#none of them are allowed to tell Bruce the truth though

[raeofgayshine]

Wish there was a way to begin to explain what happened tonight during stream because there’s some kind of gold in Jim thinking that Riddler is fairy (like tinkerbell) but everyone else just thinks he’s calling Ed a slur and the pipeline it leads down, connecting to Bruce thinking babies come from kissing, all the way to Jim asking Ed and Oswald if Tim was “their fairy baby and Tim telling Steph “I think Jim just called me a fairy.” Steph: “sorry you had to find out this way, but we all kind of knew.”

[deadsetobsessions]

Cassandra Cain knows how to read people. Every twitch, every micro-expression, every sway of their pupils.

She knows people better than they know themselves. She could pick out a person’s life without having to speak or hear a single word from them.

Language, without a sound.

Honesty, complete and unwilling, at her fingertips.

David Cain had beaten it into her; to observe, to read, to kill without protest. She was never a daughter to him- even if Cassandra hadn’t understood what love or being a daughter meant before she met Bruce- and she understood that.

There are scars lining her body, truths carved into her flesh that she knows she could never truly hide. But that’s alright. She’s learned by now that no one can read her quite as well as she reads them. Not even the metas. They notice it, of course, the tells and the twitches. But none of them could flawlessly put everything together like Cassandra could. They focus on the big things, like heart beat or sweat or flickering eyes. Cassandra takes note of the twitching fingers, the stances, the breaths, how lax their legs are, or which muscle groups are bunched up. She figures things out about them far before they even have a hint of her outer workings.

Cassandra Cain knows there is subtle faintness to her frame, a wildness lurking beneath her skin that she’s never going to be able to tame completely, the ways in which she leans that betrays her time as a starved and feral street kid. She also knows that no one will ever know the extent of it unless she allows them to. It’s nice, having that security.

It’s also lonely, that no one will understand her the way she understands everyone else. Well, until Danny Phantom.

Just like how she can see the scars left on him by people he trusted, the marks of crackling electricity behind a boy who should be dead, he also sees her. The training, yes. But Danny Phantom also sees the pavement like side to her where it should have been downy feathers. He sees the wildness prickling at her fingertips, the violence set in her bones.

And he still smiles at her anyways. His acceptance is screamed to Cass, though simply relaxed to anyone else.

Cassandra glides over to place a hand on Danny’s shoulders and squeezes twice.

Yes, she tells him without a word, spoken, you’re my little brother. I am not alone anymore.

Yes, she tells him without a sound passing through their eyes, we will protect you.

Danny beams up at her as the rest of the family relaxes. She still feels a thrill when she realizes (not belatedly, only slow comprehension) that they were waiting for her verdict.

She sighs in relief. Message received. Danny, eyes glowing green, leans back to rest on the couch.

He shrugs at her with a sincere grin.

And he even says thank you.

And he meant it.

[romanoffsbish]

Take it All…

Virgin!Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader

A cute little (lengthy 🤭) story where Natasha gets to fall in love, and be taken care of in all facets 🥰

Warnings: Annoying men, AOU sexist mantra, but I promise it’s super FLUFF!

Smut: Marking(N), Oral (N), Fingering (N), Face-Riding (R), High-Tech Strap(N/R), Marking (N), Kinks: Praising/Degrading, Breeding.

18 + | Minors DNI !!

Natasha is a Swiftie, you will not change my mind.

Natasha Romanoff was no stranger to the process of flirting, truth be told she was an expert at the concept being that she is a reformed spy who's objective once was to topple regimes, and who's focus lied in the art of infiltration, and manipulation. It didn't hurt that she herself was unforgettably gorgeous, walking into a room, and exuding a sort of aura that screamed power and sex. None of the targets found it in them to resist her charms, always leading to success, but funny enough the assassin never ever crossed over the lines.

Never did she sleep with a target, even when they were lower level, and conventionally hot. Her training allowed her to forgo any sort of sexual urges, the 'love is for children' mantra lived in her mind and heart rent free, but more so it just came down to a lack of interest. Being the object of their lusty intentions actually sort of disgusted her, to be seen for the lie she sold them, and never for who she really was—not that she really knew herself at the time, either way it was a massive turn off for the redhead.

—————

—————

—————

It wasn't until she came to America, with the offer of a new lease in life, that her tune began to slowly change. No longer did she allow the Red Rooms brainwashing mantra to influence her, because when she began to find her family in the Barton's she realized just how beautiful, and easy it could be. That there really might be a place for her in the world, and she craved it desperately. Finding it however wasn't an easy feat, because all the casual dates she went on ended with roaming hands, and visits to the infirmary for the many that had dared try it.

Natasha played a part in her own demise at times though, the art of flirting was engrained in her, so of course she'd use it to her benefit. Flustering the men and women of Shield, and then eventually her team of Avengers fell prey, it filled her with a childlike glee really. Causing the oh so powerful Captain America to redden like a tomato and fumble over his words always made her day, but with them it was all a game. One might say she was a tease, but she never offered them false hope, just lighthearted, flirty banter, more like an ego boost than anything.

Never would she dare date any of them, because they too stared at her like an object. Drooling over her on undercover missions, or at one of the many parties thrown by Stark. Bruce, and Steve would be obvious with their intentions as the night drug on, and she would always retire to her room early to avoid the awkward shutting down of their advances.

Being desired wasn't the problem, because at the end of the day a relationship would need to involve such a concept. For Natasha it was the lack of further interest, she saw the way Clint and Laura communicated with just a glance, or how they'd cuddled up after a long time apart over the Hollywood image of steamy reunions. Intimacy on all levels is what she'd craved, and she was rather disappointed to have never known it. Especially as she was approaching thirty, and was still by all accounts a virgin.

No one could tell by looking at her, but at heart she was a hopeless romantic, and no one would ever believe her if they knew she'd yet to even be kissed. She was an expert at many things, avoidance being one of those, because even with her need to draw targets in, she'd avoided their advances, playing coy with a purposeful cheek landing; securing her lips untouched.

As the time flew by she had thought maybe she was wrong, that maybe she was destined to be alone forever, so much so that she'd even found comfort in her solitude, but that ache still laid deep within her, and a part of her never gave into the doubt. Much to her shock a beacon of hope came into her life about a year ago, as you were recruited for the team by Fury and Stark. There was something different about you from the start, an almost innocence to your stride, and more importantly to her a sense of respect.

It was crazy really, you were always polite, and never did she really find your gaze predatory. She'd caught you glancing every once in awhile, expressing clear interest in her appearance, but your eyes also spoke of something deeper. Which was only evidenced by your constant use of silly little ice breakers as you worked hard to break down the redheads steel walls. Friendship, something she'd only experienced on a surface level with her other teammates, barring Clint, was what you were going for.

Natasha was initially taken aback by your eagerness to befriend her, but after a few months of her giving you lackluster responses, it soon became easy for her to incorporate you into her everyday. Like every morning when at breakfast where she learned you loved the company, but also required the quietude. She'd watch as you downed two mugs of cocoa before even uttering a word, then she would happily listen to your rambles while biting into whatever nutritious meal you'd have made.

Movie nights were spent sharing a couch, a bowl of popcorn sat perfectly in the middle, and she'd always make sure to reach for it whenever you did, sending you a shy smile as your hand's fumbled over one another. Simple touches like that became an addiction for her. Every chance she had got to touch you, best believe she took it: her head on your shoulder as she "fell" asleep during the movie, a hand on your back as she "squeezed" on by, but her favorite was being pinned to the ground by you in training sessions. Even if she flustered under your gaze embarrassingly fast, she'd always run off to her room after with impure thoughts to guide the inexperienced hands pleasuring her.

She was a virgin, not a prude.

Her metaphorical walls that were meant to be sturdy like steel, were instead more akin to the crumbling Great Barrier Reef of today's world.

Letting you in being easy did shock her, but what really threw her off was the loss of game. Everything Natasha knew about flirting went out the window with you around. Signature smirks were traded in for dopey lovesick smiles, and that natural flow of teasing words of hers was replaced with an inability to speak. All it took for you to change Natasha's life was six months, she was putty in your unknowing hands. You'd actually rendered her speechless on more than one occasion, with just a glance from across the room her conversations would come to a halt, just so she could gawk at you.

Kind of like now., "Natasha, you are, as the American kids would say: 'Down bad.'," the blonde mumbles to her sister, who was nearly drooling as you exited the gym in a sports bra, and pair of basketball shorts., "Ask her out.," Clint adds from her side, and she turns to face them in bewilderment., "Are you two crazy?"

Yelena smirks as she notices you doing the same, it was clear to her you were onto Nat, but she definitely didn't expect you to boldly make your way over., "Hey guys, what's going on?," you casually greeted the threesome, and the pair behind Natasha who'd immediately turned to face you share a mischievous look., "Oh my, Clint Barton, would you look at the time."

Clint genuinely looks to his watch, then clarity washes over him., "We have a meeting with Fury in less than ten, we better get going, will you keep an eye on Nat for us?," you watch as the redheads brow twitches but her shy smile remains., "She's a bit of a troublemaker if left unsupervised.," the archer teases further, but he leaves it at that, knowing better than to test his luck any further as the pair slip on out.

"Don't I know it.," you playfully shout at their nearly departed forms, but you looked directly at the gorgeous woman before you, who only furthers her adorableness as she pouts., "I'm not a troublemaker.," she brushed passed you feigning offense, but really she was just getting rather hot under your intense gaze, so she went straight to the kitchen to get a cup of ice water., "Yeah, then who hacked into Tony's suit, and made him fly backwards for a whole hour?"

Natasha's head falls as she tries to hide her blush of embarrassment at being caught, something she could normally do easily, just never around you. It was as if you were like her own walking, breathing lie detector., "Not I.," she cursed herself as her voice had cracked. That being your fault too since you suddenly had a hand on her hip, it was innocent as you'd been using her for leverage to reach the mugs directly above her, but her thoughts were anything but as your cleavage landed in her direct eye line., "Well then I guess it'll remain the greatest mystery of our generation."

Natasha giggled, actually physically giggled, and her entire body froze at the foreign sound. Never in her life had she expressed humor so softly before, her cheeks flushed at the notion that you'd softened her this much already., "Cocoa?," she was pulled from her moment of silly panic by your voice, the offer of a warm mug of cocoa accompanied by your smile more than enough to settle her current reservations.

After her nod in approval you began to collect all your ingredients, puzzling the woman as she'd never seen cocoa made this way before. In a pan you'd scooped in your cocoa powder, followed by a pinch of salt, then whisked in your pre-boiling water. After it simmered for a few minutes, you added in your milk of choice, then removed it from the heat where you added a splash of vanilla and mixed it all up., "That's different.," you caught her curious gaze, then chuckled as she realized she spoke aloud., "Promise it's so much better too.," a blush rushed to her cheeks as you winked at her before returning to the task at hand.

Once you deemed it ready for the mugs, you divided it up evenly, then to bring the drink over the top you added in a dash of half and half to elevate the drink's texture. Just when she thought you were done you'd began to scavenge for even more ingredients, such as tiny marshmallows that you dropped into the steaming mugs., "Cream?," she nodded again as you shook the can before her face, then she gasped as you squirt it onto her nose., "Y/N!"

