being Batman, but he’s actually just getting the information from Canary, who is much better at reading social cues than him. He knows when he needs to outsource lol.

[storyscribeforthesentiment]

the detective & the dark knight | chapter 3

Summary: Detective Marie Manning, investigating a series of brutal murders in Gotham, crosses paths with the mysterious Batman. As they work together, their mutual respect turns into a deep, passionate bond. Amidst danger and corruption, their unlikely partnership evolves into a profound love, forever changing their lives in Gotham’s dark corners.

Pairing: Batman/Bruce Wayne x f! main character

Author’s note: Enjoy a fun gala, a smitten Bruce, and a fiercely charming detective! 

Word count: 5k

Warnings/tags: mentions of murder

The Batmobile’s engine purred low beneath him, the city blurring past in streaks of neon and shadow. Gotham was restless tonight, but for once, its chaos felt distant—muted under the weight of something else.

Bruce tightened his grip on the wheel. His mind wasn’t where it should be.

He’d spent years honing his focus, training himself to see only the mission, to drown out anything that didn’t serve his purpose. Distractions were dangerous. Letting people in was dangerous. He had learned that lesson too many times.

So why couldn’t he stop thinking about her?

Detective Marie Manning.

It had started as something small—a passing observation, a flicker of admiration when she stood her ground in a firefight or when she brushed off Falcone’s bribe without a second thought, the kind that most Gotham cops would take without hesitation.

Then, without him realizing, she had become part of his nights. Their conversations stretched longer. Their teamwork grew sharper. She was relentless in her pursuit of justice, unflinching in ways that reminded him—painfully—of himself.

But it wasn’t just that.

She made him feel… less alone.

And until now—until her—he hadn’t realized how goddamn lonely he truly was.

Bruce exhaled sharply, pushing the thought away.

The Batmobile rolled into the cave, its headlights cutting through the darkness. He shut off the engine but didn’t move, staring ahead at the towering screens displaying Gotham’s pulse—crime reports, city maps, the never-ending web of corruption.

He should be analyzing the data, planning his next move. But instead, he was thinking about Marie.

She had a way of pulling him out of himself, out of the solitude he had buried himself in for years. And that should concern him. He had built walls for a reason. Yet, she slipped through the cracks with ease, like she had always belonged there.

He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the wheel.

Was it just the case? Was it just the way she worked—sharp, methodical, unrelenting? Or was it something else entirely?

Alfred’s voice drifted down from the upper levels. He was preparing Bruce’s tux for the gala tonight, a high-profile event meant to support the Gotham City Police Department.

At least, that was the official reason.

In truth, he had planned the entire thing for one reason: Marie.

He wanted to meet her—really meet her. Not as Batman. Not as a faceless figure in the dark. But as Bruce Wayne.

He wanted to look her in the eyes without the cowl between them, to talk to her without the weight of the Red Lotus case pressing down on every word. To see if the connection he felt with her in the shadows could exist in the light.

It was reckless. He knew that.

But for the first time in a long time, he wanted something for himself.

—-------------------------------

Later that evening, Bruce stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his tuxedo. The crisp black suit fit him perfectly, sharp and immaculate, a carefully curated disguise.

He ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it back with practiced ease. The billionaire persona came as naturally as slipping into the Batsuit—both were armor, just of a different kind.

One was built from Kevlar, designed to withstand bullets and blades. The other was crafted from silk and tailored perfection, meant to deflect questions, keep people at a distance.

But tonight, for the first time in a long time, Bruce wasn’t thinking about playing a role.

He was thinking about Marie.

He had spent years ensuring that Bruce Wayne and Batman existed in separate worlds. Anyone he met as Batman never crossed into his life as Bruce. It was a boundary that kept him safe, that kept others safe.

And yet, he had invited Marie Manning into this world—first as an ally in the shadows, now as someone he wanted to know beyond the Red Lotus case.

Alfred’s voice cut through his thoughts.

“Everything is set for the gala, Master Bruce. You seem particularly invested in tonight’s event.”

Bruce glanced at him in the reflection of the mirror, adjusting his tie. “It’s important.”

Alfred hummed knowingly. “Ah, yes. Quite the noble cause.”

Bruce smirked. “Gotham’s police force deserves support.”

Alfred didn’t look convinced. “Of course. And I’m sure this has absolutely nothing to do with a certain detective who’s been occupying more of your late-night patrols.”

Bruce exhaled, shaking his head, but there was no real protest. Alfred always saw straight through him.

“I just want to see her,” Bruce admitted after a pause, the words feeling heavier than he expected. “Not as Batman. Not in the middle of an interrogation or a crime scene. Just… as me.”

Alfred’s gaze softened, but he said nothing for a long moment. Then, finally, he gave a small nod. “Then I suggest you make it count.”

Bruce finished adjusting his suit, taking one last look in the mirror.

Tonight wasn’t about Wayne Enterprises. It wasn’t about the charity, or the speeches, or the carefully staged photos for the press.

It was about Marie.

—-------------------------------

The soft hum of the elevator filled the silence as it ascended toward the penthouse floor of Wayne Enterprises, its sleek interior lined with dark wood panels and mirrors that reflected the glow of the golden lights overhead. 

Marie adjusted the strap of her gown, feeling the smooth satin against her fingertips as she stared at her reflection.

The deep emerald dress shimmered under the soft light, the fitted bodice and flowing skirt making her look made her feel like she was attending a fairy tale ball, not a GCPD fundraiser gala.

