#diploma in computer programming

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[tccicomputercoaching]

Best Programming Courses for Diploma Students

Learning programming languages can be a stepping stone to a successful career if you're a computer engineering or IT diploma student. They may land you in your first-degree job the moment you finish your diploma, or they may generally make you advance when you consider further studies after your diploma-those strong programming knowledge and skills will really matter.

Here are the five best programming courses that every diploma student should learn:

1. C & C++- The Basic Must-Know

Understanding C and C++ would be the central nodes of programming knowledge. It allows you to understand important concepts like loops, arrays, functions, and memory management. Most colleges have adopted it towards their curriculum, but studying it from coaching offers you a more practical skill.

2. Python – Easy and So Powerful

Python is very easy to learn and has been applied to data science, AI, web development, and automated processes. So if you are just starting your programming career, Python is one perfect first language.

3. Java – Object-Oriented Programming

Java is mainly used while developing Android applications, desktop software, and backend systems. It is one of the most commonly used and in-demand languages in the IT industry and helps build logic using OOP concepts.

4. Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)

If you're interested in designing and creating websites, learn about web development; with HTML and CSS, you can screen and design, while with JavaScript, you can make the websites interactive.

5. SQL – Work on Databases

No application ever exists without the storage of its data. This is what SQL is for: creating, updating, and managing databases. Without this, one would not be a full-fledged backend developer, nor could they have any data-related type of job.

Do you want to learn these programming languages from experts?

Join our diploma-friendly programming courses at TCCI Computer Coaching Institute in Ahmedabad.

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[attitudetallyacademy]

5 Revolutionary Trends Shaping the Future of Computer Science

The field of computer science is evolving rapidly, introducing cutting-edge technologies that are transforming industries and reshaping the future of technology. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing to Java Coaching Centre in Yamuna Vihar  , these advancements are opening doors to exciting career opportunities.

If you're enrolled in a Computer Science Course in Yamuna Vihar or pursuing a Diploma in Computer Application in Uttam Nagar, staying updated on these trends will help you gain a competitive edge in the industry. Let’s explore five game-changing developments shaping the future of computer science.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: The Power of Automation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming the world by enabling automation, enhancing decision-making, and optimizing business processes.

Key AI & ML Advancements:

AI is driving progress in natural language processing (NLP), robotics, and predictive analytics.

Machine Learning powers personalized recommendations in e-commerce, entertainment, and healthcare.

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are improving customer interactions.

AI-driven cybersecurity tools are helping businesses detect and prevent cyber threats.

Students pursuing a Java Course in Yamuna Vihar or a Java Training Institute in Uttam Nagar can explore how AI integrates with Java-based applications to build intelligent systems.

2. Quantum Computing: The Next Evolution in Processing Power

Quantum computing is set to revolutionize problem-solving by delivering unparalleled computational power beyond traditional computers.

Why Quantum Computing is Important:

It can solve complex problems in cryptography, drug discovery, and climate modeling.

Google, IBM, and Microsoft are leading advancements in quantum algorithms.

Quantum encryption is expected to redefine data security, making conventional hacking methods obsolete.

Industries relying on massive data processing, such as finance and healthcare, are exploring quantum solutions.

For students in C++ Training in Yamuna Vihar or C++ Coaching in Uttam Nagar, understanding quantum computing principles can provide a deeper insight into the future of programming and data security.

3. Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Safeguarding the Digital World

With the increasing number of cyber threats, cybersecurity has become a crucial part of computer science. Organizations are investing heavily in data protection and ethical hacking to counter evolving threats.

Major Cybersecurity Trends:

AI-powered security systems detect and respond to cyber threats in real time.

Blockchain technology is transforming secure transactions and digital identities.

Ethical hacking and penetration testing are in high demand for securing sensitive data.

Businesses are adopting Zero Trust security models to prevent unauthorized access.

Students interested in cybersecurity should consider Data Structure Coaching in Yamuna Vihar or SQL Classes in Uttam Nagar, as knowledge of data structures and databases is essential for securing systems.

4. Cloud Computing and Edge Computing: Enabling Smart Technologies

Cloud computing has already revolutionized data storage and software deployment, but edge computing is enhancing real-time data processing.

How Cloud & Edge Computing Are Changing Technology:

Cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure offer scalable computing solutions.

Edge computing improves performance for IoT devices, autonomous cars, and smart cities by reducing latency.

Organizations are adopting hybrid cloud models to enhance efficiency.

Serverless computing is allowing developers to focus on coding without managing infrastructure.

Students in MySQL Training in Yamuna Vihar or MySQL Training in Uttam Nagar should focus on cloud database management, as cloud computing skills are essential in today’s job market.

5. The Evolution of Web Development: Modern Technologies & Frameworks

Web development is evolving rapidly with new frameworks, programming languages, and user-centric designs. JavaServer Pages (JSP) and UI/UX Designing continue to play a critical role in building modern applications.

Latest Trends in Web Development:

React, Angular, and Vue.js are leading the front-end development landscape.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are bridging the gap between web and mobile applications.

JSP technology is widely used for developing secure and scalable enterprise applications.

Full-stack development is becoming an essential skill in the IT industry.

Students enrolled in a JSP Coaching in Yamuna Vihar or a UI/UX Designer Course in Uttam Nagar should explore modern frameworks and user experience (UX) design principles to stay competitive in the industry.

Conclusion: The Future of Computer Science is Now

The future of computer science is filled with endless opportunities, driven by advancements in AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, cloud technology

Whether you're studying at a Computer Science Coaching Centre in Yamuna Vihar, attending C++ Training in Uttam Nagar, or pursuing a Diploma in Computer Application in Uttam Nagar, staying informed about these trends will boost your career prospects.

By embracing these technological innovations today, you can position yourself at the forefront of the digital revolution.

Suggested Links :–

C++ Programming Language

Database Management System

Advanced Data Structures

Learn Core Java

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[ipasantosh]

Diploma in Taxation 

[edumystic]

Computer Course in Dubai - Edumystic

Discover the best computing programs in the UAE at the Edumystic Institute of Creative Intelligence (EICI) in Dubai. Our Pearson-collaborated Higher National Diploma in IT offers captivating, blended learning experiences. Ready to excel? Enroll in our top computing courses in Dubai today!

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[popp1n]

GHOSTING THE GOVERNMENT

|masterpost| ao3

Chap 1: A Not-so-Ghostly Getaway.

Pt 1

The diplomas, still crisp and smelling faintly of the school auditorium's mothball-esque stale air, lay forgotten in the storage pocket of the back seat. Outside, the oppressive silence of Amity Park clung to the humid night like a shroud. Under the sliver of a waning moon, three figures moved with struggling efficiency, their hushed whispers swallowed by the darkness, only interrupted by the thump and tumble of packing a small car's trunk full to the brim.

Sam wrestled a lumpy duffel bag into the cramped trunk of Jazz’s beat-up Corolla, its faded paint a familar reflection to the scuffed and chipped state of Amity Park's buildings and roads. Tucker carefully slid a disassembled and altered shortwave radio beneath a pile of old blankets, his knuckles pale as he adhered it to the floor with heavy-duty tape. In the driver's seat, Jazz checked the rearview mirror for the tenth time, her gaze flicking nervously towards the omnipresent, unblinking lenses mounted on nearly every lamppost, but most importantly those fastened to her childhood home.

This morning, Danny and his friends walked across that stage, officially free in the eyes of the State. Tonight, they were taking that freedom for themselves, one clandestine mile and issue at a time.

Sam finally managed to cram their luggage into place and successfully close the trunk without unnecessary noise. She slid into the backseat beside Tucker, who was checking the camera feeds again.

"The loop is still set, and I have my program ready to intercept feeds as we drive," Tucker sighed, lowering his computer screen and minimizing the glow, "All that's left is for Danny to finish and we can get out of here."

It was at that moment that they could hear keys jangling near the FentonWorks's front door. Danny made himself present and quickly hurried over to the open passenger side door.

The Corolla’s suspension groaned as Danny shoved a final ratty backpack crammed with scavenged ghost tech and blueprints onto the back seat, causing Sam to give a small indignant squawk at it landing in her lap before shoving it into place between her and Tucker. He slid into the passenger seat, closed the door, and buckled in a series of swift movements. Danny, ever the pragmatist, double-checked the rearview mirror, while Jazz gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white.

“Okay, everyone set?” Jazz’s voice was a low murmur, barely audible above the thrum of the engine.