All you could do was cackle at the sight of her, the dollop of cream nearly melting off her nose as you scooped it off with your finger then the redheads brain short circuited as you plopped it into your mouth in an unbothered manner. The opposite of how she now stood, hot and bothered, as your satisfied moans filled the space, being followed up by the loud spray of the can as you overfilled the mugs with the creamy perfection., "Here you go Natty."

The woman took her mug, albeit shakily as she pondered how something so simple in nature could make her feel this way. Then she quickly remembers that most days all it takes is a smile from you for her knees to nearly buckle. She is grateful in this moment as you're so into the drink that you'd missed her intense staring. Well, she assumed you did, but you were just simply forgoing a teasing smile as you were invested in the creamy cocoa.

"Jesus Y/L/N, drink anymore of that powdered shit and I'm sure you'll be sponsored in no time.," Stark's teasing voice breaks the happy bubble between you and the assassin, and just as you were about to taunt him back as the both of you were known for doing Natasha speaks instead., "Yeah, as I'm sure will be the case for you and the Viagra I saw in your lab.," she casually mused while sipping down the warm beverage., "Can you imagine it? Iron Man and his Iron Rod of a success story?"

Tony left the kitchen in a dramatic huff, and as soon as he was out of earshot you were cackling maniacally. The call out was so uncalled for, but a small smattering of pride filled your chest as you realize she was clearly defending you. You'd always heard about Natasha's cold ways, but you thought them to be a fable since she'd only ever graced you with perceivable softness. This only furthers your surmounting belief that she's as smitten with you as you are her, and this shared moment with her leaves you feeling rather emboldened to test out your theory.

"What?," Natasha questions in a hushed tone, the way you're suddenly staring at her so softly, but almost teasingly leaves her skin crawling., "You're adorable Natty, did you know that?," her face instantly flushed, and you smirked., "Coming to my defense like that; it's sweet."

Natasha was stumped for a response, she'd been called many things before, but adorable and sweet didn't come close., "It makes me think my suspicions about you are right.," she gulped before finding her squeaky voice., "What suspicions?," you settled both of your mugs down, then gently grabbed her hands., "That you're into me.," she was about to protest, her heart hammering in her chest at being caught, and potentially tossed aside., "Like in the exact same way that I'm into you."

"So, if I'm right here, I'd hope you'd willingly accompany me to dinner tonight.," the hope twinkling in your eyes was promising, and it about nearly knocked the redhead off her feet., "Y-Yes, I would love to accompany you.," she stuttered, something she'd never done before in her life, but she was far too excited to care., "Meet me out front at 5pm sharp, it's a date.," you left with a soft kiss to her cheek, smirking rather victoriously as you left the kitchen.

"A date.," Natasha repeated your words, her hand reaching up to graze over her warmed cheek like a giddy school girl, she sighed dreamily just before she was rushing out of the kitchen in a panic... What would she wear, among other things flashing in her mind.

Yelena and Clint beamed at their triumph, and hugged in a moment of blinding excitement., "If you ever tell anyone about this, I will end you Clinton Barton.," the elder man nodded, then the meddling duo quickly dispersed.

—

Natasha's shaky hands brushed out the front of her dress that didn't even reach her knees. It'd taken her an hour alone to pick out the outfit, but once she found the little red number in the back of her closet she was instantly relieved. There was no way you wouldn't find her to be undeniably ravishing in it, and that's exactly what she wants from tonight. To entice you, leave you on the edge of your seat, and unable to picture a life outside of one with her, and if she were being honest, she wants to be railed.

Nerves clearly overran her decision making tonight, because any common fool could see you didn't need the assistance in falling for her. Natasha wasn't much of a common though, never before you had she ever been considered one, but there's a first time for everything... Natasha spritzed herself with a classic cologne, a delicious scent of spiced vanilla covered her, she slipped into a pair of black stilettos, then she sighed before she made her way down to you with only about ten minutes to spare.

When you heard her approaching from behind you couldn't help but to smile, but you kept your cool while facing away, waiting for her lithe fingers to tap you on your shoulders. Natasha was nervous when she saw the furrow in your brow, a stark contrast to the previous smile., "Natty, aren't you cold?," her heart melted at your concern, but she brushed it off with a soft giggle., "I'm actually burning up."

It wasn't far from the truth either, seeing you in your suit had her mouth running dry., "Are those for me?," she deflected from her outfit, and moved onto the black and red roses in your hand with a giant smile on her face., "Yes.," you nodded nervously, she excitedly pulled the bouquet up to her nose to breathe in the aroma, and while she did you moved to remove your jacket, and put it over her shoulders.

Cutting her rebuttal off with the knowledge that she'd literally just shivered you then guided her over to your Jeep, helping her in, and buckling her in for extra precaution. Natasha was working on calming her nerves as you slowly rounded your car, not only were you not ogling her like she's used to, but you're also caring for her in ways she'd never experienced. It was so foreign to her, part of her worried you might not be as into her as you initially let on, but the sight of you smiling at her as you entered the car reminded her that the unknown isn't all bad, especially not when you're the one steering the ship, and are kind enough to hold her fidgeting hand as you do it.

The restaurant you took her to was beautiful, a little Italian joint on the corner of the street. There was a homey feeling to it that she wasn't used to, but it was comforting to say the least. Most people who took her out on dates were trying to impress her with flashy joints in the elite areas of the city, but she didn't need that; money and power wasn't the way to her heart. It was moments like this, spent beneath dim lights that hardly showcased the menu, with a goofball that covered her eyes and read the contents to her by heart that managed to do so.

Granted, you'd already had her heart before the dinner, but this hilarious display just assured her that you definitely were meant to have it. Natasha ordered the shrimp scampi after you raved on about it for ages, then she quirked a brow as you yourself ordered the five cheese raviolis., "What? This way I can have a bite of your delicacy, and enjoy my cheesy goodness.," Natasha snorted., "Oh? Who says I'm sharing?"

She did in fact share with you too, because as soon as you pulled out the puppy dog eyes she found she wasn't exactly capable of saying no. It wasn't unfair though, as you reached across the table with your fork held out., "Shit, Y/N, why have you been keeping this place a secret? All of this food is delicious.," she exclaimed over the bite of ravioli, and you beamed at her words., "Had to keep it at the ready for a date with a pretty girl.," her face fell slightly, clearly missing your teasing tone, but yours instantly softened at the obvious confusion on hers.

"Natasha.," she hummed while giving you her attention., "You're the pretty girl.," the woman immediately smiled shyly at the way you spoke of her in such ways, she's more used to being called hot or sexy by desperate people, she's truly never heard something as delicate before. Internally she felt embarrassment filling her at her cluelessness—of course you meant her, her self deprecating mind quieted down though when your hand settled over hers on the table., "Eat up beautiful, I can't wait for the cannolis."

Natasha loved everything about you really, but this childlike excitement of yours has to be one of the most endearing qualities you carry. Her eyes were amused, watching your lips move at record speed as you giddily ordered the sweet. When you turned back to face her she smiled warmly, her heart absolutely full as you subtly linked your hand with hers and urged her to talk. It's the best feeling in the world to be at the center of your attention, and have your eyes meet hers as she spoke about genuine interests.

With you she's able to just be, there's no pressure to uphold conversations filled with small talk, or to flaunt off her assets to keep your attention. She realized as you spoke to her so animatedly about the modifications you were making to her guns that she'd always just had it, no matter if she was in her pajamas or a revealing dress, and that truly settled all of her remaining doubts about you becoming hers.

As you escorted her back out into the cold New York night she instantly shivered, using the moment as an excuse to push back into you as you guided her to your vehicle., "Here, warm the car up, I'm sure I have warmer clothes for you in the back, you're going to need them.," she didn't question you, but she was curious to know what else you had planned for the night.

After slipping into your backseat she slipped out of her dress as you kindly waited outside in the cold, she was grinning as she slipped your sweat suit on, and she shamelessly snuggled into it with a sigh as your scent encased her., "Wow, you look so beautiful in my clothes.," Natasha's eyes caught the way yours darkened momentarily before returning to their normal shade, and she shuffled a bit as the sight of you in your lusty state put her into one of her own, or more so it just spurred on the one that's been steadily building within her all day long., "Th-thank you.," you winked., "No, thank you."

Natasha giggled, and your heart fluttered at the infectious sound., "Shall we go?," she pursed her lips playfully., "Depends, where to?," you rolled your eyes while helping her into the passengers seat., "You'll see in due time."

Natasha was about to question your next move, but then she was too busy DJing, as you gave her your phone in an obvious attempt to distract her, it clearly worked, and you smiled in amusement as she sang without fear beside you., "The more that you say, the less I know. Wherever you stray, I follow I'm begging for you to take my hand.," you noted her passion, and her shockingly good vocals, and decided it best that she always control the aux cord so you'd forever be blessed with her hidden talent.

"TSwizzle fan are we?," you teased as you put the car in park and turned to look at her., "That's a silly question, of course I am, and if you're not you might as well take me home.," she huffed, but you could see she was joking., "Oh?," you went to reach for the keys, but she quickly stopped you., "Calm yourself honey, I was only removing them from the ignition."

"Red's really her best album.," you suddenly proclaimed and the redhead gasped in offense while accepting your help out of your car., "Absolutely not! It's a masterpiece sure, but let's not act like Folklore isn't right there.," you chuckled lightly., "Natasha, are you okay?!," she gasped and slapped your shoulder, causing you to chuckle even harder., "Am I okay? Are you?! I bet All Too Well is your favorite track."

A shrug was all Natasha needed to know she was right, her smug smile telling you as such, but before she could rub her win in your face she was stopping in her tracks at the sight., "Holy shit, the city's beautiful when you're not stuck in it.," her honesty brought a smirk to your face., "Yeah, I love to come here when the world gets a bit too much, it's therapeutic."

Natasha internally beamed at the knowledge that you'd brought her to not one, but two of your special places, it was heartwarming that you trusted her enough to let her in like this. Then her heart nearly combusted when you wrapped your arms around her from behind, letting her settle into your warmth while the both of you stared over the bridge and at the distant twinkling of the New York City skyline.

The silence that surrounded the two of you was surprisingly comforting, her ability to hear your soft huffs along with the distant traffic and crickets chirping were more than enough for her as she was completely relaxed in your tight hold., "Natty.," she hummed, too afraid to use her voice while your breath fans across her skin., "Are you interested in sharing a dance?"

"Good, let me show you Taylor's best.," you teased the redhead while pulling back to pull out your phone, missing the way she whined at the loss of contact in your obvious excitement., "Take my hand darling, and let me woo you."

Natasha took your hand with a playful shake of her head, allowing you to pull her against you, the proximity left her speechless, and the way you looked down at her made her blush wildly. It took her by surprise when you spun your bodies around to the upbeat song, but she quickly fell in line and found herself smiling unabashedly as you sung the lyrics sillily.

"Before you, I'd only dated self-indulgent takers; who took all of their problems out on me.," the lyrics spoke too deeply to the woman's soul as she is reminded of all of the horrors that came before you., "But you carry my groceries and now I'm always laughing.," she smiled though at the realization that she now had you., "I love you because you have given me no choice but to: stay, stay, stay.," and as she listened to the words leaving your lips, with her hand resting over your chest, she could feel her heart beating in sync with yours; she just hoped this intense feeling would last forever, and not be a fleeting moment in time.