She tugged at the neckline absentmindedly, uncomfortable with how much skin it revealed compared to her usual buttoned-up work attire. Her hair, styled in loose waves, felt unfamiliar resting against her bare shoulders.

Behind her, Commissioner Gordon grumbled under his breath, fumbling with his tie. “Remind me again why these events start so late? I’d rather be in bed by now.”

“Because rich people think glamour is a substitute for good time management,” Marie quipped, turning to him.

"Please, for my sake, don't start now." Gordon said sternly, though she could tell by his smirk that he was teasing.

Her red lips curled into a sly smile. “Don’t worry, Commissioner. I’ll stay just long enough to steal a handful of popcorn shrimp, flirt with a few millionaires, and vanish before someone starts asking me for donations.”

Gordon snorted, finally getting the tie in place. “Don’t get too comfortable. We’re here to as representatives of GCPD to make connections with Gotham’s elite. And for God’s sake, don’t scare off the donors.”

“I’ll behave,” Marie said, raising her hands in mock surrender.

The elevator chimed softly as it slowed to a stop, the light above the door indicating they’d reached the penthouse. The gilded doors slid open, revealing a grand foyer leading into the opulent gala.

The distant murmur of laughter drifted toward them, promising a long night ahead.

Marie glanced at Gordon, her smile fading into a resigned expression. “Well, here goes nothing.”

Gordon gave her a nod, stepping forward. “Welcome to Gotham’s version of diplomacy.”

Marie followed him out, smoothing her gown once more as they entered the gilded world of Gotham’s elite.

They stepped into the grand ballroom, where the murmur of polished conversation mingled with the clinking of glasses. The scent of expensive perfume and freshly polished wood filled the air.

Crystal chandeliers cast warm, golden light across the room, highlighting the sea of glittering gowns and tailored suits.

Marie’s eyes swept the crowd, trying to shake the sense that she didn’t belong here.

Her gaze landed on Bruce Wayne standing on the opposite side of the room, surrounded by admirers, his sharp tuxedo emphasizing his broad shoulders and easy confidence. He looked like he belonged—like he owned the room, which, technically, he did.

As their eyes met, Bruce’s polished socialite mask flickered, replaced by something warmer. He excused himself and crossed the room with effortless grace, his smile softening as he approached.

Marie had heard all the stories about Bruce Wayne—the billionaire playboy who bought hotels as casually as most people bought groceries, and whose exploits with women graced every tabloid in Gotham.

He was undeniably handsome, with piercing blue eyes and a jawline that seemed carved from marble, but she prided herself on seeing through the charm.

There was something too practiced, too rehearsed about him. Bruce Wayne was a man who used his allure like a weapon, and she wasn’t about to fall for it.

“Detective Manning,” Bruce’s voice was warm and genuine as he approached, his admiration unmistakable. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.” His eyes lingered, taking in the gown and the way her hair cascaded perfectly. He’d always found her striking, even in her everyday detective attire, but tonight, she was nothing short of breathtaking.

Marie raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “We’ve never met before, Mr. Wayne.”

Bruce hesitated for a moment, his heart skipping as the slip-up registered. Damn it, Bruce. His mind scrambled for a smooth recovery. “Oh, I must have mistaken you for someone else,” he said quickly, trying to cover his tracks. Smooth. Real fucking smooth. “But it’s wonderful to meet you now.”

Marie tilted her head, studying him for a moment before offering a polite smile and extending her hand. “Likewise.”

Gordon stepped in, his voice gruff but cordial. “Mr. Wayne, thank you for hosting this gala. It’s a great support for the department.”

“Anything for Gotham’s finest,” Bruce replied smoothly, flashing that charming smile. “I hope you’ll both enjoy your time tonight.”

As Bruce moved to greet other guests, Marie leaned toward Gordon, her voice low but teasing. “I can see why he’s Gotham’s most eligible bachelor. That guy could make a mannequin blush.”

Gordon smirked, shaking his head. “He’s a looker, all right, but don’t let the charm go to your head. We’re here to network, not swoon.”

Marie drifted toward the appetizer table, snagging a shrimp and popping it into her mouth. The buttery flavor melted against her tongue, momentarily grounding her amidst the glittering chaos of the gala.

Around her, Gotham’s elite were draped in designer suits and gowns, their jewels catching the golden light of the grand chandelier above.

The sound of conversation mixed with laughter and a string quartet playing classical music, creating a polished but superficial symphony of wealth and power.

Her focus wavered as snippets of conversation floated toward her from a nearby group standing at the bar.

“Batman’s nothing more than a glorified thug in a cape,” a man drawled, his voice heavy with smugness. “The city would be safer if he retired and left law enforcement to the professionals. Gotham doesn't need a man in black tights prancing around the city to fight criminals."

Marie’s jaw tightened, her fingers clenching around the delicate stem of her champagne flute.

Her gaze flicked toward the group—a cluster of men and women who clearly enjoyed the sound of their own voices. The speaker, a balding man with a shiny Rolex and an overconfident smirk, leaned casually against the bar as the others nodded in agreement.

“Exactly,” a woman chimed in, her diamond necklace sparkling as she gestured animatedly. “He’s just as much a criminal as the ones he claims to stop. The only difference is he wears a mask.”

The words stung more than they should have, twisting something deep in Marie’s chest.

She’d seen the dark corners of Gotham they would never dare step foot in. The assaults, overdoses, robberies-turned-murder. Without Batman, she knew the city would crumble.