Tucker huffed an affirmative, his gaze flicking to the other small, palm-sized device he’d carefully placed on the dashboard. It pulsed with a faint, stolen green light. “Just need to power that baby up once we’re a few miles out.”

Jazz reached over and squeezed Danny's arm. “Danny, are you sure about this? Leaving everything…” Her voice trailed off, the unspoken fear hanging heavy in the air.

“Positive,” Danny said, meeting her gaze. “Staying means… well, you know.” He glanced at Tucker, who offered a tight nod of agreement.

“So, portal us out of here then, speed demon,” Jazz said, a nervous edge to her usual teasing tone. “Last I checked, you could blink us to Gotham City before they even noticed we were gone.”

Danny sighed, running a hand through his already messy hair. “That’s the thing. I can’t.”

Jazz tilted her head to him, eyes on the road and confusion etched on her face. “What do you mean, you can’t?” She asked, her brow furrowed. “Are you… are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Danny insisted. “Physically, anyway. But remember those ‘rural-urban wellness initiatives’ the government rolled out last year? The ones that supposedly monitored for earth quakes and groundwater?”

Jazz's eyes widened. “You think…?”

Tucker nodded grimly. “They weren’t just mapping out tremors and underground streams. They were mapping ectoplasm fluctuations...at least the sensors in town are. Every portal, even natural ones, creates a ripple. A pretty significant one, apparently.” He pointed towards the stolen and modified device on the dash. “This little beauty confirms it. They’ve got localized sensors all over Amity Park, calibrated specifically to detect any paranormal distortions. If Danny tried to portal us out now, it’ll be like setting off a silent alarm directly to GIW headquarters.”

A heavy silence descended upon the car. Jazz’s shoulders slumped slightly. “So, all those times they ‘randomly’ stopped by the house for ‘routine checks’ after you seemed a little… restless…”

Danny’s jaw tightened. “Yeah. They knew something. They’ve been watching. Waiting.” He sighed, "They probably wrote it off so far as interference from the lab portal and whatnot, but that isn't a foolproof defense."

Sam leaned forward in her seat. “This is the only way. Old-fashioned, on the ground, under the radar. Once we’re far enough out, past that massive ghost shield they're building, then maybe… maybe Danny can risk it. But not here. Not now.”

The weight of their words settled in the small car, replacing their initial surge of post-graduation hope with a stark dose of reality. It was a harsh reminder that their lives were nowhere close to normal. This was not a regular carpool to their shared college pick; although, it was no less emotional than the standard fair.

Tucker was excited for opportunities with the biggest technology conglomerate in the world. He and Danny managed to score scholarships along with paid internships with their practical demonstrations. Sam was interested in the gothic architecture and ecology courses that their destination had to offer. Danny was intrigued by the rumored curses around the city. Jazz was looking forward to finishing her psychology degree and potentially working in Arkham.

But home is home, no matter how strained it has become in recent years.

Emotions were complicated, and many a tear were shed by the teens as they pulled out of the neighborhood and headed towards city limits. Jazz offered each of them a blanket and bid them to rest.

Next>

[mariamakeslemons]

Wrong Number (Price x GN!Reader)

Your mum sobbed when you refused to use your diploma to further her little "clit measuring contest" with your aunts and uncles. Honestly, you took an untold amount of glee when you announced your new job at the last family gathering. Your cousins looked at you in envy while everyone else looked aghast. After all, you could confidently say you're happy with your job and can comfortably make a living with it too.

"Hey there, Sugar," you croon, staring down at the crossword you had to pass the time. The pervert on the line gasps and whines, quickly too into his own fantasy to even do anything for you.

Of course, working as a sex line operator doesn't do anything for you sexually. It's just a job, one that you're good at, in a shockingly good set up with a company that actually gives a shit. Humming along to the pervert's fantasy, you finally figure out the four letter word for the hint of bisque. Writing it down, you glance at your monitor. The guy's been going on for three minutes already, without any prompting from you. It's almost impressive. Or, it would have been if you didn't know by his voice that he's going to be a fast one.

Low and behold, before the four minute mark, the pervert groans and whines pathetically, before hanging up without another word. You snort, always amused that the idiots calling don't listen to the whole pre-recorded spiel before they get someone on the line.

"I got your number, dumbass," you sing softly, snickering as you send the number to the finance branch. Leaning back, you mull over heading off to lunch and if you should try the new thai place that opened up not too far from here. However, the line goes off again, making you sigh.

"Hey there-" you croon, ready to adjust your little opening, only to jolt when you hear gun fire.

"Of course, th' fucker gives me th' wrong bloody number," an older man growls through the receiver. You blink as more gun fire sounds through the line, before you're up and scrambling. Locking your office door, you head back to your computer to play the loop you made on one of your days off to the security camera and drop down in your chair.

"Sir? Do you need me to call someone?" you offer, pulling up a (maybe illegal) program to start triangulating his position.

"No, I need information and an escape route," the man snaps, sounding a bit further away.

"Sir, please don't hang up," you request, finally finding where he is. A mansion in Malibu, with top-tier security that no one put up right. Hacking into the cameras, you flick through the feeds until you find a man, a soldier, leaning against a door with a phone to his ear while your other monitor shows a group of men pounding on the door.

"On the plus side," you comment, "The guys outside your door are idiots because I count at least three guns, and none of them are grabbing them to shoot." The soldier on the screen freezes as you hear the man's breath stop.

"How do you know?" The soldier demands in time with the man, barely a second delay.

"Oh good, the camera's not delayed," you chirp, grinning as the soldier immediately looks around the room. Clicking your tongue, you tell him, "Up and to your right. I'll even wave." The feed bobs when the soldier looks up, letting you get a really nice look at him.

He's a bit older than you, at least you think he might be. Lines that hide beneath an imperial beard and focused blue eyes, kinda making you weak in the knees despite sitting.

"Who are you?" the man growls.

"I'm the sex operator you called," you answer honestly, "I just happen to be good with electronics too." The way the man's mouth dropped, shock on his face as he stares up at the camera, it's too much. You snicker, even as your fingers fly over the keyboard. A little adjustment in code is more than enough to release the knock out gas in the hall.

"Alright, shove the blanket against the under side of the door," you instruct, "The owner got knock out gas installed through out their house and I'm releasing it in the hall."

"Copy," the man confirms, yanking the blanket off the sofa that's just within arm's reach and pressing it against the bottom of the door. Once that's done, you completely release the gas, watching as within seconds the guards drop.

"Okay, now, what are you looking for?" you ask, figuring you're already in this deep. Might as well go the whole way.

"A laptop," your soldier says, hesitantly stepping away from the door. Once he's sure the door isn't going to suddenly open, he looks around and continues explaining, "Aleksandor Soloveva is in league with the Russian Ultranationalist Party. We have intel that he knows where the leader is."

"Thus, breaking and entering," you can't help but snark, "Gotcha."

"You're a shite stirrer, aren't you?" he asks, a shift in his tone that you've learnt means someone is reluctantly amused.

"You say that like it's a bad thing," you shoot back, running a code that locates all electronics in the room. It dings back, and you tell him, "Check the desk, fourth drawer to the floor. Be careful, because that's a big drawer for a singular laptop."

"Copy," the man repeats, crouching by where you instructed. He pulls out something and presses it to the drawer. Before you can try figuring out what he's doing, he asks, "So, d' you have a name?"

"I happen to like my privacy, thank you," you immediately shoot down, unable to hold back a smile when he chuckles.

"I suppose that's fair," he hums, "I'm Captain Price, do you have a name you can give me?"

"I can give you my drag name," you confess, "It's Nova."

"Nova?" the man asks, finally opening the drawer, "I got the laptop. I can just take this an' leave."

"You need me to see about an escape route?" you offer, to your own confusion. The man looks back up at the camera and smiles. It reminds you of the quokka you saw in a video from a classmate's trip to Australia.

"I'll take the window," he says, giving you a wink, "Lovely working with you."

"Oh, uh, wait," you stutter, pulling up the finance bill that'll get sent to the owner of the number, "Do you have the personal number of the person who gave you this number?" Captain Price pauses and looks up at the camera, so you explain, "The call went well over five minutes, so double pay is guaranteed, and I'd rather have the asshole who tried to get you killed pay than you or your government." The man blinks before he chuckles.

"Right away," he agrees, giving you a number that you easily change the bill for.