The two of you eventually managed to sway your bodies all the way back to your car, you fell into the Jeep in a fit of nervous giggles as the song faded out into All Too Well. When you looked up though, noticing that Natasha was still leaning against your body, it was all too suddenly that the lightness in the air faded. Natasha stared at you so intensely as the light of the moon lit up your features, you just looked so damn beautiful, and in a moment of bravery she fell into you, planting her lips to yours; making her inexperience obvious.

When you didn't initially respond to her bold advances she felt worry consuming her entire being, did she read the moment wrong? But they were instantly quelled as you laid your hands over her hips, shifting the position and pushing her body into the car while your lips took over the momentum of the heated kiss. Natasha was grateful to be leaning into your car, because when your tongue slowly slipped into her mouth her knees nearly buckled.

Instinctively you could feel the way her hips jutted, causing you to still in your movements, and for her to whine as you pulled away entirely., "Nat, I don't want to rush things.," she desperately held onto the collar of your shirt when you tried to take a step back., "Y/N, I've waited my whole life for this moment, and I'm nothing short of sure with you, so please."

The lingering suspicion was met with her truth, and you almost felt bad with how excited it made you to know you'd be the first, and if you're fortunate, hopefully the last to have Natasha in such ways, but you were still a bit unsure., "Are you sure Natasha?," your thumb trailed over the apple of her flushed cheek, and she was quick to nod eagerly., "Use your words honey.," you smiled softly, and she melted into your hand., "I'm sure Y/N, please, take it all."

The drive back to the compound was shorter than usual, but with the use of side streets, and with your foot slammed to the gas pedal it was a blink of an eye before you and the redhead were stumbling into your bedroom. Her lip's eagerly pressed to yours, and you quick to reciprocate while guiding her body to the bed. The both of you tumbled down together, but before it got anymore heated you pulled back., "Natasha.," she tried to shush you., "I'm sure."

You shook your head with an amused smile., "Trust me baby, I know.," you reassured her with a knowing glance, the heat radiating from between her legs was enough of a telltale sign., "I'm just...," you paused, readjusting so that you could straddle her, hands cupping her cheeks as your eyes blossomed with such care., "I really like you Natasha—I want you, more than anything really, to be mine wholly.," she smirked up at you, this sudden change in your demeanor amused her, the nervousness was obvious, but she was perplexed on how you'd even ended up worried., "I'm all yours Y/N, so please, help me out here, I-I need you."

You cut her pleading off with your lips to hers, it was delicate, because as much as you wanted to tear her apart, you were far too aware of this being her first time, and you wanted to give her all the power., "More, please.," she began to shuffle uncomfortably from beneath you, so you were quick to remove both of your top layers, allowing her a bit more contact before your lips were on hers again, she whimpered into your mouth when your nipples brushed over her own, and  your tongue slid into her mouth while you pressed your pelvis to hers.

Teasingly you kept a steady pace as to work her up, not that she really needed it, but slow and steady was always the best way to go when you were learning another's body., "Tell me baby, do I have permission to mark you as mine?," she moaned at the thought., "Fuck, please do.," you smirked against her lips, then you began to trail your lips down her taut jawline, taking extra care to ensure you'd find her sweet spot, and when you finally sucked her earlobe between your teeth you found yourself victorious as she gasped, and shuffled beneath your body., “Please, I-I need more detka.”

“Patience my dear, I will take such good care of you, don’t you worry.,” your lips continued to move down her body, slowly leaving behind varying degrees of markings, and pulling the most delicious whimpers from the mess of a woman as you found even more sensitive spots., “So receptive baby, just keep making those pretty noises for me, and show mommy just how good she’s making you feel.”

Natasha’s eyes widened at your given title, it made her body shiver in anticipation of when she’d get to call it out, her thighs rubbing together beneath you showed you just how affected she was., “Patience baby, spread your legs for me honey, be mommy’s good girl.,” she whined at your command, but she shocked herself really with how pliant she had become., “There you go baby, promise I’m going to take care of you, just trust me, and the process.”

Impatience fueled her, but she knew you knew what you were doing, the thought alone came with waves of jealousy, but it settled easily whenever you laid another kiss to her hot skin, or better yet left another deep mark, claiming her as yours, and in turn making you hers. Natasha immediately rose her hips off the bed when she felt the tips of your fingers push passed the hem of her-your-sweats, and you kindly held back a chuckle at her eagerness.

The sight of her bare cunt shocked you, she was not nearly as innocent as she was playing it if she wore your clothing over her bareness., “Natasha, you are such a needy little whore.,” you couldn’t hold back your thoughts, and it seemed beneficial when her arousal dripped onto the sheets and she whined, almost as if she was in immense pain with how turned on you’ve made her., “Please, mommy, it hurts.,” you chuckled tauntingly as you laid between her thighs., “My beautiful, filthy whore…”

In slow succession you began to move closer to her core, leaving more marks on her thighs, and the woman whined and gasped the whole time as you cycled between sucking and biting. It was taking everything in you not to move to just devouring her, but the love you held for the special woman kept your carnality at bay, and left you with the need to not rush things., “Baby, we’re at the point of no return, but if you need me to stop, just whisper ‘widow’.,” you held eye contact with the dizzy girl from over her glistening mound, your quirked brow telling her to speak., “I understand mommy.”

“Good girl.,” you mumbled against her thigh, then with your hands splayed over them you held them down against the bed, and slowly trailed your tongue up her slit., “Oh fuck!,” and just as you’d expected the strong muscles beneath your fingertips tensed, fighting your hold as they tried to close around your head., “Keep them open for me honey.,” your words were met with attempted obedience as she calmed down, but as soon as your lips wrapped around her clit and offered the tiniest bit of pressure you were grateful that you decided to hold them down anyways, because your mouth was unrelenting as it brought her to tears.

“Mommy, I-I.,” she whimpered, her body was in a state of unfamiliar territory, and it was up to you to ease her., “Sh, whatever you’re feeling is part of the process honey, just let go.,” Nat was stressed that you were misinformed here, the urge to pee was strong, but it wasn’t an urge she could fight as your tongue plunged deep into her, and successfully threw her into a blinding state of bliss she’d yet to experience.

Natasha was breathing harshly as you trailed your way back up her body, fingers gently circling over her hip in a gentle comfort, and your body laid atop of hers to ground her., “How are you feeling love?,” she smiled in lieu of a response, and you returned the gesture., “Are you satisfied? Or shall I continue, hm?,” her thighs rubbed together when your raspy voice hit her., “Please don’t stop, I want it all.”

“As you wish.,” you winked, then met her lips in a passionate kiss as your fingers danced over her skin, leaving behind a trail of goosebumps on there way to her puffy cunt, where they met no resistance, but were still as gentle as can be as only one of them surpassed her entrance., “Shit.,” you swallowed the grunt, but moved your kisses to her neck in an attempt to distract her from the unfamiliar feeling of your finger., “It’s going to sting baby, but I promise it’ll only be temporary, but do remember the safe word.”

After a few seconds you began to remove the finger before slowly reentering her, setting a slow pattern to get her used to the feeling. Natasha felt the exact moment the pain became pleasurable, and she moaned languidly against your earlobe to let you know. You moved to introduce a second finger, and were met with a pained gasp, but as you started to pump them into her at a steady pace she became a moaning mess that was only further turning you on.

Her walls clenched around your fingers with every thrust, you also noticed that when you groaned they’d flutter uncontrollably, and you found that to be extremely hot., “Fuck, baby you’re taking me so well.,” you smirked against her neck when her cunt sucked you in further., “God baby, you have such a greedy little cunt.,” she moaned, partially at your words, and even more so at the way you curled your fingers so torturously slow from within her.

“I-I think I’m close.,” you hummed while sucking on her heated skin., “Then let go for your mommy.,” you bit into her neck, and she quite literally shrieked in a mix of pain and pleasure, her back arched off the bed while her thighs trembled, and you returned your lips to hers to quiet down her unrelenting screams as your fingers lazily rode her through her high.

Once her body seemed to be calming down you removed your fingers from her, and she cried., “I want more, please.,” your eyes widened., “Fucking hell baby, you’re insatiable.,” you traced a line of her own slick over her lips, then nodded in encouragement, smiling when she took the hint, and used her tongue to clean it off as you did the same to your shining fingers., “You taste divine, like the holiest of nectars.,” she beamed at your words, then she pouted when you looked to be leaving the bed.

“I can’t give you more unless you give me a chance to collect it.,” you winked at her before entering your closet and procuring your latest science experiment with an excited smirk. A soft groan left your lips as you slipped the end of your strap into you, clenching purposely you watched as the shaft responded with a twitch., “Fuck, this is going to be everything.,” you groaned then made quick work of returning to the needy redhead laid atop of your bedsheets.

“Oh shit.,” her eyes were wide when she saw the almost human like appendage dangling from between your legs, it looked so realistic that she almost wondered if you were a sorcerer., “Think you can handle mommy’s cock baby?,” she nodded dumbly, a response that was inspired by her eager cunts pulsing., “Yes, please just give it to me already.,” after she spoke you wasted no time hovering above her, and slowly you moved your hips, getting the silicone covered in her abundant slick.

“This is going to sting love, but I’ll be gentle.,” she tensed, but when your thumb slowly began to stimulate her clit she settled into the bed., “Relax baby, it’ll be smoother if you do.,” she happily reciprocated the kiss when you laid your lips to hers, but then she accidentally bit your lip as you began to inch the strap passed her entrance., “I’m sorry mommy, I—.,” you shushed her quickly, then began to pick the momentum of the kiss up to distract her as best you could from the toys unfamiliar stretch.

Once you felt your pelvis meet hers you were in awe at the sight, seeing her taking you in so well was truly astonishing., “Baby look down.,” she lifted her head in a daze, then threw it back into the pillows after she saw the way you had filled her so well., “Are you ready,” she smiled up at you excitedly., “Fuck me hard mommy.”

Even with her encouragement you started out slow, knowing her excitement wasn’t riddled in awareness, and you were certain she was grateful for that as her nails dug into you with every shallow thrust you rewarded her with. There wasn’t going to be a long process here, with how worked up you already were, and how sensitive she was it was bound to be a short endeavor, you prolonged it as best you could, but with every clench of her walls around the strap you were hit with a vibration on your end that had you panting wildly.

“I’m going to let you in on a secret baby.,” you grunted while drilling the strap into her at a picked up pace., “Mommy’s cock is full, and she’s going to bust any second now, filling you up with her babies, and making you scream.,” Natasha’s heart ached at the notion, but her pussy also fluttered rapidly around the strap, causing you to do the same on your end as it all became too much, and with a final thrust the cum reservoir was activated, and Natasha’s body jolted up as she screamed in pleasure.

Natasha wrapped her arms around your back, and buried her face in your chest as she was overwhelmed by the feeling of you gushing inside of her, and you two fell into heap on the mattress as you were desperately trying to calm yourself down after the intense orgasm you just experienced, and Natasha could sense that you were struggling a bit so she did her best to comfort you even in her own state, and the feeling of her hand carting through your hair was enough to honestly make your heart burst.