Unable to ignore it any longer, she stepped closer, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. “With all due respect,” she interjected, her tone even but laced with steel, “I’ve worked with Batman. He’s not just ‘running around unchecked.’ He’s doing the work that your so-called professionals can’t—or won’t. Without him, Gotham would be a hell of a lot worse off.”

The group turned to her, their faces a mixture of surprise and irritation.

The balding man straightened, his expression hardening. “And you are…?” he asked, his voice dripping with condescension.

“Detective Manning,” she replied sharply, meeting his gaze without flinching. “And trust me, Gotham needs him. You might not like his methods, but you can’t deny his results. While you’re sipping champagne in a penthouse, he’s out there saving lives.”

The group exchanged uneasy glances, some murmuring awkward excuses to step away. The balding man, however, chuckled, his arrogance unshaken. “Passionate, aren’t we?”

Before Marie could retort, Gordon appeared at her side, his expression calm but his presence commanding. “Detective Manning is right,” he said smoothly, fixing the man with a pointed look. “It’s easy to criticize from up here. Try walking the Narrows at night and then tell us Batman isn’t needed.”

The man opened his mouth to respond but seemed to think better of it, muttering something under his breath before turning away.

Marie exhaled, realizing her heart was pounding.

They retreated to a nearby corner as she glanced at Gordon, her voice low. “I might’ve overstepped.”

“Maybe,” Gordon replied with a faint smirk, handing her a fresh glass of champagne. “But sometimes, people need to hear the truth. Even if they don’t want to.”

She allowed herself a small smile, her earlier tension easing. “Guess I’m not great at playing nice with the rich.”

“Being a detective doesn't involve playing nice,” Gordon said, his voice firm but kind. “You do it because you care. Don’t ever apologize for that.”

A few paces away, Bruce overheard the conversation and couldn’t help but listen as Marie spoke up for Batman. He watched her stand her ground, her tone firm and confident as she defended him. He felt a wave of gratitude, impressed by her conviction. She didn’t back down, and it made him respect her even more.

The evening continued on, dragging Marie deeper into a sea of mindless small talk with a Gotham socialite who seemed more interested in discussing the latest charity events than anything else.

Marie found herself trapped in a conversation with an older woman whose idea of an interesting story seemed to revolve around her charity galas and the latest trend in the city's high-society fashion. Drenched in sequins and pearls, the woman prattled on, oblivious to Marie’s growing disinterest.

Marie nodded politely, but her mind was already drifting. She found herself searching the room for any distraction, her eyes scanning for something, anything, to pull her out of the current conversation.

That’s when her gaze landed on Bruce Wayne, who, despite his polished and composed exterior, seemed lost in his own world.

He was surrounded by several guests, all speaking to him, but there was a noticeable disconnect in his posture, as if he were merely going through the motions of the conversation without truly being present. His eyes drifted aimlessly over the crowd, and Marie could tell his thoughts were miles away.

His eyes met hers across the room, and for a moment, the noise around her seemed to fade. She gave him a faint, knowing smile, feeling a quiet connection, before quickly returning her attention to the socialite, whose voice was now getting even higher-pitched.

“...and then, I told the decorator that if the theme wasn’t perfectly executed, I would—”

Marie’s attention snapped back to Bruce, her thoughts frantic for a way out. She gave a barely noticeable sigh, her fingers tapping nervously on her champagne flute. Bruce, as if sensing her frustration, stepped away from his conversation and glided smoothly over to her.

“Detective Manning,” Bruce’s voice cut through the monotony, warm and genuine as he approached. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I was hoping I could steal you for a moment.” He offered his arm with a polite, but playful, smile.

Marie politely excused herself from the conversation with the socialite. "It was a pleasure talking to you," she said, her voice smooth and practiced. She turned away, the need to escape almost palpable as she quickly moved toward Bruce and grabbed his outstretched arm. As they walked away, she leaned toward him and whispered, "Though, in fact, it was not a pleasure."

Bruce chuckled softly, the sound rich with amusement. "I had a feeling." he said, his eyes glinting with the humor that always seemed to linger just beneath the surface of his composure.

As they walked toward the sliding glass doors that led out to the balcony, Marie cast a sidelong glance at Bruce. Her eyes narrowed with playful suspicion. “So, was this an actual invitation or just a polite excuse to bail out?”

Bruce’s grin widened, a flash of mischief in his eyes. “A little bit of both,” he admitted, holding the door open for her.

As they stepped through, the cool night air hit them, the gentle breeze a stark contrast to the stuffy heat of the ballroom behind them.

The city sprawled below, glittering in the darkness with lights reflecting off the glass of the towering buildings. Bruce led her toward the railing, his hand brushing lightly against the small of her back, guiding her into the space. The view was breathtaking, but Marie’s focus was on the man beside her.

A waiter passed by just then, balancing a tray of drinks. Bruce paused, quickly grabbing two glasses. As the waiter moved off, Bruce handed her a drink, his fingers grazing hers just slightly, sending a spark through her.

Marie accepted it with a raised eyebrow, amused by the gesture. She took a sip, feeling the refreshing coolness slide down her throat.

Bruce leaned casually against the balcony railing, his drink dangling from his fingertips as he gazed out over the city’s glittering skyline. “You handled yourself pretty well in there,” he said, his tone deliberately light, almost too casual, as if trying a bit too hard to sound like a man who wasn’t Batman. “All that talk about the Bat didn’t seem to rattle you.”

Marie took another sip, raising an eyebrow at him. “Oh, you heard that?”

Bruce’s grin deepened, his gaze turning toward her. “Well, it’s not like you whispered it.” He said, teasingly.