"Alrighty," you chirp before cooing out, "Thanks for calling, Handsome. Don't forget me." The soldier trips, to your delight, as you pull everything back. Wiping up the trial and hiding away what you just spent the past half-hour doing, you finally undo your security feed and unlock the door.

Just in time, as Jill peeks in with a to-go bag.

"I think that's the first time you've locked your door," she teases, handing over a bag with what could only be your lunch.

"What can I say," you joke, "I have a thing for older Brits."

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

It's easy enough to forget about that exciting day when so much personal shit is going on. Mum called to demand you quit your job, again. Your youngest cousin snuck into your apartment for a brief escape from your uncle. You've been looking into adopting, although you still aren't sure what yet. Just personal shit.

So, you should be given a pass when a handsome man with an imperial beard and a quokka smile corners you in the grocery store.

"Hello there, Nova," Captain Price purrs, "It's good to know you're a gorgeous as you sound."

[goldingwrites]

after hours (chapter 16)

⯈ previous chapter: chapter one - chapter two - chapter three - chapter four - chapter five - chapter six - chapter seven - chapter eight - interlude - chapter nine - chapter 10 - chapter 11 - chapter 12 - chapter 13 - chapter 14 - chapter 15

⯈ pairing: battinson!bruce wayne x female!reader

⯈ summary: the nights in Gotham are always unforgiving, you, you strip for money, to feed your son and to forget some of your troubles. it’s easy, it’s simple until Vengeance appears in your night.

⯈ rating: mature.

⯈ tw: stripping, violence (description of physical abuse), blood, angst, (for this chapter) rough sex

⯈ chapter word count: 8.6k

⯈ note: yes, I am still here, enjoy this update, merry xmas depending when you're reading this, we're in the homestretch now girlies, I know where I want the story to end... I just need to get there, so enjoy ❤️❤️❤️

(ONE)

You eventually return to work. Even though there is some guilt and dread sitting in the pit of your stomach, you soldier on. You promised Bruce you would give this job and this normal life a shot, and it wouldn't be fair to hide.

And why hide?

You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, you have no reason to cross paths with Marvin, even if you have decided to tell him the truth. it won't happen right away, you might be cruel but you won't do that to your own heart, you need to ease yourself slowly.

The first step is to set foot in The Wayne Orphanage knowing your previous tormenter is close by.

It's not a comforting thought. It's almost suffocating, but still, you press on. The large sweater you have on is soft, it's cashmere, borrowed from Bruce's closet, and it serves as a dress today, paired with black leggings and your boots. You bury your hands in the fabric whenever you need some courage.

Although, and thank fuck for that, the day is pretty much uneventful. You apologize to Velma with a basket of muffins, both from you and Bruce, and you mean every word you say to the older woman. You didn't mean to worry her, to suddenly put more stress or your entire job on her.

"Oh it's okay love," Velma releases you from a hug with a smile, her glasses a bit foggy. "I know you're here to stay!"

"Right... anyway, what did I miss?" 

Is it a lie?

Is it hard to swallow?

You ignore all of that.

You're not here to dwell on every single feeling that makes your heart tremble. You're not going to trace all of this in your diary later. You can do this, you're a fully capable adult, with a job, a family, and the healthiest relationship you've had in years... So you keep on.

The day is as boring as it was previously: answering some calls, some emails, showing some people around. You avoid the cafeteria altogether, you've come prepared today, and you have a sandwich and a few books at the bottom of your bag. You borrowed them from Bruce's library, you might as well use all the downtime you get between a call or actually being needed. People working office jobs have to keep busy, right? 

You were never much for reading though, and you get bored after two chapters, you've borrowed a murder mystery from the Wayne's library and you're pretty sure you've already identified the murderer.

So it's back to the computer and scrolling online.

It's a complete coincidence that you end up on the Gotham University page. Would it be such a bad thing? You don't have a diploma, you've barely finished high school and maybe you could... you could... You scratch the idea by looking at some of the curriculum, if you're bored at your office job, how the hell are you supposed to survive a lecture? No, that's a shit idea.

...

Gotham City's Royal Ballet.

You don't even know how you end up on that page either, but for a few minutes, you're fascinated by the dancers and you look at the program. It's October and yet, it's possible to book seats for the winter season: The Nutcracker is being advertised in bright bold letters on the front page of the website. You're more fascinated by the few videos you find as well.

You can dance.

And people do that for a living, right?

...

Maybe, that's the real shit idea.

You forget it all together when the phone rings and you're happy for the distraction. The rest of the afternoon flies by quickly, and once you step out of the building, bag over your shoulder, you're only half surprised to find Bruce, already there, waiting for you.

It's raining, slightly, and the Wayne is looking at the sky with a slight frown on his face, a massive black umbrella in one hand. Even he doesn't have the power to stop the rain whenever he wishes, you think with a gentle smile on your face.

"Waiting for someone?" you start, immediately catching Bruce's attention.

"Hmm, my girlfriend, you've seen her?" He returns your smile without a single hesitation, those blue eyes on you the next second. They don't match the sky, no, they are clearer, soother, just like that, it all clicks and makes sense.

Just like that.

"Well," you take a step in his direction, not at all bothered by the light rain. "What's she like?"

"Like a storm actually. Stubborn and loyal... loves to borrow my clothes, which I should find annoying, but surprisingly... I like it." By the time Bruce finishes his sentence, you're in his space, pressed right against him, both underneath the umbrella. You smile before you reach for his face and give him a proper kiss. It's a bit uncoordinated and messy because you're grinning too much, but that's the taste of him underneath your tongue, you'd recognize it anywhere.

"Bruce Wayne is a dork, who knew?" 

"No one, not even me, that's new, anyway... shall we go?"

"Sure... but something tells me you already have plans for this evening," you make the guess, grabbing his free hand as he leads the way.

"Did I tell Alfred to go pick up your mother and my favorite little guy and take care of them for the evening... just so I could have you all to myself... Maybe?"

"How thoughtful of you. And what are we doing?"

"Just dinner," Bruce shrugs, he leads you to a car, oddly enough, no sign of Orlando, it's not the usual Bentley either. The car, still expensive, is smaller but still black. He opens the door for you and earns himself another smile.

"Just dinner?" you repeat when Bruce is finally in the driver's seat.

"Yeah... I may have booked the entire restaurant for privacy but... it's mainly so I don't have to share."

"Share what?"

"You, of course."

And with that, Bruce starts the car, the engine roaring and cutting any chance of a reply. You want to be mad, but you can't. Dating Bruce Wayne is not like anything you've ever done and you're growing used to this. Not the special treatment, but the fact that Bruce wants to spend time with you and you alone.

You know the restaurant, it's an institution in Gotham, you also know that without Bruce you couldn't afford a table here. But as Bruce revealed earlier, the place is empty. You're greeted by the entire wait staff, as well as the chef. You let Bruce order for the both of you because you don't know half of the things on the menu and you're not trying to impress anyone. The food is of course lovely, as well as the wine and he tells you about his day and you tell him about yours.

It's light, easy, normal.

For a moment or two, you could forget about his alter ego. About Marvin and what you have to confess, what you should have confessed years and years ago.

About the fact that this is Gotham, about all the bad that happens and that here?

The rain is a true blessing because it washes all the sins away.

Every single one of them.

"Oh which reminds me, do you think you could get us some tickets for the ballet? I'd love to go see one, I don't care which one," you ask as dessert, a chocolate mousse, is served.

"Yeah, I can ask Alfred..." Bruce shrugs. "I'm pretty sure I get sent tickets either way."

"Good, I was on their page earlier, they look really good, and I've never been," you nod, diving into your dessert. You won't tell Bruce why you were on that page and you're glad when he doesn't ask.

"I'll do my best," Bruce assures. "Also... there's something else I want to ask you."

"Oh?"

That stops you from grabbing another spoonful of chocolate, instead, you abandon it in the desert, chin in your hand next, looking up to Bruce. On the other side of the table, he looks a bit hesitant. Then he frowns and continues.

"You know what's about to go down... soon", he insists on the last word, Bruce's gaze is fixed on you, so much so that you can automatically tell what he's referring to. For a few seconds, it's as if Vengeance is in the room too. You know it's the same man, but sometimes, you forget, because their demeanors are not the same, the voice, the way they move...

But right now? There's a slight shift.

It's Bruce who wins however and you nod.