“Such a good girl.,” you praised while laying gentle kisses across her collarbones to help further bring the both of you back down., “Making mommy so proud baby, so fucking proud.,” Natasha was a fast learner, even in her dizzy state she could feel everything you did to her, and every bit of her wanted to reciprocate., “Mommy, can I please try?,” you smiled down at her softly, then pecked her pleading lips., “You’ve been such a good girl for me, so how about I ride that pretty face of yours, hm?!,” she nodded vigorously, but then she was quick to correct herself., “Yes, please do it.”

Standing up quickly you removed the strap from within you, wincing slightly as it left you, then carefully you had moved until you were hovering above her head., “Stick your tongue out baby, and tap my thigh if you need me to get off, no pressure at all, just have fun.,” you could see her smiling, her tongue slowly wetted her lips as she stared at your dripping center, then after her moment of gawking she listened.

Natasha’s arms were instantly wrapped around your plush thighs, and her tongue was flattened as you settled atop her face, she instantly moaned when your arousal touched her tongue, and you groaned at the vibrations making her feel an overwhelming sense of pride to have been able to please you already. It’d helped the inexperienced girl that you were already sensitive, but as you began to grind against her face you realized she was simply a natural, she belonged between your thighs.

“Fuck, baby, you’re doing so well, mommy’s going to cum, is that okay?,” you panted from above her as you felt yourself about to let go, but you still didn’t want to overwhelm her., “Fuck.,” you moaned when you felt her mumbling her approval, and in a moments time your movements became more erratic as you worked to prolong your high, but when you came back to yourself you quickly clambered off of her, only to find Natasha’s dopey smile to greet you as your slick drenched her face., “That was fucking epic.,” you chuckled at her innocence, then moved to lay atop of her again.

“You’re so fucking perfect Natasha.,” the smile you received made your heart flutter, and you felt the urge to kiss her deeply to reiterate the previous sentiment., “Thank you Y/N/N.,” you only kissed her deeper., “It was my pleasure.”

Natasha’s body settled atop of yours the second it hit the mattress, and your arm was quick to tug her even closer which resulted in a long, happy sigh leaving her swollen, pink lips., “Rest now love, we’ll clean you up in a bit.,” you whispered, and felt relieved when her body relaxed the rest of the way into yours.

—

"I-I need to tell you something.," Nat shakily whispers, breaking the perceived peaceful silence, and you shift to sit as she'd done, your body briefly tensed with fear that she’d become regretful after all, but you grabbed her hands while smiling comfortingly anyways., "Natty, you can tell me anything. What is it that's troubling you sweetheart?,” your heart nearly broke when you saw how terrified she looked.

"In the Red Room, where I was trained, where I was raised, they have a graduation ceremony. They sterilize you. It's efficient – one less thing to worry about – the one thing that might matter more than a mission. Makes everything easier, even killing.," her voice shakes as she fidgets with your fingers, avoiding your eyes; likely full of pity, or to her fear—disgust., "Bruce isn't the only monster on the team..."

"Oh Natasha.," you coo, immediately bringing her rigid form into your lap, embracing her wholly, and rocking her as she begins to tremble., "You are not a monster!"

"What happened to you wasn't right, and all that they made you do wasn't your fault.," you stop briefly, trying to regain your composure even though all you wanted to do was cry with her., "Nothing you could say to me will change my mind. You, Natasha Romanoff, are one of a kind in the best ways possible. I've cherished every moment spent with you, and you are so much more than your body to me.," Natasha was overwhelmed with emotion as you spoke, pulling back from your chest, and slamming her lips to yours, desperately needing to feel you, and the comfort of your touch to go along with the words she always needed to hear.

After allowing her the chance to control the moment you eventually pulled back, offering her the softest smile you could muster while wiping away the tears that covered her face., "Being able to bare a child doesn't reflect your worth, but if down the line you're able to love one then I can see us going the distance.," she smiled at you so brightly that you couldn't fight the widening of your own smile., "The distance with you sounds like a dream come true Y/N."

A budding bubble of hope blanketed the both of you as you laid her down, and continued on to show her just how much you planned to love her right; to love her as she always deserved.

Natasha was overwhelmed by the warmth of your love, she smiled softly against your chest, very grateful she waited this long, because she doubts anyone else would've been as tender with her as you were., "I love you Y/N/N.," her whispered words caught you off guard, your hand having been rubbing soft circles into her exposed hip in comfort., "I love you too Natty."

Natasha, tired as she was, burrowed her face into your neck as you returned her feeling's without any doubt present in your voice. It took a lot for her to admit it, and it paid off; you mirrored her features as she smiled against your skin, before she began laying tired kisses to the bare skin in silent affection. Your hand never stopped moving comfortingly, and so it wasn't long before her kisses were replaced by soft puffs of air, and adorable little snores., "Goodnight my love, here's to our forever.," your heart skipped at the prospective future as your eyes fluttered shut; following in her lead.

——

The warm sun splaying across your face in the late hours of the morning arose you from your deepest slumber. Without even opening your eyes you began to stretch out your sore body, the sounds of your bones cracking causing a knowing smile to overtake your face at the memories of the night before. Though it was quickly replaced by a deep frown when you rolled over, and realized the bed was empty.

Sitting up you took the blankets with you, preserving your modesty while you got your bearings. The bedside tables clock flashed 9:00am, and you had an idea for where your lover had ended up. Missing her led to you slipping out of the warm bed and into your ensuite, where you took a quick shower before you slowly made your way to the living room.

"Annabella, and Erin keep it down.," Natasha shushed the five year olds., "Mama's asleep., Your chest fluttered with affection at your wife's attempts to protect your slumber. Natasha might not have birthed the little redheads with the bright green eyes, but from the strikingly similar looks, down to their feisty nature, they were hers—through and through.

"Come again?," your teasing voice traveled throughout the living room, being followed up by a chorus of squeals as your daughters wasted no time rushing into your open arms., "Mama!! We missed you so much!," you pecked their little cheeks., "I missed you little gremlins so much more.," the girls giggled wildly in your hold as your fingers jabbed into their sides., "Mama, please stooooop.," Anabella whined, while Erin stuck to squirming in her protest.

Natasha watched you all from the kitchen, allowing her favorite couple of girls their moment with you before she could have hers. Her gaze was riddled with a mix of love, and impatience, because as much as she adored your mother persona, she much preferred your snuggly wife persona in the mornings., "Girls, go get cleaned up, and we can go to the park.," she clapped her hands together to emphasize her point, and the girls squirmed from your arms in a rush. Nat smirked at you in triumph, and you just rolled your eyes before opening your arms to her, and instantly exciting her.

"Yelena brought them back about an hour ago, I'm sorry we couldn't wake up together.," your wife's muffled grumbling flowed into your shirt, but you managed to catch the words, a soft chuckle leaving you at her clear contempt., "We couldn't get the forever babysitter deal?,"you gasped, humoring your apparently jilted lover., "The nerve of the girl, even after we watched Fanny for a whole three months earlier this year."

A dogs bark pulled your attention from the teasing nature, your wife stilled along with you., "Yeah, stupid Fury and his missions.," you chuckled at the fuller picture, then at the sound of nearby babbling you peaked into the kitchen to see your son sat in his high chair beating his cup into the sensory play mat on the tray., "Well that's one way to experiment with it buddy.," then as if the world didn't want to give Natasha a break, a loud noise erupted.

Natasha was reluctant to pull away from you, but she heard the booming noise upstairs, so after she groaned exaggeratedly into your chest she did so, pouting up at you until you got the hint. A hum of contentment left her as your lips pressed to hers so tenderly., "There's hot cakes on the counter for you, eat up hot stuff.," you snorted as you pulled away from the kiss, then you watched as her smirking form left to handle the chaotic girls, and you moved into the kitchen to eat, while cuddling with your smallest man., "Mommy's a silly goose. Isn't she Rico?," he babbled incoherently in your hold, but you could almost swear he said 'yeah'

Natasha met you in the car with the deviants, their somber expressions feigning remorse, but the mischief stirring around their eyes told you they weren't sorry in the slightest. As your wife joined you up front you looked to her, but the tight smile told you not to even ask, so you didn't. Her hand soon found yours, softly settling over it as it rested atop the gear shift, she'd been squeezing it in random successions of three as you drove, making you smile, and after a few times you'd flipped your hand over to link with hers., "I love you too.," conveyed in the simplest of gestures, your wife smiled over at you warmly, and thanked the heavens above that she let you in all those years ago.

She finally found her place in this world with the help of your unwavering love, and started this beautiful family. All of her dreams having come to fruition—well almost all of them., "Detka?," you hummed as you carefully pulled into the parking lot of the three story park., "Can we get a cat?," you snorted at the randomness, pulling your connected hands up to your lips to deposit a sweet kiss shortly after., "Whatever you want my love, you get.," truth be told you'd give Natasha anything she asked for, because no one in the world was more deserving in your eyes., "How about another baby then? Help to even us out."

Well, almost everything...

—————

8,818 Words

Enjoy my beautiful whores? 👀

[havendance]

Batman (2016) #38 wishes it had what Gotham Knights #1 has.

Recent discussion has caused me to remember that I wanted to write this post. Anyway, spoilers for both comics below if you care.

There are a few different things that set these two stories in parallel. The firstly and most obviously, are the parallel in the cases that Bruce faces in each story: We have a boy. His parents have been killed. Bruce (Batman) vows to solve the case; he vows to bring vengeance. And when he finally unravels the mystery he finds that the murderer is none other than the son.

The appeal behind telling such a story is clear. Bruce at his heart is a boy who has lost his parents. For child to kill their parents is alien to him. It isn't something he wants to believe. It's an interesting challenge to pit him against.

The way that Bruce goes up against these is different in the two stories. The Gotham Knights story is there to showcase his supporting cast, his allies. He is hampered at every turn, by Nightwing, Oracle, Robin, Huntress, trying to help him/take over the case because they can see what he can't.

Robin: Um, Listen. Wouldn't bother you, but... well, this case is kinda buggin' me out... Nightwing: Senator Myles and his wife? Yeah, Oracle gave me a heads up. Tim, this one's gonna be hard on Bruce, Okay? Try not to take it too personally if he's-- Robin: --No, it's-- not that, Dick. I'm just worried that maybe... Well, I mean, you've never known Batman to have a blind spot have you? Nightwing: Blind spot?

Whereas in the Batman story, it's a solo story. He monologues to Gordon, to Alfred, to Selina's sleeping body. Alfred makes a wry remark. Selina makes an aside. They're not really allies in this to him, not really. In the Gotham Knights story, Dick practically throws the answer in his face. In Batman, Bruce is the lone savant.

I will give Tom King credit where credit is due. It's a very clever mystery that Batman solves with all of it's twists and turns. It's clever and it knows it.

I do think that the Gotham Knights story though is stronger in it's simplicity. Everyone knows from the beginning and yet Batman insists on investigating each twist and turn, convinced that there must be another solution. Even to the end, when the evidence is overwhelming:

Batman: I fingerprinted ninety-three bullets, and found your prints on this one. It-- It could be used to prove that you killed Jack and Eileen Myles... I need you to really think, Barrett. I need you to finger another suspect, or tell me more about what you saw. I need you to give me something, Barrett. Please...