Marie gave a small smile, and Bruce continued, “But I liked that you stood up for him. It’s not easy to stand up for some guy that swings around in a cape.”

She shrugged lightly, her gaze drifting toward the busy streets below. “It’s easy to speak up when you know you’re right.”

Bruce’s smile softened as he studied her, the light from the city below catching the faint glimmer in his eyes. “I don’t think a lot of people would’ve had the guts to say what you did.”

She tilted her head, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Well, thank you for saving me from getting stuck with that woman talking about Bezos’s latest home renovation ideas. I was about to lose it in there.”

Bruce chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “Sometimes, escaping from these people is the best part of the evening.”

Marie laughed, her head tipping back, her laughter light and free. Bruce couldn’t help but stare for a moment, his gaze drawn to the way the moonlight seemed to highlight her features, her joy infectious.

“I couldn’t agree more,” she said, the smile still playing on her lips as she glanced back at him.

Bruce’s expression turned a little more serious as he pushed himself off the railing. “You know, I’m honestly still trying to figure out how to survive these events without losing my mind.”

Marie raised an eyebrow, teasing. “Bruce Wayne, Gotham’s golden boy, doesn't have the stamina for galas? Color me shocked.”

Bruce gave a soft laugh, his gaze thoughtful as he took another sip of his drink. “You’d be surprised. I don’t spend most of my nights in a stuffy suit like this.”

She chuckled, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Oh, I’m sure you usually spend your nights with a pretty lady by your side, or jet setting off to some tropical paradise, right?”

Bruce’s grin widened. “Something like that,” he said, a playful tone in his voice. He glanced at her, clearly amused by her persistence.

They stood in a comfortable silence for a few moments, the noise of the city and faint sounds of the ballroom blending together into a quiet hum.

Bruce’s gaze lingered on Marie, an intrigued expression forming on his face as he spoke again. “So, what’s a detective like you doing at an event like this? You don’t exactly strike me as the gala type.”

Marie sighed, her shoulders relaxing as she leaned against the railing next to him, her eyes scanning the streets far below. “I appreciate that. Honestly, I’m just here because Gordon wanted me to make an appearance. It’s good for the department, and I’ve been working so many nights lately. Thought I could use a break from chasing down leads. But, now that I’m here, I’d rather be back at the station.”

She let her gaze linger on the skyline for a moment before a thought flickered in her mind: Or maybe not the station. Maybe wherever Batman is, chasing down leads with him. A faint smile tugged at her lips, but she quickly masked it, unsure of where the thought had come from—or what it meant.

Bruce’s brow furrowed slightly, but then his expression softened. “I get it. These events are all about image, and I throw them because it’s good for Wayne Enterprises. But honestly, I’d rather be anywhere else too.”

Marie’s eyes widened, surprised by his honesty. She studied him for a moment, the pieces of the puzzle slowly fitting together in her mind. “You’re not like I expected, Mr. Wayne.”

Bruce’s smile turned gentle, a glimmer of something genuine in his eyes. “Bruce," he corrected, his voice gentle.

“Bruce,” Marie repeated, the teasing smile on her lips softer now, almost thoughtful.

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the cool breeze mixing with the distant hum of Gotham’s nightlife.

Marie’s eyes drifted toward the streets below, and she pointed to a small diner on the corner, its neon sign flickering weakly.

“You see that place?” she asked, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “My dad used to take me there every morning before school. It was kind of a ritual. He’d have his coffee, and I’d get chocolate chip pancakes. Extra chocolate chips, of course.” Her smile grew as the memory took over. “It’s all run-down now, but... it’s funny how certain places stay with you, even when everything else changes.”

Bruce followed her gaze, his eyes narrowing as he took in the diner. For a moment, it felt like the city around them disappeared, as if he, too, was lost in the memory she was sharing.

“Chocolate chip pancakes,” he murmured, almost to himself, his voice taking on a nostalgic note.

Marie blinked, then looked at him, surprised. “You've been there?”

Bruce nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah. My dad used to take me there, too. I never wanted anything else. Just the pancakes, with extra chips.” His tone softened as he glanced at her. “It was one of those little things that felt like it meant the entire world back then.”

Marie’s eyes widened slightly, a soft laugh escaping her. “Are you serious? That’s... kind of crazy.”

Bruce chuckled, his gaze still lingering on the diner. “Yeah, small world, huh? I guess those little moments... they stick with you. No matter how much things change.”

She tilted her head, studying him for a beat. “Funny how a diner can be so tied up in memories, even if it’s not the same anymore.”

Bruce smiled, a hint of quiet understanding in his eyes. “Yeah, it doesn’t lose its meaning, even when it’s worn down.”

Marie smiled back, her heart warm from the unexpected connection. “Guess we both have our own little piece of that place.”

For a moment, they stood in companionable silence, the shared memory settling between them. It felt like a subtle shift, an invisible thread pulling them closer, making the night feel just a little bit more intimate.

The moment stretched between them, the city lights below flickering like memories of a simpler time. But before they could linger in it any longer, a voice called out from behind them, interrupting their quiet conversation.

“Mr. Wayne! It’s time to give your speech!”

Bruce's expression flickered with reluctance, his gaze flickering from Marie to the person calling for him. He hesitated for a moment, obviously not wanting to leave.

Marie, sensing his hesitation, gave him a reassuring smile. “It’s okay. I should probably find Gordon anyway. He’s probably wondering where I’ve disappeared to.”