"Would you..." Bruce sighs. "Would you consider going away... for a while? You and the family?" Bruce asks and as you remain silent, he rambles. "We can say you're visiting someone, and you can go wherever you want I'll take care of it of course. But that way, I know that you're s-"

"Safe." 

You interrupt him, sharply at that. 

Bruce nods vehemently.

You take a deep breath, thinking. You can't say you're surprised. He wants nothing but the best for you, and he'll have to go out himself. 

And you both agreed not to lie to each other.

You could take the easy way out. The safest route, and just leave him alone to do what he needs to do. What Vengeance needs to do. 

But you've only fled one time in your life, and he knows why.

This is different, you're together, and you care about him as much as he cares about you.

And who, you think, who's going to keep you safe, Bruce? Who's going to keep Vengeance safe? If you go too far, who's going to bring you back? Alfred? Yourself?

...

You already know the answer to that one.

So you sigh, reaching over the table to grab his two hands.

"I get why you're asking..."

"But?"

"My answer is no. I'll do everything to be safe, here. But even if I won't be much help, I'm not leaving you. Not now."

Or ever, you think fiercely as Bruce stares back. He looks sad for a few seconds but he nods, squeezing your hands back.

"Thank you for being honest..."

"Anytime."

"So how's that dessert? Let me take a bite..."

Just like, it's almost like you're two ordinary people.

Almost.

(TWO)

You still haven't worked up the courage to talk to Marvin. And tell him about the little boy. Tell him about the nine-year-old boy that exists because of you and him. Because it's one thing to want to do what's right, it's another thing to do it. 

Bruce is wrong when you're concerned, you're not brave, you're not fearsome, and you're a coward when it matters the most. After all, didn't you leave Marvin's side, more broken than ever, because it was the only thing your tired mind thought about doing? 

...

The thought swirls in your mind as you avoid the cafeteria, yet again, and you eat at your desk this day too.

Velma did comment on it a few moments earlier, asking you if you were on some kind of special diet (you young girls and your slim figure! I don't know you do it, she had commented, earning herself a laugh). Your simple nod and smile had been enough for an answer for the older woman and you are so grateful that she didn't push. Maybe Velma too is aware of the fact that every single woman has a fucked up relationship with food, maybe that's why she's leaving you alone.

It's better this way you think, biting into your sandwich. Your son made you that sandwich, right before leaving for school too, with a proud smile on his face.

Here you go, Mom, I'm taking care of you because you're always taking care of us.

What kind of child thinks like that? A good one. One who's being raised right. The only thing you did right.

So you owe it to him. To the boy. To be honest. To tell Marvin and later, when your son is older, you'll tell him too. You'll answer all of his questions because he deserves the truth. He deserves to know that sometimes, love is not the answer. Sometimes, you can love as hard as you can, but it's not a solution. Sometimes, you have to be selfish to survive. Sometimes, you have to be selfish to be allowed to leave. 

Also, you don't want him to find himself in that position. He could never be like Marvin, no, he might have inherited his hair, his eyes, and... most of his physical traits. But that heart? No, that's unique. The boy is kind, thoughtful, smart and he thinks about the future, his future, in some kind of untainted way you don't ever want to take from him.

You sigh before taking the next bite of your sandwich, you need to compliment the chef tonight and request more lunches. Just as you manage to bring a smile to your face, your phone rings. You're puzzled because Bruce usually texts you, your mother knows you're at work so unless it's an emergency... The number is labeled as unknown by your smartphone, still, curious, you pick up, one eyebrow raised.

"Hello?" You mumble, mouth still full, not caring about being rude. 

"Hey, sweetheart! There you are, I was wondering if you'd even pick up the phone!"

You know that voice, you know that tone, it's just weird to hear it in the daylight, over the phone no less... and not when you're entering the club at the other side of Gotham, heels clacking on the pavement and wondering if you'll be aware of this night passing or not. 

"Derrick?" Surprised, you name the owner of the club you left behind, for this job, the current job you should be doing instead of being on the phone. Well, you still have ten minutes of your lunch left technically...

"The one and only! Took me a while to track your number down, wasn't even sure you gave me the right one but..."

"But?" He's rambling, and you can tell, even over the phone, that he has a cigarette at the corner of his mouth, smoking as usual. His entire office reeks of smoke, you can still see it, you remember how you always made sure to wear a wig to go collect what he owed you, so the smell would linger on the fake hair and not your own. 

"But yeah yeah! Some girls like their privacy and all of that, which is fucking funny if you ask me, cause y'all are comfortable being practically naked and-"

"Derrick? Was there a point to this call?" You interrupt him again, you're not in the mood for one of his rants. They were already too long in the middle of the night, you don't even want to imagine right now. Also, you're not even sure you're supposed to take this call. What about your promise to Bruce? Was it all a lie? 

"Yeah, yeah, sweetheart, relax, I'm getting to it..." You roll your eyes as you hear him take a long drag out of his cigarette. "It's been a bit shit since you left, I've got people asking for you left and right... well fuck, they don't know your name, but when they ask for the girl with the never-ending legs and the great ass, I know they're talking about you!"

"Thank you?" 

"Honestly, thanking me is fucking useless, the best you can do is come back to the club. Tonight if you can, that'll be lovely!"

"Yeah, I... Derrick, I found a job, a proper job, and..." You swallow your saliva, pressing the phone against your ear. "I'd like to give it a real shot, it's not going to work if I'm spending all my nights on that stage."

"Pff! What do you need a proper job for? You want more money? I'll pay you more, you keep your tips as usual and I'll double your hourly!"

"I..."

"We can get you your own locker room, so you don't have to share with the rest of the girls," Derrick presses on. "And fuck if guys have been asking for you, you'll get more private dances and you can dictate the price of those as well."

"It's... it's not about the money," you whisper.

You can't use that as an excuse anymore, you've saved up quite a small fortune for your son's future working at that club during all of those years. And then some. And, you hate yourself for the thought, you know Bruce would be more happy to jump in if you simply asked him to. You don't plan to, but still, he would. That's just who he is and you two are in a relationship after, all. It's how it's supposed to work, right? Being able to rely on each other in case of trouble. 

"Then what? You want a normal boring little life?"

"Yeah... I guess," you shrug, mouth dry.

"Look if it were any other girl, I'd buy it. But you? You've been doing this for years, and you're so good at it. That stage is fucking yours, sweetheart, it misses you... you're telling me you don't miss it?"

"I..."

Of fucking course, you want to tell Derrick, you miss it.

You miss it like air and if that doesn't show that there is something wrong with you, then there's something off with the universe too. You should be simply happy here, with a job surrounded by children and people who want to help them, the orphans. That's a noble cause, the kind of calling that's enough for well-adjusted people. That, your family, the fact that you're healthy, don't need anything else, your son, Bruce... all of those things, they make you lucky, they make you protected, they make you privileged.

So it should fucking be enough.

And yet, it's not.

And yet, Derrick is one hundred percent right, you miss it. You miss everything about it. 

You miss the thrill of getting ready for the night, using your most expensive makeup, wearing your highest heels and flashiest outfit, all of that barely hidden by a coat. You miss the wigs of various textures and colors hiding your hair, thanks to that and the makeup, you could become a different woman every time there was music or an outfit change.

And that stage? Oh, that stage, it's the safest and most familiar place in Gotham to you. With that metallic pole. Enough for you to dance, enough for you to captivate, mesmerize, live, and be free...

"I don't. It's better like this. I'm sure you'll find another girl, a better dancer... Don't ever call this number again, Derrick, okay?" 

It's not a question and you hang up the next second, hands trembling.

...

You can add liar to the list of your sins.

God, you're pathetic. 

(THREE)

"Mom?"

"Hmm...?"

You’re brushing your teeth. At least you were, you spit quickly and you turn around. To face your son standing in the doorframe, staring at you from a hallway, a soft smile on his face. He motions for you to finish what you were doing and you turn back to the mirror quickly, brushing as fast as you can before you rinse your mouth. 

This seems important, you don’t want to make him wait.

The next minute you turn to him, toothbrush tucked away inside the mirror cabinet, and you nod in his direction, so he can go on. He is wearing his school uniform, any minute now, he’ll go with your mother and she’ll drop him off at school.

Any minute now. 

"You know... this upcoming Saturday?" The boy ponders, looking at your feet for a few seconds then back up to you. 

"Yes?"