He cares. He wishes so desperately for it to be something else. Anything else. He's pursuing it to an obsessive, dogged degree. (He fingerprinted 93 bullets)

In contrast, in Batman #38, when Bruce realizes the truth of the murders, it is very much a realization rather than a unwilling truth dragged forth.

Bruce: The killing of parents, blaming it on Zsasz, then on Two-Face. It's fundamentally silly... It's... almost... childish.

It's an intuitive leap, rather than an elimination of all other possibilities. Now, I'm not saying that Batman isn't allowed to have one of those, but there is just something deeply compelling about the way he is so deeply in denial in the Gotham Knights story that just can't be found in the version where it's a convoluted puzzle box for him to solve. There's less compassion there. The conclusion of the storyline emphasizes the way that Bruce was shaped by his parent's murder, and yet I think the way that Bruce is so deeply in denial shows rather than tells us this in a much clearer way:

Batman: You're not Bruce Wayne! You're a sick kid with dead parents! Matthew: Well, yes... but... but what else is Bruce Wayne?

This also brings to the other thing that sets these two stories in parallel is the way that each of them spend their time digging into an aspect of Bruce's identity. In Gotham Knights #1, we have Bruce psychoanalyzing the Batman via third person file (as one does). In Batman #38, the boy is obsessed with Bruce Wayne, he wants to be like him.

The thing I find most interesting in this comparision is that the file is all about 'why doesn't Batman work alone? why is he so stupid as to have all these hanger ons?'

File: You would think Batman would KNOW better. You would think he, of all people, would understand how potentially UNSAFE it is to be surrounded by people you LOVE. The risk of LOSS is always too GREAT.

Before finally concluding that 'hey, they're like a family to him. they help him out. it isn't a complete idiot move after all.' And I think that kind of sums up the reason that I think that the Gotham Knights story just works better. It's about Bruce's weaknesses and the way that they're covered. It is about him and his belief in the goodness of people even in the job he's doing. It's very rooting in humanity, where the Batman story is a clever puzzlebox for Batman to solve.

And as a final note, this rooted-ness in humanity is also demonstrated in the differences of the two boys:

Why did Barret shoot his parents?

Batman: Why? Why did you do it? Why? Barret: I dunno. They bugged me. What's it to you? Batman: It's everything, Barret. Everything...

Why did Matthew?

Batman: I talked to your man. Again. I found more lions. He found another story. About a boy who loved Bruce Wayne. Who wanted to be Bruce Wayne. Who ordered his butler to make him into Bruce Wayne. Matthew: You can't understand.

Ignoring the fact that Bruce is explaingng Matthew's motivations to him, it's just a much more bombastic and fantastical motivation than we had with Barret. The whole story is trying to do something that I feel the Gotham Knights story accomplishes more, and with greater pathos.

Moral of the story: go read Gotham Knights #1. And then maybe read Batman #38 if you want to read a less good version of the same story. Or maybe the other way around and end on a strong note.

[providencehq]

Your Shriek design is fantastic!

Do the ghost approach Danny while he’s Shriek?

Like one night he’s patrolling with one of the Bats and while Shriek is doing his side of the route a ghost comes up to him in a semi friendly manner? Danny turns off his com immediately so none of the Bats can hear him and the ghost chatting which is a red flag to bats and assume Shriek is in trouble. Patrol buddy is sent to Shrieks location to make sure Danny isn’t getting beat up. And they don’t catch the full conversation but see Shriek arguing with a guy in a motorcycle then the cyclist leaves and then Bat steps in and goes into worry mode (“Why is your com turned off?? We thought you were in trouble!”). They get nothing out of a disgruntled Danny who dodges every question.

I think ghosts will sometimes approach Shrike! I think ghosts who know Danny more so than the average ghost (like Skulker or Box Ghost) would approach him since he seems familiar while run of the mill ghosts might be off put by Shrike and instead try and avoid him. So a 50/50 chance of a ghost interacting with Danny if they're around. But the ghosts who do approach Shrike when he's out on patrol tend to get him into more trouble than they're worth. If he's alone, he tends to handle them fairly quickly, either as Shrike or as Phantom. He does keep some spare Fenton tech on him just incase for these situations and so far none of the bats to his knowledge know about him making advancements and additions to his suit. Though they will later on and it ends up raising more questions than Danny wants.

If Shrike is patrolling alongside someone else, it tends to go differently. Usually it will end up being an all out fight with the ghost till they end up winning or the ghost manages to run away from the fight. These encounters get blamed on the Phantom for simply existing in Gotham from certain members of the family (cough cough Bruce), and drawing in other metas or beings wanting to fight the meta. These encounters also create some kind of cause for concern because why would so many metas/creatures (aka ghosts) be wanting to take down Phantom, a meta who keeps claiming he's just some guy wanting to help. The ghosts are powerful and it takes more than one bat to even be able to get control of the situation, ones in which they've witnessed Phantom take care of without making a sweat. It makes them wonder how powerful the meta is easily take care of these kinds of situations so easily.

Also, back to your last point about Danny dodging questions! I think everyone in the family would be concerned about Shrike's comms suddenly going off. That sort of thing is taken very seriously, especially with their newest bird on patrol. Danny avoids the questions fairly well from Bruce but Babs ends up suggesting they look the video both from nearby streets from where the interaction happened as well as from his mask (something everyone has but it's rarely used, also something Danny didn't know his mask was able to do or else he'd find a way to turn it off.) But thankfully when the pull of the video from this altercation, it appears corrupt or heavily distorted for some reason. Thanks to ghosts being unable to be easily captured on film and photo, it ended up saving Danny's hide. They can't make out any viable footage of the motorcyclist he talked to nor what was really said, they have no choice to but to try and parse the truth from little Danny will tell them.

From this incident, Shrike is probably not allowed to patrol alone on any term and is paired up instead from then on. The bat family doesn't want to make this type of mistake again with their newest member.

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

Father of Mine – 2/2

Character: Bruce Wayne x Daughter!Reader

Summary: With the tragic passing of her mother, Y/N learns to the truth of who her father is.

Word Count: 4,100+

Warnings: absent father, subtle violence, mention of family death

A/N: The reader is described as tall in this fic. Bruce Wayne is 6′2 and I’m tall, so I’m indulging myself with no apologies. Read it or don’t.

Part 1

Bruce was working in the cave when Alfred interrupted him.

“Master Wayne, a guest has arrived unexpectedly.”

Bruce gave him a strange look. Hardly anyone showed up to the manor unannounced.

“Ms. Y/L/N,” Alfred added.

“Right,” Bruce sighed.

“She’s waiting for you in your office.”

Bruce found Y/N pacing in the room, refusing to take the seat that he was sure Alfred offered her.

“Y/N,” he greeted, remembering how she disliked the formalities last night.

She whipped around at his greeting. “Am I your charity case now?”

He feigned confusion. “I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about.”

She looked offended by his lie. “Don’t insult my intelligence. You paid all of my outstanding expenses that my mother left me.”

Bruce opened his mouth.

“Don’t try to lie to me,” she warned.

Bruce closed his mouth.

“Look, I don’t need your help,” Y/N sighed in obvious irritation. “Did you or did you not pay them?”

He took in a shallow breath, “I did.”

Y/N clenched her jaw as Bruce finally admitted his deed.

“I was only trying to help.”

“You can’t just throw money at me and expect it to make up for being a no-show.”

Bruce tensed. 

Did that mean…Did she know?

“You read the letter?” He asked.

“No,” she clarified. “But I figured it out.”

“I had no idea,” he tried to tell her.

“I don’t care,” she almost snorted.

“You have ever right to be angry with me…”

“I’m not angry. I’m annoyed.”

She took a defiant step toward him and crossed her arms.

The heeled boots she had on caused her already tall height to make her be eye to eye with Bruce. 

How many people had faced off with Batman and cowered with fear? 

But she didn’t submit or show any signs of intimidation.

“Do you think I cried myself to sleep every night as a child, wondering where my dad was or why he didn’t want me?” Y/N hissed.

Bruce didn’t respond.

“You think I give a fuck about the father-daughter dances? Or whatever the hell people think dads are only capable of doing?” She narrowed her eyes. “The thing is…I didn’t need you. I didn’t need you then and I don’t need you now.”

Bruce felt sick as he listened to her.

“I have the sneaking suspicion that you wouldn’t have been there for those anyway,” she added roughly. “My mom loved me more than enough. I didn’t need anyone else. And she made damn sure of that.”

“So I’m not your charity case to make yourself feel better after my mom made it clear she thought it was better to keep me from you, than to ever tell you that I existed. Says a lot about what kind of person she thought you are, huh?”

When Y/N finally stopped, she was taking deep breaths.

Bruce wondered how long she had that all bottled up. He didn’t think anything she said was a lie. Y/N didn’t need him. That had become clear.

She had grown up to be a successful, intelligent, and independent young woman.

And she got that way without a father figure of any sort.

After a few moments, Bruce finally bowed his head and cleared his throat. “I never intended on making you feel like a charity case.”

Bruce saw as Y/N took in a deep breath and the guilt slowly took over her expression.  

“Look,” Y/N sighed, “we finally know the truth. Let’s just…let’s just move on with our lives. OK?”  

Bruce couldn’t deny that the suggestion hurt.

After processing the news over the past week or so, he realized he wanted to get to know her. This wasn’t the first time a child of his had been dropped on him far too late. He had failed Damian in so many ways because of it. 

But Y/N was a young woman, fully developed and independent now. And Bruce couldn’t help but wonder that him being absent from her childhood had only benefitted her.

“If that’s what you want,” he finally told her.

Y/N didn’t know him well enough to hear the underlying pain in his words.

So she simply nodded and walked past him, having nothing more to say.

——————

Bruce adjusted his tie. He wanted nothing more than to rip it off his neck.

But he was on his best behavior tonight.

This year, the Gotham Gazette was given the honor of hosting the Pulitzer Prizes. And since Bruce and Wayne Enterprises donated quite a large sum of money to the Gotham Gazette, they felt inclined to invite him.

Bruce had every intention of skipping, until he found out that Lois Lane was receiving an award and Clark would also be attending.

He figured the least he could do was congratulate her and say hi to both of them.

That’s why he was trying to find them as soon as possible so he could and get the hell out of there.

Bruce finally spotted Clark talking to a woman whose back was to him. All he saw of her was the black dress and y/h/c hair. 

He made his way over.

Clark noticed him when he was a few feet away.

“I see you’ve finally left your cave,” he teased with a lift of his brow. “I honestly didn’t expect you to show.”

But when the woman Clark was speaking to turned to look at him, Bruce swore he felt his heart stop.  

Y/N’s eyes widened slightly, clearly just as surprised at seeing Bruce.

None of this went missed by Clark. “Oh, do you two know each other?”

Bruce didn’t know how to respond. What would Y/N want? 

So he hesitated.

“I shot him for a cover once,” Y/N answered quickly.

She was a shockingly smooth liar.

Maybe she got that from Bruce, too.

But she didn’t realize that Clark could hear her heart rate quicken, catching the fib.

“And how exactly do you two know each other?” Bruce asked, recovering quickly.