Bruce’s shoulders relaxed, though he still didn’t move right away. His gaze softened as he met her eyes. “You sure?”

Marie nodded, placing her hand gently on his arm. “I’m sure. Go give your speech. And try not to make it too long, alright?” She teased.

Bruce chuckled, his expression lightening. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep it brief.”

She turned toward the balcony doors but paused, turning back to face him. Her smile was warm, genuine. “Thanks for letting me take part in your escape tonight. It was nice to have a breather.”

Bruce’s expression softened, a sincere smile crossing his face. Before he could second-guess himself, he spoke. “You know, if you’re up for it, I’d love to see you again.”

Marie raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Yeah?”

Bruce’s eyes twinkled with mischief, his grin widening. “How about this: next time we meet, it won’t be at one of these galas. I’ll take you somewhere a little more... personal. How does dinner sound? No gossipy socialites—just good food and better company.”

Marie’s lips curled into a teasing smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Are you asking me out on a date, Mr. Wayne?”

Bruce’s grin deepened, his playful energy undeterred. “Absolutely. I promise, it’ll be a lot more enjoyable than this.”

Marie laughed softly, the sound light and genuine. “Dinner sounds perfect. I’ll hold you to that.” She glanced back at the gala, then met his gaze once more. “But for now, I should probably head back before my boss thinks I’ve gone rogue and stolen the shrimp cocktail.”

Bruce nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer, his voice soft. “I’m really glad you came.”

Marie met his gaze, her smile softening as the moment settled between them. “Me too.”

—-------------------------------

The Batmobile cut through the darkness of Gotham’s streets, its engine a low, steady hum against the backdrop of the city's nighttime noises.

Batman’s thoughts were focused on the case at hand—the Red Lotus, which had become a grim symbol in a string of recent murders. The call about the latest crime scene had come in just hours after the gala ended.

Arriving at the scene, Batman saw Marie already there, her gala dress now replaced by more practical work attire—a long, dark jacket over a button-down shirt and beige trousers. Her hair and makeup, however, were still immaculate from the evening's event.

Batman approached, his cape billowing slightly in the wind. “Detective Manning,” he said, his voice steady and authoritative.

“Don’t comment on my overdone hair and makeup. I just came from a gala at Wayne Enterprises,” Marie said, rolling her eyes. “What’s the situation?”

Batman nodded towards the body sprawled on the ground, the red lotus tattoo glaringly prominent on the victim’s skin. “The brand is more elaborate than the previous cases. It’s designed to make a statement, and it’s clearly linked to Falcone.”

Marie crouched beside the victim, carefully examining the tattoo. “Yeah, this looks more like an actual tattoo than a brand. What’s the deal with this guy?”

Batman leaned in, scrutinizing the victim’s features. “He’s one of Falcone’s men. I’ve seen him in the records. It looks like Falcone’s sending a message or trying to provoke a reaction.”

Marie looked up from her inspection. “Shit, this is too on-the-nose. Is Falcone really messing with us, or is someone else setting him up? It’s almost too easy to connect him to this.”

Batman scanned the scene, his eyes moving over the surroundings. “It’s possible someone is framing Falcone. The timing and the details are too convenient. We need to dig deeper to find out if he’s behind this or if someone else is manipulating the situation.”

Marie stood up, brushing off her hands. “I’ll see if any of the officers found anything else that might give us a clue. Maybe someone saw or heard something that could point us in the right direction.”

Batman pulled out a compact device to check nearby surveillance footage. “I’ll review the footage for anything that might give us a lead on who was here before the police arrived.”

As they worked, their focus was sharp and methodical. Batman and Marie meticulously analyzed every detail, their conversation flowing easily despite the grim circumstances.

Marie glanced around the scene, her frustration evident. “We’re running in circles if this is just another game Falcone’s playing. If it’s a setup, the real perpetrator is smart enough to make it look like Falcone’s doing it.”

Batman nodded, his eyes never leaving the crime scene. "We need to find out who would benefit from framing Falcone. It’s possible that someone is using his name to cover their tracks.”

Marie nodded in agreement. “I’ll run a check on known associates and rivals back at the precinct. Someone could be trying to take advantage of the chaos Falcone’s name causes.”

Batman’s gaze shifted back to the body. “I’ll dig into the connections between Falcone’s operations and any recent incidents. We need to understand the motive behind this to figure out who’s really behind it.”

They both continued studying the scene, with Batman standing a few feet away from Marie, using one of his devices to research Falcone's men.

His voice cut through the tension with a cool, casual tone. “How about the gala? Did you happen to overhear anything that might connect to the case?”

Bruce knew she probably hadn't gained much intel from the gala, but he hoped to gauge whether she had enjoyed herself—and their time on the balcony together.

Marie’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Batman, then she smirked, her tone a little lighter. "Oh, the gala? Yeah, it was a lot of pointless small talk and rich people bullshit. But I did meet Bruce Wayne." She paused, letting it hang for a second, a hint of mischief in her voice. "You know, the billionaire?"

Bruce’s mind was momentarily distracted by the name. Bruce Wayne. His name. But he couldn’t let on that he’d already met her at the gala. He couldn’t afford to let his mask slip.

“I’ve heard of him,” Batman replied coolly, keeping his tone neutral.

She went on, “I mean, not that it’s relevant. I just—he was, you know, doing the whole billionaire thing, schmoozing with everyone. I didn’t exactly hear anything useful about our case. Just a lot of chatter about yachts and overpriced wine.”