"Do you have anything planned with Bruce?" He asks with a frown and you fight down the urge to just scoop him up and have him in your arms. He seems and sounds serious, and you know, when he gets like that, a hug won’t help. He wants to speak his mind as clearly as possible and make sure you hear him out. 

"No, why?"

"Could we do something... just...” The boy has a slight pout on his face, interrupting his sentence before he keeps going. “Just the two of us?" 

The request is innocent and sweet, how could you deny him? The answer is quite simple, you can not. Just like you can not resist your maternal instincts and lean in, you wrap one arm around the little boy and he is in your arms the next second. He doesn’t seem to mind, he’s quite relieved actually, and if it’s not as easy as it was when he was younger, you do not care as your eyes meet his. 

"Of course, did you have something in mind?" Did you neglect the boy on top of everything? You have no idea, maybe you did. Between your new job, Bruce, all the planning with Vengeance, and then... Marvin coming back into your life... you’ve been distracted, that’s for sure, even you can not deny that, you have.

The boy nods negatively at your question, did he just assume you would say no?

As if you could ever say no to him. 

"Wanna go fly kites? We haven't done that in a while... or we could go to the library or the museum..." The list goes on, you’re happy to do anything with the boy. 

"Library sounds nice, maybe they'll have more pilots' autobiographies!" He says, excited, that bright innocent smile on his face, and you can’t help but chuckle. He is still clinging to that dream of being a pilot someday, it’s good. And with enough time and dedication, it could happen, you are one hundred percent sure of it. You want to encourage it, you’ve never had a dream like that, for yourself, and it’s good that the little boy does. 

"Yes, and we can go get breakfast at the dinner you like before... so we can spend all day at the library, okay?"

“Yes, I'd like that!”

Tiny arms wrap themselves around your neck, and you two are sporting matching smiles as the little boy presses your foreheads together. You watch as he closes his eyes, breathing in and out next. Is it because he needs to make sure you’re okay? That you’re here? Or the gesture is just for himself and because he needs it? You do not have the answer to that question, whatever the case, it steadies your heart and more than anything else, you’re sure you’ve done a good thing with him.

Yes, you have.

“Okay now put me down please, I can not be late for school!”

“Yes, Sir.”

You say goodbye in front of your building, the little boy and your mom are going in one direction and you’re going into another one. Your heart still feels light in your chest as you hail a taxi.

...

You’re going to do it today.

You’re going to tell Marvin the truth today.

Not for your sake, not for Marvin’s sake, but for the little boy’s sake.

Because he deserves a mother who can own up to her mistakes, who can stand tall and face absolutely anything. Yes, he deserves that more than anything. 

You go about your day as usual at the orphanage, many emails are waiting for you, some for you and others for the teachers and you find yourself busier than ever today. A lot of paperwork to be signed by someone in particular, more emails to send back, more copies to do...  One of the teachers even has you keep an eye on his class while he takes a student to the infirmary. Nothing happens and the children are happy to keep reading, some of them are even taking notes, and before you know it, the teacher is already back, thanking you as well. 

It’s not until the late afternoon that you make your way to the kitchen. Lunch has been over for a while and some of the workers are unloading a delivery, while others are cleaning. It doesn’t take you too long to find Marvin. He’s cleaning a fridge, gloves covering his hands, his long black hair still protected by a fishnet, and a plastic apron over his clothes as he scrubs. 

Okay, deep breath. 

“Marvin? Can we talk?” 

You startle him, that, you can tell, he almost hit his head inside the fridge as he tries to stand up, he swears under his breath and you simply pretend you didn’t hear him. Finally, he turns those brown eyes landing on you. You do your best not to turn back as he mumbles your name next.

“Oh, yeah sure...”

“Somewhere private,” you specify the next second, with more intent.

Marvin nods, he drops the sponge he was using to the floor, eyes still glued to you. His next expression indicates that he’s ready to follow you, it’s your turn to nod before you lead the way.

Just like that day, you head outside, to the unloading bay, figuring it will be the safest place to say what you have to say. Plus, you need to feel the fresh air crawling into your face if you are going to tell him the truth. It seems only right.

Outside you take a deep breath, and after a few quick steps, you turn to him. Marvin is in the middle of removing his hairnet, you wait, you wait as he shoves it in his pocket, he then frees his long hair from that messy ponytail he has. It falls somewhat elegantly, it’s longer than what you remembered, it’s past his shoulders and it looks soft.

Years ago your favorite thing ever was to be naked in his arms and run your fingers through Marvin’s long hair.

Years ago. 

The memory is so distant, it’s almost like it belongs to another person and not to you. 

“You wanted to talk?” Marvin’s question anchors you back into the present. And now, and what you have to tell him. You nod, you ball your hands into fists, nails inside your palms for another sensation, just so you don’t get lost. You haven’t practiced this and maybe you should have. Or you should have at least written down, to have some idea of what you’re going to say.

But...

Isn’t it easy? Isn’t it the easiest thing in the world?

Yes, you think taking another deep breath, filling your lungs as much as you can: it is the easiest thing in the world.

“Yes. But it’s not a talk. Or a discussion. I have something to tell you, something about us, about... our past. I don’t need you to do anything about it, I don’t even need you to agree, fuck... I don’t care what you’re going to do once I tell you, I don’t care, it doesn’t matter. You just need to know the truth.”

“O-kay?” mumbles Marvin, he’s puzzled and intrigued, you can tell, you don’t even let that deter you, you keep going.

“When I left you... no, when I ran away that night and you never saw me again, it wasn’t just me that left. I was pregnant. Yes, with your kid, my baby boy,” you add the last part quickly, louder as well. Just so Marvin can understand. That’s not his son growing up right now, who dreams about being a pilot, who wants to spend time with you this weekend and go the library.

No, that’s your son.

You carried him for nine months, scared shitless, so sure you were going to mess up. Fuck, you still remember the doubts, the tears, the dread, the fucking joy every single time you felt that little life in your tummy kicking, living, growing... And you made a promise to your belly, to try your best, to make that kid so damn happy...

In a sense you have.

You.

Not him, not Marvin. If anything, his contribution was nothing but short.

“He’s nine, ten in a few months, he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And you’re his biological father. But. That’s it, I don’t want money, I’m not expecting you to pick him up for a playdate or after school. He doesn’t even know you exist or what you did to me. Maybe one day when he’s older, I’ll tell him the truth, but not right now... Now he just needs to be a kid and he’s good at that... so good at that, and that’s all I need him to be, a kid. My kid,” you are rumbling by now. No, you didn’t practice any of this, maybe you should have? You have no idea, no idea if you’re pouring your heart out or if you’re issuing a warning to Marvin. To stay the fuck away.

Maybe it’s both.

Doing the right thing is fucking exhausting, you’re shaking by now, hands still closed into two fists, ready to strike if necessary, ready to flee if that’s needed. You’re telling the truth and it’s only a bit too late that you’re aware that some tears have formed into your eyes. Only as one, salty and wet, starts rolling down your cheek and makes you painfully aware of how messed up the situation is.

That’s when you finally decide to actually look at Marvin, and not the empty spot above his right shoulder.

His mouth is wide open, the expression one of pure shock on his face. As he stares back, he gulps, audibly, the sound unpleasant to your ears, no doubt of that, and Marvin takes a deep breath next. His eyes are closed next, and when he opens them again, you can guess a million thoughts in his head and the million questions that are sure to follow.

“You were... back when we...” Marvin mumbles it, he can’t finish his sentence, and the uglier part of yourself, the one that claws and has sunk its teeth into Bruce’s heart, roars and wants to laugh.

Yes, you fucker, I was pregnant when you were beating me up, you could have killed me. You could have killed my fucking baby too.

Except he didn’t, Marvin was weak in that sense. Out of this outcome, you were the strongest.

Fuck, you still are. He has absolutely no idea of what you can do, what you have done, what you’ve seen... No fucking clue at all. Maybe Bruce and Vengeance know, yeah, they have seen all parts of you: broken, ugly, bloody, messy, all of those parts, and decided that it was enough. Or that you were as messed up as them, messed up enough to join their little dance. Messed up enough to be their partner.

In a sense, Bruce and Vengeance were right.

“I was.” You shake your head. “That’s all I wanted to say, the truth, so there is no secret or lies between us. And since you’ve updated me on your life well...” You shrug, you want to fucking laugh, this is one hell of an update and the look Marvin gives you is enough to tell you he thinks so as well.