“Y/N works with Lois a lot,” Clark answered. “She basically refuses to work with any other photographer.”

Y/N managed to force a smile.

“I should actually go find her and say my congrats,” she answered. 

“And I need to hunt down a drink,” she mumbled. 

Both men caught it.

Clark was rather taken aback by how she fled.

The Y/N he knew was always charming and kind, usually life of the party. He’d never seen her dodge a conversation in such a way before.

As soon as she was out of hearing range, Clark gave a intimidating glare to Bruce.

“Want to tell me what that was about?” He asked Bruce.

But Bruce only clenched his jaw.

“Past fling?” Clark asked with a somewhat disappointed tilt of his head.

“No. Nothing like that,” Bruce quickly corrected.

Not only did the idea make him feel sick. But if rumors started of the two of them being romantically linked, Bruce knew it would only make Y/N hate him more than she clearly already did. 

Thankfully, Clark took his denial seriously.

“She’s not my biggest fan,” Bruce added darkly.

“Y/N is a good friend,” Clark told him – almost in warning. “Lois and her have become rather close over the years.”

Then Clark smirked. “She does know how to hold a grudge though. And she’ll make your life hell...if you deserve it.” 

Bruce’s brain hurt as he realized how easily Y/N and his path’s could’ve crossed. She had been friends with Clark and Lois this whole time?

“I’m happy for her,” Clark added.

“Happy for her?”

Clark looked at Bruce as if it was obvious. “She’s being awarded tonight, too.”

How could Bruce not have realized? Why didn’t he think of looking at the list of people being awarded tonight? He’d been dreading attending so much that he didn’t even consider it.

“Bruce?” Clark asked with concern.

“Hmm?” He was not one to hum or mumble.

“You alright?”

Bruce didn’t have a lot of friends.

But Clark Kent was one of them. And him and Diana had noticed how Bruce was acting off for weeks now. Bruce was notorious for remaining stoic and giving nothing for people to try and guess what he was thinking or feeling. But they both knew it was something different. 

Someone over Bruce’s shoulder suddenly waved Clark over.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Clark told Bruce politely.

Bruce’s first instinct was to leave now that he knew Y/N was also in attendance.

But he knew he couldn’t act so cowardly.

Was he really that scared of his own daughter?

His eyes glanced around the room looking for her.

He spotted Y/N at one of the bars.

Either her conversation with Lois had been quick, or she simply used that as an excuse to get away from Bruce.

Bruce walked up beside Y/N at the bar.

He knew she felt his arrival by the way her body tensed.

“Had I known you would be here I would not have attended,” he told her while looking straight ahead.

Y/N ignored his apology. “How do you know Clark?”

“He’s a friend,” Bruce answered casually.

Then he allowed himself to take a sideways glance at her.

Her jaw was clenched.

He wondered what thoughts she was holding back.

Y/N really did remind him of her mother.

When they were together, Bruce was convinced she was the prettiest girl in the world. He wondered if Y/N had found someone in her life who told her the same.

“Congratulations on being honored tonight,” Bruce offered sincerely.

“Thank you,” she answered shortly.

A beat passed between them.

Bruce was about to give up and leave her be.

“Does Clark think I’m one of your one-night stands now?”

Y/N might not know Bruce well, but everyone was familiar with his romantic history. He wasn’t one to keep the same woman around for long. 

“No,” he quickly answered. “I made sure to prevent such a rumor from starting.”

Y/N finally slowly turned to him, her annoyance clear. “And you’re convinced that he really believed you?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes, Clark has always been rather good at detecting a lie.” His tone was so confident that it left little room for argument.

But Bruce knew a losing battle when he saw one.

He dipped his head. “Enjoy the rest of your night. Congratulations again.”

But Bruce lingered, debating if he wanted to say what was on my mind.

“You look very beautiful. Just like your mother.”

There was nothing creepy or contrived about it.

Y/N blinked at the compliment, completely taken aback.

“Goodnight, Y/N.” Bruce dipped his head and finally surrendered, leaving the party.

Y/N felt a presence behind her shoulder as he watched him leave.

“Was Bruce Wayne just hitting on you?” Lois asked with amusement.

“No. Not at all,” her tone was dazed and confused.

“He’s a good guy,” Lois told her lightly.

“Doubt it.”

“I mean it,” Lois insisted. “The media has given him a bad image. But I think he likes it that way,” she shrugged. “It’s not easy for him to open up. He’s not quick to trust.”

Lois thought she was building up a possible suitor for Y/N, having not a clue that she was describing Y/N’s father to her.

But Y/N was too busy thinking about how much Bruce sounded like her.

—————

A few weeks had gone by since Bruce and Y/N had run into each other at the ceremony.

It got Bruce to thinking: would he and Y/N had run into each other at some point in life – even without her mother’s posthumously confession?

Y/N knew Lois and Clark, lived in Gotham, seemed to know the same people through her work that Bruce was forced to interact with to keep up his persona.

Would he have sensed a connection had that been the case?

The possibilities kept Bruce up at night…along with the guilt that had already been eating away at him since he first read the later. And he’d read it 100 times more since.

Of all the boys, Dick was the only one that knew of Y/N’s existence. And if he hadn’t been at the right place at the right time, Bruce never would’ve told him. He had just been in shock after reading the letter that he blurted out the realization while Dick was in the same room.

Since then, Bruce didn’t linger in a room alone with him, knowing Dick would finally let all of his questions loose. And Bruce wasn’t ready to answer them.

While Tim was the one to connect them, he never followed through with what the situation was. He already had too much to deal with on a daily basis. Tim simply thought he was doing a nice favor for a beautiful woman. 

But if Bruce had told him, Tim would immediately do every possible background check on Y/N. He would be suspicious of the timing and underlying motives. He would probably assume that Y/N’s end goal was to get money or fame – or both. Bruce knew eventually Tim would come to the conclusion that Y/N wanted neither of those things. But it would still get an unnecessary rise out of the boy.

Bruce didn’t even want to think about how Damian would handle it. He knew his son felt a certain level of pride from being the only blood-son of his. Knowing he had a sibling – and an older sister at that – would most likely enrage him. And that wouldn’t make anything better. 

Jason…Well, Jason would get a kick out of Bruce letting down yet another child. And it would just be worse that she was blood related. He’d be curious about Y/N. Hell, he’d probably be tickled by the no-bullshit attitude Y/N had towards Bruce and her harsh efforts to keep him out of her life completely.

Now, Bruce sat at a Justice League meeting.

They were only a few minutes into a council session when his communicator started going off.

The boys knew not to contact him unless it was an emergency. So, he quickly excused himself and stood to leave the room.

“What is it?” Bruce answered, his Batman voice in full form.

“There’s been an attack at city hall,” Dick reported back hurriedly.

Bruce frowned. The boys had handled much worse things on their own before. There had to be more to it than that.

“Scarecrow,” Dick confirmed. “He released a fear toxin. It’s bad Bruce. The mayor has been infected, along with half of their staff. I think it’s a new string. Our antidote doesn’t seem to doing anything. Even if it did, we don’t have nearly enough for the amount of victims.”

“The others?” Bruce asked quickly – meaning Damian, Jason, and Tim.

“They’re fine. Jason’s trying to get everyone out before they inhale too much. Tim and Damian went after Scarecrow. GPD is in a panic.”

Bruce turned to see Clark had raced to his side. Clearly he had been eavesdropping on the conversation. But the expression in his face prevented Bruce from getting into an argument about it.

“What?” Bruce asked him, knowing something was wrong.

“Lois and Y/N were at that council meeting,” Clark breathed out.

“We’ll be there soon,” Bruce told Dick before hanging up.

—

Bruce thought he knew fear from the few times his boys had been in trouble. But it was nothing compared to the fear he had knowing it was Y/N this time. She wasn’t a trained vigilante; she was just an innocent civilian. Bruce had not insured that she was trained and could take care of herself.

As soon as Clark dropped them on the ground, they were in the midst of the chaos.

“Lois!” Clark yelled.

People were too distracted to notice Superman and Batman had arrived.

Bruce looked over to see Lois rushing to Clark. He could tell it took all of Clark’s willpower not to embrace Lois from his relief.

“Are you OK?” Clark asked as he dipped his head and his eyes raced across his wife’s body.

“I-I’m fine. I got lucky. Somehow I was out of range of the gas explosion.”

“Y/N?” Bruce interrupted. “Did you see Y/N?”

“She was helping these kids get out and I was getting shoved out of the building. I tried to get to her but it was impossible with everyone’s panic. I think she’s still in there.”

Before Bruce could turn to Clark to come up with a plan, Clark flew into the building. A few people finally noticed the presence of superheroes and started murmuring.

“Nightwing, Red Hood – I’m at the front entrance of City Hall.”

Clark flew back to them not even 30 seconds later.

Y/N was unconscious in his arms.

“Oh my god,” Lois muttered at Y/N’s condition.

“She’s gone into shock. We need to get her to the medics,” Clark informed them. “She was exposed to the toxin more than the others.”

But Bruce was already shaking his head. “They won’t be able to help her.”

Clark gently handed Y/N to Bruce as he explained, “There are others in there.”

Just then Nightwing and Red Hood dropped in front of them.

Nightwing immediately recognized Y/N and his eyes shot up to Bruce with worry.

“Nightwing, I need you to take her back to the cave,” he tried to sound as controlled as possible.

Bruce was confused why Dick hesitated to take Y/N out of his arms.

“Do you have the batmobile? I brought my motorcycle,” Dick sounded apologetic when he explained.

Jason stepped forward before Bruce could answer. “I got her.”

As if she were the most fragile being ever, Jason carefully took Y/N’s unconscious body from Bruce’s grip. He could see in Bruce’s gaze that she was someone special. How and why, Jason would figure out later. 

Jason had seen Y/N trying to help as many people before she was completely poisoned from the toxin. She’d risked her life to help. 

Watching Jason cradle her into his body caught Clark off guard, always seeing the brute strength and almost animalistic energy from Red Hood whenever they so happened to fight beside each other.

“Meet us at the cave,” Bruce clarified. “Alfred will know what to do. We have to help out here more.”

Jason nodded before he hurried away with her and rushed to his hidden car.  

——————

Y/N’s eyes snapped open and she shot up, sitting in a cot.

“Hey, hey, hey,” a voice she didn’t recognize said beside her. “You gotta relax.”

She turned to see a mammoth of a man sitting beside her, wearing vigilante gear with at least two guns being displayed at his sides. But it was the red helmet completely hiding his face and true voice that made Y/N feel uncomfortable.

“What the fuck,” she groaned at the sight of him.

Just a few seconds later, two men rushed into the room.

Bruce walked in still in his Batman uniform, but without his cowl – to Jason’s shock.

Clark was beside him, making Jason confused as to why he was still here. Surely he would want to be with Lois. 

Y/N took in the sight before her.

“You were poisoned with a new strand of Scarecrow’s toxin,” Superman explained.

Y/N had seen plenty of pictures and shaky video of him. But now that the man stood before her, she immediately recognized him.

“Clark?” She gasped.

He didn’t say anything. But his expression didn’t fight her realization, just silently waited for the truth to settle.

“Does Lois know?” Was her next question.

Clark smirked at that. “Of course.”

Y/N gave a slight nod.