Marie’s gaze softened a bit as she looked off, a smile tugging at her lips. “He was actually kind of charming,” she said, her voice drifting off as if she was getting a little lost in the thought. She shook her head as if to snap out of it. “It was all the usual bullshit at those things, but he was surprisingly down-to-earth for a billionaire.”

The compliment caught Bruce off guard, and something warm spread through him. He had to push it down, keep his expression even, the mask firmly in place. Focus, Wayne.

“Sounds nice,” he said, his voice flat, keeping his emotions tightly in check.

Marie tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes. “I bet you’ve never been to a party like that,” she teased. “I can’t see you mingling with that type of crowd. You’d probably stand in the corner glaring at everyone.”

Bruce stiffened, but only for a split second. She was right, of course. He didn’t exactly have a social life outside of Batman. But he couldn’t let her know that. Instead, he shot back in his usual deadpan voice, “I prefer quieter environments. Less distractions.”

Marie grinned, clearly satisfied with getting under his skin. “Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night.” She winked, then turned back to the files.

Bruce’s eyes, hidden behind the mask, watched her with an unreadable expression. It took everything in him not to smile at her, or throw a harmless jab back at her. Instead, trying extra hard to maintain his serious demeanor, he responded “So, nothing pertinent about Falcone or the case then?”

Marie blinked, catching herself. Guess he's not in the mood for banter tonight. “No, nothing like that. Sorry, I guess I’m just tired and rambling. It’s been a long night.”

Batman offered a curt nod and started to vanish into the shadows. “Stay safe. I’ll be in touch with any updates.” And about that date, Bruce wished he could say aloud.

[unfortunately-obsessed]

Bruce Wayne | Quality Time

Love languages headcanons

Pairing: Bruce Wayne x reader

Word count: 0.6k | AO3 link 🩵

This man runs a whole conglomerate, dozen different charity foundations, has to play into whatever current political ploy is to earn information, (might have, like, 20 children), is a founding member of the JL, on top of being The Batman and trying to prevent Gotham from imploding – trying to make this unfixable city heal.

He nearly doesn't have enough time for himself – heavens know how many times Alfred shoot him with a horse tranquilizer – and time to you??

All his responsibilities are half the reason why quality time is his love language.

The other half is that he didn't have enough time with his parents. They were snatched from him, a child, and this time (his childhood) is something he'll never be able to have back

Not gonna lie, he's harsh. He won't prioritize you. Not on purpose, not because he doesn't love you, simply because there's people out there that need to be saved. And, after so much time without a proper relationship, maybe Bruce also doesn't know how to cater for you – and because he's way too awkward, too dense to a detective, even if he can play cool at times.

But the tiny things are like love letters:

Strikes to me as the guy that'll be in utterly destroyed, broken ribs and concussion, and still try and get up and have breakfast with you, just to be with you

His personal quiet time is important to him. It helps him organize his thoughts. Yet he'll try to be, at least, in the same room as you.

Bruce will sit on the same room as you, in complete silence, and stay. Maybe you're working and he is there on the couch of your office, sitting with a concussion and sixty percent painkiller, statue-quiet.

I love you, so I'll take the burden of not doing this super important other thing – like resting – to sit with you in silence.

Will stare at you, motionless.

Eventually, you'll learn that this face he's making is lovestruck-ness. Don't comment on it.

And if his love language is all about undivided attention, it means he'll learn how to organize his time to have together time without all the distractions. A walk around the Manor Garden, a quiet dinner in front of the tv, cuddling; might do the trick.

Stays awake to talk with you, even if it's after a case frenzy where he didn't sleep for a week. Crash with him in the couch after a long day.

If I could stay with you here forever, I would. He can't get this words out, a lump on his throat, so he just stay as long as he can

Can't tell me he won't marathon Grey Ghost with you. At the end of every episode will dump on you all the details about the production. It's important that you listen even if you don't find it all interesting. Connection bids, y'know?

Ask him about forensics if you want to know more about the whole Batman deal. Or explain the new additions to the batmobile.

Getting to explain something he loves to someone he loves counts as top-quality time in Bruce's books.

Sometimes will find you just to start explaining a current case he can't crack. Either to see if you have any intelligent idea, but mostly because saying it aloud helps thinking.

And he doesn't know how to have the steady heartfelt conversations, so he'll listen to you talk. About your day, your plans, how much you worry about him, about what you ate today.

A great listener. Will hit you with follow up questions so you can keep talking about what you love. Never talks about him but at this point you know the drill – you have to ask for him to talk.

Regular week preplanned dates. Will do all in his powers to not postpone it. Will be completely heartbroken when this inevitably happens. Will look like a kicked puppy.

He's not distracted with you, all his mental attention on you and you only.

That's it 👍

A/N: If you like what I do, please consider supporting me and buying a coffee!

[yeagerbitchh]

I'm obsessed with the idea of Bruce sneaking in sweet little moments on Dick's childhood. I haven't gotten around to reading any canon material so idk if this happens at all, but I love to headcanon it anyways.