“I wasn’t expecting that, that’s for sure,” Marvin mumbles one hand into his hair, he sinks to the ground, he sits like that. He stares at nothing, for thirty seconds, you know because you count it in your head. 

That’s enough, you should leave, you don’t owe him shit.

That voice in your head is very similar to Vengeance, and fuck, you know he’s right. 

Just as you’re about to move, Marvin’s eyes move back to yours, and that stare pins you into place in a way. Because deep down, you already know what he’s about to ask.

“Can I see him?”

“No.”

It’s loud the way you say it, the way you deny that request, it echoes and reverberates in between you two and if Marvin wasn’t already sitting down, it would have been enough for him to drop to his knees. That and the glare you have for him, the anger simmers, it's about to tip over and let you fucking destroy him. Hot boiling rage you could use to remind him of so many truths and why you deny such a request.

“You’re not going to see him. I didn’t tell you that so you could feel like you had to do something.”

“So why did you tell me?”

“Honestly? I don’t fucking know... But it’s done now, I don’t want you doing shit about it.”

“He’s my...” Marvin tries to argue, he sounds and looks desperate, and you resist the urge to draw closer and spit in his face. That would have meaning, that would be justified, it would be less cruel than anything he ever did to you in the past.

But you don't.

“He’s your fucking nothing, Marvin. So what? You came in me nine years ago? Big fucking deal, that doesn’t give you any right, that doesn’t make you a father!” Your anger is going to tear him alive, you think darkly as you approach, you’re towering over him now. You could use something else than your words, but you’re not him. You’ll never be him.

“Oh and what... I suppose your new boyfriend gets to be around him and raise him with you?”

“Yes, he does actually. Bruce never hurt me like you did, Bruce cares about me, he’s earned my trust time and time again!”

Unlike you.

It’s unspoken, you know he reads between the lines, as he suddenly stands up. You don’t move, you’re closer to Marvin than you’ve been in years and you can see it, a faint of that hunger, of the monster he used to be. Right there, on his face, the way he frowns, the way he breathes in next. 

You still don’t back down.

“Bruce loves me,” you assure him, a smile now finding your face. It’s as simple as that, and you’re a fucking fool who took it for granted, you realize. A fucking fool who thought Bruce was using it as a weapon when he was merely offering protection. However, the reason why you can’t see the difference between the two, the reason why you’re so cautious? Is right in front of you, it’s Marvin who sighs, reigning down his anger. His mouth is a thin line as he glares back, he’s trying to not be the monster you’ve known him to be.

“And I did... in my own twisted and fucked up way, and we made something tog-”

“Shup Marvin, just shut up. If this is what you need to tell yourself to sleep and move on then fine, I won’t say anything. But let’s get one thing clear.” You raise your finger, your index pressed deep into Marvin’s chest next. So deep you can feel his heart pounding underneath your fingertip. “It was not love. I fucking forbid you to call it love because it wasn’t. I know how it’s supposed to be now, yes, it’s work, but on some level, it’s also so easy. It’s some kind of peace and protection. The truth? We had sex and I was too scared to end the pregnancy because I was still a frightened little girl in more ways than one. I’m fucking lucky it ended great, I’m fucking lucky my boy is amazing, but you...” You press your index even further into his chest. “You know the truth. You have to live with that knowledge and to stay the fuck away from me and my family.”

“Or what? Your rich boyfriend will come after me?” Marvin tries to be sarcastic, but you can see some hint of fear in his eyes, in his tone even.

“Bruce coming after you is the easy way out, Marvin! Do you want to know one thing people never talk about? Motherhood makes you fucking crazy. ”

The kind of crazy he could never match.

The kind of crazy that would have you move mountains for your little boy and your little family.

The kind of crazy that would murder the monster he was.

That kind of crazy, no any other kind. 

There’s a silence between the two of you next, as you stare each other down. Marvin looks positively scared next while you smile. You’re not scared of him, you’ve just told him, you’ve changed, and you’re not the lost girl who ran away from home and had no prospect of the future. You’ve lived, you’ve survived him, you have a family. A family you’re ready to defend.

...

Marvin is the one to back down first. He sighs, nods, he understands and he walks away, heading back inside the orphanage.

Good, you think, he got the message.

I told him. No, it didn’t go great. But he knows to stay away. Or else. Be here when I finish my shift? My mum is making lasagna, I’m sure she’ll love to have you around, I could use a family dinner ngl.

I will be here, you can count on me.

Good.

Collapsing into Bruce’s arms later that day feels like an out. Almost like cheating but you decide to ignore it, that and the voice in your head telling you that you’ve been so strong when he wasn’t there. 

Was it all for show?

No, honestly, it wasn’t for show.

It was a real threat, a real warning, and now you’re seeking some comfort in your partner’s arms.

You’re almost small in Bruce’s arms, you disappear into his coat as he presses searing kisses to your mouth. Yes, you’re desperate for it, arms wrapped around his neck, you want to forget. You want his taste to replace the sour taste of your conversation with Marvin, you want to remember this. You. Bruce. The cold rain pouring over you both as he kisses you, the coffee you can taste on his tongue, his firm hands on your hips.

Bruce parts away because you have to breathe, otherwise, you know he would have spent hours here, kissing you right outside the orphanage, without absolutely no shame, you are more than aware of it.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Bruce manages to ask, as he catches his breath, a mere inches away from your face.

“Not even a little bit.” Your hands are cupping his defined jaw, one of the first things you noticed about him. You lick his chin next, then goes up, to the corner of his mouth. It’s enough for another messy and clumsy kiss like teenagers do as if you’re both on borrowed time, you’re not, you’re absolutely not.

“Come on, Bruce, let’s get out of here.”

This time, Orlando is with him and you salute the driver with a nod, more than happy to see him there. That means you can cozy up to Bruce in the backseat. The next stop is to the school, to pick up your son after his club, soccer you tell Bruce as you face the newly appointed guards at the school’s gate.

Large men in suits, like in the movies, one of them nods at Bruce, like they know each other (and they probably do) as finally, the children start pouring out of the school. Mostly boys but also a few girls in the same uniform, your son is last, soccer uniform in place, knees dirty with grass and mud. He’s talking with one of his classmates, and it all dies down as he spots you and Bruce. He hastily says goodbye to the other boy and then rushes to you two. He gets a hug from Bruce and yourself, the boy in both yours and Bruce’s arms as he doesn’t touch the ground anymore.

It’s familiar and easy, what you need you think as you head back to the car. 

The rest of the evening is as comforting actually. You supervise bath time with the little boy while Bruce helps your mother in the kitchen. He looked a little bit lost there, she tells you later and you can not help but laugh, of course, he does, you’re not even sure Bruce would still be alive if it weren’t for Alfred. Despite Vengeance, his survival instincts are completely shit and the only thing you’ve ever seen made his coffee.

But still, it’s all good, soon enough, the smell in the kitchen is enticing, the table is set and you smile at the head of the small table, Bruce on the other side.

Bruce loves me, you told Marvin and it’s even more apparent now, as he’s in this little run-down apartment, listening to your son talk about his day, taking a second serving of lasagna as per your mother’s request because he’s just too damn pale, he surely needs the food.

This is what you needed, this is why you said yes to that normal boring job, this is what you try. For evenings like this, just this. It might not be much and maybe you should strive for more, and have more ambition for yourself, but fuck, aren’t you supposed to want some sort of peace? For yourself and your loved ones? Yes, you figure, that’s what you’re supposed to want.

You let Bruce help your son get ready for bed as you help clear the table. The leftovers go in the fridge and while your mother assures you you found a good one, all you can do is nod. You don’t even argue this time, you don’t want to.

It’s even easier to put the boy to bed and judging by the way he yawns, he will fall asleep in the next ten minutes or so, between the exercise and the warm meal, the little boy is half asleep by the time you press his goodnight kiss to his forehead. That makes Bruce laugh, he follows your gesture, making sure that the boy is well tucked in bed. And comfortable.

Yes, Bruce protects and cherishes that life as well, another reason for you to not let Marvin approach, he will not approach the little boy, you won’t let him. 

The door of the bedroom is closed and you drag Bruce to your room, without thinking. Your mother is somewhere, probably finishing the cleaning or in front of the TV judging by the sound, but you don’t care the slightest.

Bruce loves me.

It rings true now more than ever and when the door of your bedroom is closed, it’s for you to push Bruce against it. He lets you do it, there’s no other explanation for your sudden strength. And judging by the smirk on Bruce’s face and the unsaid question, he lets you do it. You’re not that strong, you think as you press your small frame against his broad chest. Bruce shivers as you slot yourself perfectly against him, he bites his lower lip to fight back a moan, you’re not alone after all.