But now her attention switched to Bruce. 

The Batman symbol was large across his chest, and his cape was still intact.

She looked around her surroundings and then up at the ceiling.

They were in a cave.

“You’re…you’re…” she couldn’t finish her sentence.

“Batman,” Bruce finally offered.

Y/N’s eyes were wide with panic.

How was this possible?

Now that the others had exposed their identity, Jason felt inclined to take off his helmet. Clearly, it was making her uncomfortable.

The hiss of his helmet being removed caused Y/N to finally look away from her father and to Jason, who still wore a domino mask. But it was far less frightening than the helmet.

“We’ll give you two a moment alone,” Clark spoke for both him and Jason.

Jason nodded and stood up from the seat beside Y/N, and walked out. 

Clark lingered in the doorway. “I’ll be right outside if you need me,” he told her.

He might’ve revealed his Superman identity to her, but she was still his friend.

Y/N managed to nod in thanks, but was clearly still shook by all this news.

Bruce very slowly made his way to the chair that Jason had just been sitting in.

“How are you feeling?”

She shook her head. “Body’s sore. Migraine is killing me. What happened?”

“You were more exposed to the toxin more than the other victims. Jason brought you here. We had to make a new anecdote, and quickly.”

Bruce wanted to add that she could’ve died. But he didn’t see the use in scaring her.

“Oh,” was all she managed to mumble.

An awkward silence settled between them.

“Very few people know the truth about me,” Bruce explained.

Y/N’s gaze flickered up from her lap to look at him.

“I don’t expect you to forgive me. But I figured I couldn’t ask you to allow me into your world if I didn’t allow you into mine.”

She was silent.

“Y/N…” Bruce cleared his throat. The time had come. “The reason I left your mother was because I was starting this life. I pushed her away to protect her. I knew I couldn’t be the man she deserved while also being Batman. Had I known the truth…”

His words died out. It was starting to become harder to control his emotions.

He leaned forward in his chair, just getting slightly closer to her.

“Had I known about you, I would’ve…” He cleared his throat to try and hold back his tears. “I never would’ve abandoned you or your mother.”

He leaned back then. “But I know those are just words. And to you, they probably sound like empty promises for the past.”

“She never knew?” Y/N whispered.

In the few moments she was allowed to process this information, her mind immediately wondered if her mom had known about Bruce’s double life all along. And that’s why she kept him away from her.

Bruce shook his head.

“Thank you…for trusting me enough to tell me your secret,” Y/N finally told him. “I promise I’ll never tell anyone,” she quickly added, feeling like she just needed to clarify that to him.

He gave her a small small, “I know.”

Y/N winced as she thought about how terrible she’d been to him all this time. Now that she knew the truth – the whole truth – she was looking at everything with a new perspective. Even what she knew about Bruce Wayne, the spoiled socialite... it was clearly all wrong. 

He used it as a cover. It was all a cover.

“I’m sorry for how I’ve treated you,” she whispered shakily.

But Bruce shook his head before she could even get the apology out.

“Do you think it’s too late for us?” She breathed. 

Could they ever find any fragment of a father-daughter relationship?

Y/N was an adult – she had been for years now. And she made it clear she didn’t need nor want a father.

“Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time this has happened to me,” Bruce sighed.

Her brow furrowed. “This meaning…?”

“My son, Damian. His mother kept him a secret from me. She didn’t reveal his existence until he was nine. And she only did it in an attempt to disrupt my life.”

“This seems to be a rather strange pattern in your life,” Y/N couldn’t help but point out.

Bruce glared at her, causing her to chuckle.

“My point is,” he continued, “I don’t think it’s ever too late.” And he cleared his throat quickly. “That is, if you want to try.”

“I think I do,” she answered with a shy smile.

It was the first time she’d done so in his presence.

“I don’t know anything about raising a daughter,” Bruce rubbed his face as he attempted to make the joke. But she could tell there was sincerity there, too.

“Well, I’ve already been raised,” Y/N laughed.

There.

That laugh.

It brought Bruce back to his teenage years. It sounded so much like her mother. Her face lit up just like her’s had.

“You remind me so much of your mother,” he gasped.

Her face dropped at his confession.

“Really?”

He nodded. “She said you were just like me. But there’s more of her in you than I think she ever realized.”

Bruce saw his much his words effected her.

Y/N’s eyes were shiny with tears, but she managed to hold them back.

“So what now?” She quickly asked, obviously trying to distract herself so she wouldn’t have a complete emotional breakdown.

“Well, Alfred should have dinner ready soon. Would you stay?”

She gave him a tear-filled smile. “I’d like that.”

“You can meet the rest of them,” Bruce told her casually as he stood.

“The rest of them?”

He nodded. “Well, you only have to meet Damian now. You already met Jason, Dick, and Tim in passing.”

“And here I thought you had no idea how to be a father…” Y/N muttered with amusement.

Bruce helped her get out of bed, making sure she was alright to stand and walk on her own.

“Well, depending on which of them you ask, they might tell you that you’re right.”

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

Thank you to everyone who read the first part. Let me know what you think <3

BONUS: This Game of Ours

[tryingmybestpls]

Me and My Husband

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Summary: The reader warns herself of her relationship with Steve Rogers.

Rating: R

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: Infidelity, miscarriage, depression, suicidal thoughts

No one will tell you what to do when you find out your husband is cheating on you. No one tells you that whether you stay or you leave him, everything you do will be judged ruthlessly. So you just pretend. You will pretend like its not happening, like you haven't seen the text messages on his phone or heard the whispers when you visit the Compound upstate. You'll ignore them the best you can, pray that somehow you got this all wrong. But you can read minds, so you get it straight from him that he's cheating on you.

You'll keep your head held high, ignoring the issue as much as possible. You act like nothing is amiss, even though everyone that you work it-or have worked with-knows the truth. They all know your husband was having an affair and they wonder if you know. You can see their questions as they appear in their heads. You plaster a smile on your face, wishing to be in your bed so you just cry. You'll get bombarded with their thoughts and it'll make you feel like you're drowning.

You'll never bring it up to your husband, but he knows that you know. You've promised that you'd never read his mind, but he knows that you have. You know every gritty little detail of the affair and he knows. He is reminded of it every time he sees you lying in the bed you once shared, your back to him. He's reminded of what he did every time the two of you visit the Compound upstate, when everyone gives her looks of sympathy while he gets glares that bore into his skin. Every time your eyes meet his, he is reminded that he didn't care about the sanctity of marriage and because of that you'll never look at him the same way ever again.

You'll spend moments wondering what you did wrong. Did you not love him enough? Not give him enough attention? Instead of being mad at your husband, you're mad at yourself. Wanting to think about what you could have done instead of thinking that your husband just didn't love you. It'll be easier to blame yourself and you'll live with this bundle of hatred for yourself.

A betrayal by the people closest to you. Your husband and your best friend. Your husband and your maid of honor. The two people you loved most in the world sleeping together and losing your trust, losing you. You wanted it to be anyone but her, anyone else. You prayed and begged that somehow his thoughts betrayed him and he didn't sleep with her, but you know deep down that he did. Her face is all over his memories. She won't meet your eyes and you've stopped taking her calls.  You will want to hurt her, kill her. Want to make her brains spool out from her head because you're so God damned hurt. She isn't friend anymore. Friends don't betray you. Friends don't sleep with your husband. Friends don't make a mockery of your marriage. Friends don't-

Cry.

You'll find yourself crying a lot. It's an endless stream of tears that leave your head pounding and your eyes aching. It's the type of crying that makes your throat and entire chest hurt, the types of crying that leaves you feeling hollow. You must be dehydrated with how much you're crying. Your husband will come home to see your eyes red and watery. He used to be so concerned when he saw you post-crying, but that was before your marriage imploded. He knows he is the reason why you're crying, so he doesn't bother asking anymore. And that only makes you cry even more.

A night of emotions being too high and apologies that he doesn't mean result will in a positive pregnancy test and you're stuck in marriage with three people. You, your husband, and the other woman. It's too cramped and you feel like you can't breathe. It's suffocating.

When you get pregnant, people will whisper it's a save the marriage baby. None of their smiles will meet their eyes and their pity will be written all over their faces. They congratulate you nonetheless, calling you a fool once your back is turned. Having a baby with a man that betrayed her with her best friend.

They'll ask you how he feels about it. Not how you feel because you're not allowed to have feelings anymore. You gave up your feelings when you chose to ignore his infidelity. They'll ask you how he reacted, if he is happy. You don't want to tell them that he just nodded when you told him, his face not giving away way what he felt about the news. You don't to tell them at he left immediately to go see her as soon as you got into the shower.

She will be in the room when you tell the remaining members of your team, both holograms and in person. Hidden in plain sight, she sits among the people you call your friends-at least the ones that remain. His eyes meet hers when the news falls from your lips and you can hear her whisper in her mind "What are we going to do?". As your friends and teammates walk up to congratulate the two of you, she takes her time getting up, takes her time to walk over to you. She looks you in the eye and says that the two of you are going to be great parents. Three of us in this marriage and I can't breathe.

You'll wonder every day as your stomach grows if the man who you married hates you. He's stuck in this house that he had built, with the family he had wanted, in loveless marriage because he messed up and you found out. It doesn't stop him from leaving at night, showering immediately when he comes back. They both know you aren't stupid. You know what they are doing, but your heart can't break anymore. You'll tell yourself that he'll stop when the baby comes, but you know that's a lie, but it's a lie you keep repeating to yourself in hopes of it coming true.

Sometimes, you will dive into his mind when he is asleep next to you. He'll never know that you've snuck inside, but you get to see every moment of their relationship. It's sadistic and all it does is make you more upset, but you can't help yourself. You need to know how far it goes, if they love each other or if it's just a physical thing. She fills up more of his memories than you do. You're being replaced and there isn't a thing you can do about it. You can only watch it happen.

And no one will tell you what to do when you start to bleed. It will seems to pour endlessly from you, staining the cream colored sheets. Your husband won't be beside you, he's off with her. So instead, through the pain, you drive yourself to the hospital, blood covering the seat. Tears streaming down your face as you force yourself to walk into the emergency room, hand on your stomach. You'll lean on the receptionist's desk and calmly tell her "I think I am losing my baby." as blood drips down your legs. No one tells you who to call. Should you interrupt your husband's time with his mistress? Make him hate you more? No. Instead, you call your friend, the one who has always been like a brother to you. The one who lives a few hours away with his wife and their newborn daughter. You'll wait for him, sitting alone in a hospital room as nurses run tests on you.

No one will tellyou how you are supposed to react when they come in and tell you that your baby-a boy, you learn-is gone. Your bump is still there, so how can he be gone? He. A sweet baby boy that you'll never get to meet. When Tony arrives, you can't get the words out. Saying it aloud will mean it's true. But he knows. He knows as soon as he walks through the door that the baby is gone. He doesn't bring it up and instead sits next to you, where your husband should be, and holds your hand. Your hand in his while you other hand cradles your bump. Your husband will return home the next morning to find your car gone with blood smeared everywhere. For the first time in months, he'll call your phone, wondering what was going on.