I love to imagine Bruce, in all his batman glory, seeing a little Dick Grayson terrified after a particularly bad case. It was a double murder of a little kid's parents, and they both knew how that felt. Robin was trying to hide it, of course he was, but once it was over and they were back in the mansion his voice wavered the tiniest bit, just enough for Bruce to catch on. He was the world's greatest detective but still, he took too long to understand what his Robin was feeling. Yes, Dick was great at hiding his emotions and putting on a facade, way too good for any 10 year old, but he should have known better, he should have realised that it was too much for him, too soon. It was the guilt and the compassion, and a bit of his dad senses kicking in, but he told Dick that he was tired, way too tired that day, to go over the mission or their mistakes, and they should call it a day, or perhaps he could read Dick a bedtime story first. Dick laughed, of course, said he was too grown up for it, and if he was the one too tired, then maybe Dick should be reading him a story instead, to which Bruce just replied 'I would love that'. Dick was taken by surprise, but did it anyways, and as Bruce layed down, he held the covers up 'so you can be more comfortable' he said, and after Bruce was drifting and Dick was reluctant to get up, he just held him there and said 'thank you chum'

Or maybe Bruce suggesting they could watch the grinch because Robin said they had to have based that movie on Batman after he refused to skip patrol to watch christmas movies on christmas eve. In truth, he had overheard Dick talking to Alfred about how he used to love christmas in the circus and how everyone would gather around and drink hot cocoa (Bruce didn't have that many people to gather around, but he hoped some quality time with him and Alfred would be enough)

Or maybe the time Dick had come home from Wally's house and his dad had just gotten him this super cool games for his birthday and Bruce said he could buy any game he wanted any time but Dick just said there was no need, and Bruce realised he never really gotten any presents for Dick, and Dick had never asked for anything, so he took time to make him something. It was silly, looking back, because he had never actually made anything except for macaroni pictures in kindergarten, and he had felt a bit embarassed handing Dick the small Batman and Robin plushes - he had a lot of help from Alfred and still, they were only recognizable because of the screaming primary colors on Robin's suit - but Dick took it with a smile that warmed Bruce's heart and wouldn't let go for months.

Yes, Bruce is cold and distant and hard to communicate with, but the late night sneaking into the kitchen without Alfred knowing, or skipping a couple hours of patrol to hear his kid's stories, learning how to speak romani so he could understand Dick better and missing a few days at work to take Dick (and Wally, Dick insisted) on a trip somewhere with the excuse that it was 'good for Robin training to know more places and cultures', those spoke the words he lacked and showed how he loved his son.

[donkoogrr]

Do you think Bruce Wayne became written as a worse and worse parent because the idea of what makes a person "Heroic" has changed over the years?

(Cut for rambling)

At the start of Batman comics there was a very clear need for the audience to suspend their disbelief. The comic was very much a story, a reflection of the world where the reader was to be entertained with tales about a strange detective investigating the strange crimes of Gotham City.

Robin was Batman's partner, a new element to the story that appealed to a younger audience. They were a team that brought in a lot of capital. Authors would write heart-rending storylines and at the opposite page there would be a weird cheerful ad for Batman and Robin using fruit pies to stop crime.

Society evolves quickly and our media can struggle to keep up. The notion that children should be protected is a relatively recent one and it makes the inclusion of child heroes become... unpalatable to people. Modern values have changed and so too must the characters.

But applying current social values to the concept of child heroes would erase them.

Their whole existence is to be young and to fight the people who want to hurt them. To be young and be able to protect one's loved ones is a compelling story.

It's not just comic book heroes who fall under this paradox, either. Avatar: The Last Airbender is full of children learning how to fight and die for their world. Percy Jackson is another. Hell, one could even make a case for Warrior Cats. The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew were facing off with murderers just as often as any kid hero.

It's a common and loved story because we've all been children who have had to carve out a place for ourselves in the world.

So the existence of Robin, of child heroes in general, becomes an awkward duality. The character is too profitable to retire. Many people can still suspend disbelief enough to enjoy the story. Other people struggle to accept that a "hero", a "good Dad", could allow his children to fight at his side.

So authors are tasked again and again to try to explain Robin. To excuse the existence of a child hero in a day and age when most responsible adults would freak the fuck out at the idea of a kid going out at night to fight criminals.

And sometimes, more often than many of us would like, they come up with writing Bruce as a bad parent. A bad leader, even. It doesn't help that writers don't often get to have stories published that have significant influence on Batman as a character. He's purposely, perpetually trapped at one starting position for every new story.

Which is a valid take. In my opinion it's uninspired, but I understand the rationale behind it. They're working against a lot of baggage. There's nearly 90 years of culture shift to account for and hundreds of authors. Even the way comics are written now is very different from back then and that also messes with perceptions.

To me, Bruce is a deeply flawed man. He's been a shitty dad, yes, but not because Robin exists. He didn't have a choice with Robin - that was decided by forces beyond his control. I don't know how to judge canon Bruce Wayne; there are genuinely too many stories for me to feel like I have an accurate read on him.

I know that he tries very hard to do good. I know that he has the potential to make better choices and take kinder actions.

I'm not going to hold my breath, though. Even if we get a canon Batman run where he gets therapy and apologizes for his mistakes and past actions, where he has some real, meaningful dialogue with the people he loves... The next writer can ignore that for a more dramatic plot where he acts like a complete drip.

Pick your preferred version and warp canon to fit that guy - it's what DC does.

Thank the goddess for fanfiction.

[confusedhummingbird]

How do you feel about young Justice, Dick Grayson?

Someone said that’s that is the most accurate adaptation of Nightwing or the Nightwing from the live action show.

I feel I have seen a lot of people have used that to justify why dick should not be Batman. And I don’t want to accuse that version of him being a himbo but the play boy angle is blinding.

I admit I'm mixed on him because while he's arguably the best version of Dick/Nightwing some of the character, there are issues. I do like that he is shown to be very capable while still being witty. However I do think they learn a bit too much into making him Batman lite sometimes. It's very tricky because while Dick is very much like Batman he tries his damnedest to fight against being completely like Batman.