But you don’t care, your shoes are long gone, so it’s on your tiptoe that you beckon him for a kiss. Licking his Adam’s apple and Bruce is so quick to react, it’s fucking dizzying. One moment he tries to keep his breathing in check, the next, he’s cupping your face, shifting it to the perfect angle, and again he presses your mouths together. You seem to forget yourself and any sense of what you should and shouldn’t do after that.

You want Bruce, all of him, what he can provide and what he can do for you. The kisses are hungrier, and needier by the second, you find his shoulders, and pulling at the fabric of his large shirt, you manage to sneak a hand inside and craze at the skin. You find muscles you’ve already traced and you know by heart, and yet, you never get tired of feeling them against your fingertips, it’s enough for you to shiver. You tremble in anticipation, you’re ready, you want, you want, you want...

Bruce loves me.

That contact is enough and you gasp in Bruce's mouth when he hoists you up next. Easily, too easily, you cage him between your thighs, euphoric, grinding against him for some sort of friction. You need him, you need that release, you want to feel him, you need him so badly. You say it with the way your hips buck against his firm chest, you say it with your tongue smearing saliva on the corner of Bruce’s lips and going up to the shell of his ear, you say it with how tightly you keep him close, how you don’t want to be apart right now.

It’s messy and Bruce stumbles further more into your room, with you wrapped all around him like the best vice he can not get rid of. He shuffles around, towards your dressing table and you laugh, giddy, as with one swipe of his hand, Bruce discards some of your makeup, books, and wigs to the floor. It doesn’t matter as you finally collide against the dressing table, as you rest on it.

The rhythm doesn’t slow down there, you don’t know where the urgency comes from, but you welcome it, Bruce removes your top with shaky hands next, and you help him, your top is on the floor, your bra too, and then he discards his shirt. The next kiss as you see stars as your soft chest is pressed against the hard line that is Bruce, you want more, you want so much more. You bury your hand in his hair, pulling and this time when you buck against him, he has a low groan as you feel all the power of his arousal.

“I know,” he quickly follows it by your name. “I know, I want you too, but you have to be quiet, think you can be quiet for me, beautiful?” You want to moan a full and earnest yes, because of the nickname, the intense stare Bruce is giving you as he unbuckles his belt, it’s too much, but surely, it would defeat the purpose and his question. So you just nod, you nod and you watch as he lowers his pants and underwear, just enough, just a little bit, just to free himself and give you both that release you sorely need.

You lick your lips when he turns his attention to you, Bruce smirks as his hands slide underneath your skirt, to slide off your underwear. The Wayne almost does it too slowly, almost, blue eyes anchored into yours, his pale and long fingers dig into the skin of your thighs, then your knees, and then the underwear is past your ankles.

Bruce looks back up with so much of everything, you know you’re ready for him, you can feel it, so glad to be on solid ground, otherwise your knees would have given away because of how ready you feel. You are slick and so wet, just for him, you don’t even know if you’ve ever been this turned on, you can’t care right now. He doesn’t toss your underwear, no, he balls it into his fist and then he shoves it into the back pocket of his pants.

“Bruce!” you gasp, a blush creeping on your face, even though, out of the two of you, you’re the one with the experience, and yet, he surprises you.

“Shh, you said you could be quiet, right?” He whispers back, Bruce straightens his posture, beautiful just like he called you, hair falling over his forehead, bare chest and scars visible, his arousal on display. Just like that, he finds his space back between your legs, mouths colliding with yours. You don’t think anymore, your legs are around his waist the next second, arms around Bruce’s neck, it’s so close to what you need. So close your desperate pleas and moan are swallowed by Bruce’s tongue.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Bruce reassures you slowly, the line of his nose pressed against your temple next. He’s moving, you want to look down at what he’s doing, but soon enough, what the Wayne is doing is more than clear as he pushes right into you. He doesn’t pause, Bruce doesn’t wait, it’s slow and almost heavenly, just one thrust of his hips, one move of his body and you’re one once again.

Fucking finally, you think, head falling backward in pure bliss. His next move as you choke on a moan, because you are so full, so fucking full of him. Your nails are deep into his skin when Bruce moves once again, it’s a snap of his hips to get out and back into you, to carve a place for himself right there, right where you need him the most. You can’t even stop the next sound that manages to escape, even though you assured him you could be quiet. If you keep this up, the whole building will know what you’re up to, including everyone in this apartment.

Except that on the next thrust, Bruce clamps one big and warm hand over your mouth. Just like that, he silences you as your eyes fly back to his face, it’s a good thing because he puts more strength in the next push, it’s a good thing because your whole body tightens around him and you don’t want to let go.

“Shh, I know, I know...” Bruce mumbles, his mouth is still over your temple and his thumb strokes your cheek. Softly, like a brush, to reassure you. It’s a stark contrast to what he is doing with the rest of his body, to the movement of his hips as Bruce soon enough builds some sort of pace. And it’s too good, so good you relax all around him, you let him dictate the pace, silence you, have you, fill you up as you just hold on. That’s all you can do as he fucks into you. Gently, slowly, his breathing hard and loud, filling the room. There are no other words for it, this is fucking, you two have made love before, but this is so not what this is about.

This is about want and lust, this is about filling a need, the need of your bodies, and being there for each other. It’s primal, it’s essential, it’s more vital than air, it’s, it’s, it’s... It’s perfect, finishes your mind at one punishing thrust, the dressing table wobbles slightly and Bruce has to put more pressure on your mouth to keep you quiet. 

You want it, you want that, all of that, and the next moments, Bruce grinds into you with more force, and the dressing table trembles again, and again. Maybe he’ll break it, you don’t fucking care.

This is what you want, this is what you need.

And when you break, when you tip over the edge, it's just like that, with Bruce into you, pressed to the hilt, and you tremble, as your orgasm washes over you. Bruce is quick to follow you, you feel it, right inside of you, and he whispers your name all over, hips slightly shifting.

But finally, he doesn't move anymore, finally, he frees your mouth and you take a deep breath. Only to whine as Bruce pulls out. He looks down at the mess you two made, between your legs, and then back up to you, with a small smirk on his face.

"God, I fucking love you," Bruce says in a rough voice.

And you barely have time to recover, that he's already kissing you.

[bmctm]

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[mayreads3011]

The Librarian - Jason Todd

note: we all know that Jason's the biggest book nerd, lets be real he would totally be a librarian

posted: 06/03/25

word count: 811

LibrarianJason! decided to go back to school after his experience in the pit. He gets his GED, then a Diploma in Library and Community Services, and is still studying for his Masters in Literary Studies while he works at the library. Probably also getting a number of certificates on the side in things like, creative writing, gender studies, support worker, teaching, and so many more. Jason would be what others call a forever student, moving from one course to another, following his interests and always learning.

LibrarianJason! stole Bruce's bank details and made a generous donation to Gotham's public library on his behalf. Buying all new books, computers, security, furniture and just revamping the entire building in general. The library is now the most well run building in the city because Jason makes it his job to protect and take care of it.

LibrarianJason! would take books with him wherever he went, in a large overflowing satchel that seemed too heavy for anyone to carry. When he's over at the manor he'd always find his satchel opened, a few books missing, and then the next time he'd visit they would be magically returned. Over dinner he would ask them all what they though of the books. Dick would rant about how the thriller he read had the best plot twist. Tim would explain the awesome computer system that a character had in his science fiction book, and how he might try to recreate it. Bruce will mention that he just re-read Dickens for the hundredth time and Alfred would thank Jason for the nonfiction book on roman history. Damian would not mention what he read until much later when no one was around, he would sneak into Jason's apartment so that they could discuss the latest Jane Austen that he had read. Jason started to fill his satchel with books he's think everyone would like whenever he went over to the manor.

LibrarianJason! created and leads community programs like reading and writing skills, tutoring, computer and financial literacy, jobseeker or homeless support and many more. Not to mention running groups such as AA and NA, PTSD support, mental health support, cancer support and many others. He takes pride in helping his community this way, whether by teaching an 11 year old how to read or telling people about his experience with his mum and the affect that drugs had on their lives.