Let me see if I can explain it a bit better. Dick himself is of course always in some way gonna be like Batman. He was trained by him for 10 years and for all the flack Batman can get (Some of it is very deserved) he is good at being a fighter and a detective. And Dick uses those skills especially the detective work. But Dick is also a lot more personable. He's able to connect and befriend people much easier than Bruce. And he wants to be his own person and not a carbon copy of Bruce. And sometimes it can be a struggle between going against his more Bat instincts with the more Nightwing trusting in his brain.

And I feel like for example with the invasion they really just made Dick Bruce 2.0. with the secrets and planning. Now some of this makes sense because Dick can be very Batman like and Dick can be manipulative but I feel they went too far and didn't really show his struggle of fighting between being what Bruce taught him to be and being what the Titans(Or YJ in this case) help him learn it's okay to not do everything by Batman's rules.

I'm not sure I explained myself well or if I'm making any sense but I hope I got what I'm trying to say across.

I should add I've only really seen a couple of episodes from the first two seasons and many of it from beyond that clips and gifs so if something has changed from them please let me know.

[ectonurites]

Sorry to bother you, but you seem to know a lot about the comics, and specifically about Tim Drake. I was wondering if you knew off the top of your head when Tim and Steph last canonically dated? Because I see people blaming Meghan Fitzmartin a lot, but I could've sworn that they last broke up before she became Tim's author.

So, the people 'blaming' Meghan Fitzmartin are correct—but I can understand some confusion happening because the breakup occurred off-panel. So like, if you weren't following things closely at the time these books were coming out, it might seem like the first Tim story Fitzmartin wrote was referencing a breakup that already happened somewhere else... but that is not the case.

The other possible confusion point would be that there was an earlier 'break up & get back together' storyline with them in the Rebirth era, a few years before she wrote Tim.

To briefly go over the Rebirth & onward Tim/Steph dating timeline just to clear things up (and I'll be using cover dates just for consistency, so if you want release date subtract two months):

Detective Comics #934-935 August 2016 [written by James Tynion IV] Tim & Steph are established to be dating in Rebirth continuity. We don't see the actual moment they start dating, we're just shown that this is now the situation.

Detective Comics #940 November 2016 [written by James Tynion IV] Tim is 'killed' (he's not really but everyone thinks he is, and he is out of the picture for a while) and thus that effectively pauses any relationship between he and Steph, obviously.

Detective Comics #969 January 2018 [written by James Tynion IV] Tim is back and reveals himself as alive to Steph, and the two of them resume their relationship. After a short timeskip, we then learn that in the aftermath of his return... Tim is not being honest with Steph about his plans (to not go to Ivy like he said he would, to instead continue hero-ing indefinitely).

Detective Comics #970 February 2018 [written by James Tynion IV] Tim & Steph start to have some tension here because of how he's overworking himself, how he's handling things with her, and there's a moment where she says she's leaving, he asks if she means 'The Belfrey, the team, or me?' and she says 'I'll get back to you on that.'

Detective Comics #974 April 2018 [written by James Tynion IV] In the aftermath of the team sort of exploding due to ~plot events~ Steph breaks up with Tim while he's throwing too much of himself into his work.

Detective Comics #981 July 2018 [written by James Tynion IV] More plot stuff happens (a whole big mess with Brother Eye) but once that's settled, the two reunite and rekindle their relationship as they head off ‘to Ivy University’ as they tell Bruce, but we know that’s not actually where they’re going.

Young Justice (2019) #5 July 2019 [written by Brian Michael Bendis] Flashbacks show us that after leaving Gotham, Tim & Steph had specifically gone to see the Justice League/Zatanna for help with timeline memory things rather than going to Ivy. Even though they’re in separate places at the main timeline of the book, this shows us that they're still together.

Young Justice (2019) #11-20 February 2020 - January 2021 [written by Brian Michael Bendis] Steph & Tim immediately try to get ahold of one another via text once Tim's back on the correct earth, and work on getting back in touch until eventually reuniting. They are shown together [and depicted as still dating] during the later parts of the book.

Dark Nights: Death Metal: The Last Stories of the DC Universe #1 February 2021 [written by Joshua Williamson, James Tynion IV, and Scott Synder] Shows the two of them together within the larger group of former Titans/YJ members—specifically one panel towards the end shows us Tim with his arm around her while they talk with others [fun fact that’s the panel my icon is from I just had edited Steph’s head out of the way]. As I recall/as far as I'm aware, this issue is the last time we see them interacting together/together as a couple before Future State and then the Infinite Frontier relaunch. [disclaimer that there could be like... a splash page group shot or something that I'm forgetting elsewhere during the Dark Nights: Death Metal event but like, that's not actual interaction that's just physically being present in the same group shot].

NON-CANON BUT RELEVANT: Future State: Robin Eternal #1-2 March - April 2021 [written by Meghan Fitzmartin] During the Future State event which was used largely to tease/set up plotlines for the Infinite Frontier relaunch, in this potential future Tim & Steph are seemingly no longer together but still on okay terms—teaming up in the story, but with clear tension and history there.

Batman: Urban Legends #4 August 2021 [written by Meghan Fitzmartin] We learn that Tim & Steph broke up off-panel before the events of the issue. Steph appears in the following issue further reiterating that they recently broke up.

So yeah! They broke up off-panel and this was first referenced in Batman: Urban Legends #4, thus under Fitzmartin's pen.