LibrarianJason! is the best at organising events. He manages weekly food banks and lunches in the library cafe, usually spending the evening before prepping and cooking with Alfred. He organises book fairs for schools and clothes drives, creating hampers for those he knows can't make it and delivering it to them himself so that they don't miss out. He even puts himself out of his comfort zone by organising a yearly gala with Bruce in order to raise money for the library.

LibrarianJason! runs about 12 books clubs a month, from ones about classic literature to science fiction to romance, and he reads every book required. He enjoys sitting down with people and having in-depth discussions on themes and characters, as well as getting to gush over a swoon worthy romance or a really good plot twist. But what he loves most is watching people eat his plate of home made biscuits or desserts, a new recipe each month.

LibrarianJason! reads picture books to kids for a few hours every Saturday and Sunday so that the parents can have a break. He'd sit on a beanbag chair and at least six kids would try to launch themselves into his lap, he'd end up reading the books with a kid hanging off each arm as the rest sit at his feet in anticipation. There are about 25 kids who run up to him whenever they see him on the street to request a book for the next session. Jason always reads what is requested.

LibrarianJason! stays back after work most nights to let a group of homeless kids in so that they have somewhere warm to stay for the night. He'd get them all dinner (usually a bat-burger) and give them all a blanket, setting them up on the couches, before reading them a bedtime story. After they'd all fallen asleep Jason would go out on patrol but never venture too far from the library, just incase.

LibrarianJason! may only be a librarian but to the people of Gotham he's much more, he's the one they turn to when they need help, and thats all that Jason has every wanted.

LibrarianJason! when he gets a free moment, will find the darkest corner of the library and sit with his back against the wall and a book in his lap, enjoying the few moments of escape before getting up and going back to the job that he loves.

[hiskillingjar]

Do you think you can make more of ren Hana x reader please and keep doing amazing amazing job 

yeah sure.

1300+, hyperfem mc, kind of...au post BTD2 ren where he's trying to be a normal guy and. doesn't work out for him. cw for ref to CNC but we're all freaks here so......

College was supposed to Ren's fresh start.

Well, community college was supposed to be, anyway. A full bank account and a computer full of fake documentation software and malware couldn't get him into a regular school (what with a lack of a GED and all).

So, he had applied to the closest community college with a sob story (something something abusive relationship that forced him to drop out, something something he’s trying to build a life for himself again) and gotten in on a partial scholarship to finish his high school diploma, and to study coding and programming after the fact.

It was good. Or, at least, it was movement to start a new life for himself, a normal life, a life he could be proud of that wasn’t built off of the legacy of-.

Then she happened.

He wasn't going to do this, he had told himself from the beginning. He wasn't going to let himself get caught up in the dazed and familiar spiral of infatuation and dangerous obsession, as he was so prone to do.

She deserved better than that. She was good and he was going to be good, too.

But...he was never that good at controlling himself.

Which was why they were making out in the college library, his hand up her frilly skirt (he was a sucker for that kind of thing and she almost leaned into it) and his tongue down her throat.

She moaned little whimpers against his lips, pressing her fingers in to his hair, her fake acrylic nails occasionally scratching at his scalp and rubbing the base of his ears, making him totally melt against her.

They were decorated with ‘My Melody’ charms this week, the pink matching the pale streaks in her blonde hair.

Like she had been plucked right out of his fantasies and placed in front of him.

Like a steak in front of a starving animal.

“Ah, Ren,” She gasped sweetly, wrenching her lips away from his as his fingers stroked over the front of her underwear. He pressed two of them against the slightly damp fold, and idly circled the plush flesh underneath, feeling the wet fabric cling to her skin. “Mmm…noooo, don’t…”

“You like that?” He whispered, dipping his head down to kiss her neck.

She smelled of perfume and powder foundation, and he was addicted to it.

“Stoooop,” She whined with the slightest pout, pressing her face into his shoulder and gripping his hair a little tighter, pulling a little too hard for it to feel good.

“Ngh,” Ren let out a little grunt, pulling himself away and shaking his head (like a startled animal) before staring at her, his brows knitting together as he drew his fingers back from her panties. “Are you not into this? Should I stop?”

“Huh?” She blinked as he pulled back, her fake lashes fanning against her cheeks, making her eyes look even bigger and doll-like. God, no wonder he was crazy about her. “Oh, no, I’m…really into it, actually.” She admitted shyly.

“But,” He tilted his head with a confused look. “You were telling me to stop…”

“Um…y-yeah,” She giggled, her cheeks flushing a soft pink, matching her blush, as she idly scraped a lock of pink hair behind her ear. “Ah, not to freak you out out or anything, but, mm…I’m kind of into that sort of thing…consensual-non-consent, roleplay…stuff. And, you know, we’ve been seeing each other for a while, so…”

Ren blinked too, his ears tilting back as his expression gave away even more confusion.

"Non-consent? You...think about that stuff?" He asked, idly hooking a fang over his lip and biting down.

"Ah," She shook her head and covered her face to hide a bashful smile. It was a ridiculously adorable gesture. "I-It's not that big of a deal...and a-a lot of girls are into that stuff, more than you think!"

"Isn't that kind of messed up, though?” He continued to press, drawing his hand back from her thigh and letting it trail down to her knee, where her sock was slipping down.

“I mean, I know it's a little messed up, even if it’s not...the real thing," She insisted, her hands back in her lap (like she was chasing after his hand, chasing some way of grounding her body to the Earth) and looking at him, sweet sincerity in her big eyes. "I know it is. But it's like a...reclamation kind of thing, you know?"

Ren frowned.

"Reclamation, wha...?"

"Like, taking bad things that have happened to you and,” She paused, biting her lip to hide a thoughtful frown of her own. “...Putting them in a situation that you have control over. A situation you can stop, if you need to."

"Huh..."

He’d never considered anything like that before.

Ren did know, probably more than most, that there were a lot of…weirdos out there (pot calling the kettle black, he knew), but he hadn’t considered that she might be like that too.

It didn’t make sense to him. She dressed in pink and white, got new nail designs every two weeks, and told him extensively about her plans to program a game about cat sitting when she had finished their course.

Girls like that didn’t have the darkness that he had, did they?

She was his ‘sweet one’, after all, his innocent, little angel, his doll, his Madonna, his-

"Please don't think I'm weird..." She murmured, her smile dropping at little at his extended silence. “I was being a little hasty, I know that. We don't have...I was just trying-"

She was so nervous. She was so worried that showing her darkness was going to scare him off.

If only she knew how often he though the same.

"No, no, I-" Ren cut her off with a slight chuckle, rubbing her knee affectionately. "It's okay," He then said, giving her an encouraging smile (trying not to let it grow into something bigger, scarier, more threatening, more honest). "I...I like it too, I think.” He knew, but he didn’t want to tell her too much. Not yet. “I like that you like it, too. We can keep going."

Her eyes widened a little and that sweet, innocent smile came back to her face.

"Really?" She said, her voice filled with something close to awe.

"Yeah," He dipped his voice down low and moved in closer again, reaching up and wrapping his fingers around her wrists and squeezing tight, keeping them pinned together (in lieu of any bondage) as he gave her a fang filled smirk. "Let's keep going."

She shivered, trying to wrench her wrists away from his grip as he pressed his smirk to her neck for a harsh bite.

“AH!” She gasped, her soft thighs pressing together as he dug his teeth into her skin, bruising her, marking her as his. “No, no…s-stop-“

He paid no attention to her protests (uncaring if they were even real or not) as he dug his teeth in a little harder, feeling the first pinpricks of blood welling against his lips as he reached one hand back up her skirts and began to knead at her panties again.

She was much wetter than she had been before, and he didn’t stop himself from purring lowly in delight.

“Dirty girl,” He murmured hotly, laving his tongue over the bloody bite on her neck. Her cute blouses weren’t going to hide that one, and he struggled to contain his delight about that. “Getting off on this, aren’t you? Me touching you when you don’t want it.”

“Nghh…” She kept twisting in his grip, her bottom lip swelling as she bit down even harder. “I’m not…getting off-“

“Yessss, you are,” He drawled, suddenly pulling the gusset of her panties to the side and pressing his fingers inside of her. Thank god it was late, and the library was empty. “Look at that, angel…I think your body is smarter than your head~”

“Fuck,” She swore, pressing her face into his shoulder again and tensing up even tighter. “T-That’s good…”

“I know,” He crooned, pressing a wet kiss to her cheek and sliding his fingers deeper. “I know it is. Good girl…”

“Just let me take what I want, now…”