Tony will be the one who answers the phone when you're in surgery, the doctors wanting to make sure the contents of your womb are completely out. He'll be the one who tells your husband that you lost your baby. Tony will be the one to tell him to stop calling. Before your friend hangs up, Tony will tell your husband that he caused this, that his infidelity direct caused your miscarriage.

In that time, you'll finally lose it. It's like you're finally reacting to everything. You'll be drowning in anger, in sadness, in sorrow. How you managed this far you'll never understand. Tony will bar your husband and his mistress from coming anywhere close to your hospital room. Your life is falling apart at the seams and you're losing control of everything. You're unable to sleep, unable to eat. The last thing you've had was your baby and now that he's gone-Well you don't have anything left. You just want all of the pain to end and you'll tell Tony that. He'll will be worried and he'll ask for you to be put into a seventy-two hour hold. While this is happening, while your brain is being picked in order to see if you're going to harm yourself, Steve will be throwing away the bloody bed and getting rid of the ruined sheets and blankets.

Tony will decide that you can't go back to your home you share with Steve, but you also can't stay with him. He has a baby and you just lost yours. It's not right for you to stay there. So instead he takes you to Asgard's new home. You'll be thousands of miles away from the home you had wanted to raise a family in, away from your husband. Thor and Valkyrie will welcome you with open arms, helping you transition into your new lifestyle as you grieve. Tony will handle the divorce proceedings and Steve will get a new bed. Your things will be packed up and sent to you and you'll be completely removed from your husband.

And when Bruce and Rocket come knocking on your door three years later, begging for your help, you'll be forced to make a choice. And you'll sit there in your tiny cottage next to Thor's, thinking about what to do. And then you'll agree to help because you want to bring back half of the universe. You love saving people and it doesn't matter if you feel uncomfortable, you are going to help bring people back.

So when that beautiful man with the baby blue eyes comes up to you after a mission, a million dollar smile stretched across his nervous face and asks you to go on a date, heed this warning. He'll be amazing at first, but it'll go down hill so fast. Know that you were never his first choice, you were the only available one.

If you don't heed the first warning and you do go on a date with the blonde man, don't marry him. The marriage is a sham, something you'll do a year after half of the universe turns into dust. You'll be excited and it'll seem like he's really happy, but he isn't. He just wants purpose again and he won't get it from the marriage. He'll emotionally leave you and you'll try to stick it out.

Being with Steve Rogers will only end in pain, so save yourself the heartbreak and stay away.

[alienguts]

Chance Meeting (Bruce Wayne x f!Reader)

Summary: Bruce and Y/N's first meeting at a gala.

Warnings: None

Request?: Requested by @theprincessbt

A/N: I'm so used to writing established relationship stuff that this was a little challenging 😅

Bruce hated galas. The time he spent wandering around a fancy venue making idle chitchat with phonies and pretending to flirt with heiresses was time he could have spent investigating the latest series of crimes that was sweeping the city.

Alfred has insisted that Bruce attend for the sake of his image and getting some rest from constant detective work.

“Gotham’s elite are going to expect you to show up, Master Bruce,” he’d said as he laid out the Gucci suit that had been freshly pressed. “And who knows? Perhaps you’ll meet someone there who’ll make you an honest man.”

“I really doubt that’s going to happen, Alfred,” Bruce had called from the bathroom.

“No, but I can always dream,” Alfred muttered to himself before leaving Bruce to get dressed in private.

After a spritz of cologne and pulling his suit on, Bruce headed to the gala venue and steeled himself for what was about to come. Playboy face ready, he pushed through the heavy double doors and started to make his rounds talking to his parent’s old friends and benefactors.

While he was making his way past the social climbers and supermodels who were looking for a fling or a sugar daddy, Bruce tripped on his own feet and stumbled into another person. Glass was heard shattering along with a couple of gasps from onlookers.

“I’m so sorry,” Bruce said to the smaller figure in front of him. “Are you alright?”

“I’m okay, don’t worry about it,” he heard a voice say. He looked up and saw that the person he’d bumped into was a reporter for the Gotham Gazette and the most beautiful woman in the room.

“Are you sure?” he asked her, unable to take his eyes off of her face. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“No, I’m not hurt,” the woman said with a soft smile. “Can’t say the same about my dress, though.”

Bruce noticed that a small crowd of people were starting to look at them, likely preparing to start the rumour mill.

“We should go get you cleaned up,” he said as he held out his hand to her. She hesitated for a beat before taking his hand in her own and allowed him to lead her to the hallway. “I’m Bruce, by the way.”

“I know who you are, Mr Wayne,” she said as she tried to hide her burning face. “I’m Y/N.”

In the hallway, Bruce told Y/N to wait on a plush loveseat while he went to get some paper towels from the bathroom. She felt out of place in the gilded event hall. Growing up in Gotham’s East End, she was more used to seeing cracks in walls and wearing clothes from thrift stores than seeing expensive artwork and wearing little black dresses from higher-end stores. When she’d first started her journalism career she hadn’t dreamed of rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, she wanted to make a difference to the community she grew up in by bringing the poverty in the area to light, not mill around reporting on fancy parties. She especially did not expect to have champagne spilt on her clothes by Bruce Wayne.

“Sorry it took so long,” she heard Bruce say from her side. “They don’t seem to believe in paper towels here for some reason.”

“That’s okay,” Y/N said as she took the towel that he held out for her. “A cloth towel’s better than nothing.”

She dabbed lightly at the sticky liquid that had started to seep through to her skin, the smell of alcohol burning her nose.

“This doesn’t seem like the kind of place you’d usually be in,” he said when he tentatively took a seat next to her.

“How could you tell?” she asked sheepishly.

“Well, you are wearing a press badge for starters,” he said, pointing at the badge pinned to her dress.

“Oh, yeah I am,” Y/N said while mentally kicking herself.

“This isn’t my mind of place either,” he said earnestly. She folded the now damp towel and placed it in her lap before looking at him.

“It’s not? You looked pretty at home when I saw you walk in.”

“To tell you the truth, I’d rather be working right now.”

“I would say the same but this is work for me,” she said with a sigh. “I told my boss to give it another reporter in the office but he insisted that I come.”

“Sounds like a tough boss,” Bruce said as he fiddled with his cufflinks.

“Yep, he just assumed that I would want to get all dressed up and go drink champagne with rich people. I don’t even know what this gala’s even for.”

“The children’s hospital, I believe,” he said, looking up from his cufflinks to look at her face. Even from the side and slightly frowning, he thought she was beautiful. When she turned to look at him face on, his breath caught in his chest. He never believed in love at first sight, but he definitely felt something for her at that moment. Her eyes sparkled in the lights, her hair hung loosely around her face, and her painted lips were slightly parted and kissable. He could easily just lean in and capture her mouth with his own but she was a complete stranger.

“I could give you a quote for your report if you want, save us both some time here,” Bruce said, his mouth slightly dry.

“That’d be kind of you, Mr Wayne,” Y/N said, her mouth curling into a smile.

“Please, call me Bruce.”

They ended up spending the majority of the night talking on the loveseat than to anyone else at the gala. Y/N thought she heard her co-worker come to see where she was a few times, but he must have assumed she was still giving an interview since she’d been with the elusive Bruce Wayne. She was definitely going to be the envy of the society section the next day.

“I should probably get going home,” Y/N said when she looked at her watch, the hands both pointing to midnight.

“Before you go, would it be alright if I gave you my phone number?” Bruce asked her as he stood up with her.

“You’re a well-known man, Bruce, I can find your office in the phone book,” Y/N said.

“No, I don’t mean my office, I mean the number for my phone,” he said sheepishly. “I’d like to see you again.”

He couldn’t believe how hard his heart was hammering. He was a grown man and yet he felt like a teenager asking out his middle school crush again. He didn’t want her to see him as the vapid playboy he made everyone else think he was, he wanted her to see the real him.

“Yeah, I’d like to see you again too,” Y/N said softly. She fished her notebook and pen out of her handbag and handed it to him so he could write his number down.

“I’ll call you sometime this week, okay?” he said as he handed her the notebook back, letting his fingers linger on hers for a second longer.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

The two of them began to walk towards the back exit together, where Y/N’s co-worker was waiting for her. She said her goodnights to Bruce and waved as she left the building.

“Did you spend all night talking to Bruce Wayne?” her co-worker asked in disbelief.

“I did,” Y/N said, more proudly than she intended to. “He’s nice, gave me his phone number.”

“Be careful with that one, Y/N, he has a reputation for being a player.”

“Maybe, but that could just be a rumour started by someone from the society pages.”

“Whatever. Just don’t expect it to turn into anything long-lasting.”

Little did Y/N’s co-worker know, that small conversation at a gala as strangers turned into a lifetime as soulmates.

[plaid-shirtsandvibranium-arms]

Little Blue Ribbons (6)

Summary: The countless times you allowed Steve Rogers to break your heart and the one time you said enough was enough.

Fandoms: Avengers

Pairings: Steve Rogers x Mutant!Reader, Bucky Barnes x Mutant!Reader (platonic. is it tho? well, oops.)

Warnings: SMUT IN THIS CHAPTER AND FURTHER MENTIONS OF SMUT (DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE BELOW 18), Angst, Pining, So Much Painful Pining, Violence, Bullying, Steve doesn’t come out great here, Not gonna lie this is gonna hurt, Mentions of Trauma, PTSD, Self-harm, Suicidal Thoughts, Toxic Relationship Dynamics, Unprotected Sex (this be fanfiction only, my dears), Cursing, The Snap, Thanos, Endgame, Character Deaths

A/N: Smut this chapter. Please proceed with caution. This is also me indulging in everything I wanted to scream at Steve after Endgame. Last chapter for this plot.

Masterlist

6: Sixth Sense

Numb. That was all you were now. That was all any of you who were left behind were now.

The initial shock of what Thanos had done was pushed aside by the furious need to find a way to reverse it. Nothing else mattered. Nothing else existed outside of that goal. It fueled you and gave you a reason to live through another day. When it was found that Thanos had destroyed the stones, destroyed the only hope any of you had of bringing them all back, that was when the truth sunk in.

They were really gone.

None of you had time to actually grieve before, with each one stubbornly denying the painful loss as well. You were the Avengers for fucks sake. You could fix anything. Avenge anyone. When you were all forced to face the truth of how utterly helpless Earth's Mightiest were, that was when your lives collapsed. That was when the self-loathing, guilt, anger, and depression kicked in. The Avenger name was worth nothing.

Each of you retreated within yourselves, all merely shells of who you once were. Natasha threw herself into work, managing what remained of the initiative as she desperately clung onto the only family and purpose she's ever known. Clint was in the wind, you kept tabs but from the chatter you heard no one wanted to risk disturbing him. Tony, Bruce, and Thor had completely disassociated from the team choosing to quietly rebuild in their own corners of the world.

You and Steve however had become completely co-dependent. Losing Bucky all over again had left you both broken beyond repair. When the pain grew suffocating and the darkness seemed like the only way you could breathe again, you took turns in pulling each other back. You both took over the VA and helped on missions to help society rebuild.

We gotta move on.

That's what you and Steve kept telling people accompanied with a hopeful smile that never really broke through the dead haze in your eyes. You both put up a brave front in public, knowing that this broken world still needed their heroes. No matter the pitiful state they were in.

When it was just you two though, only each other's arms tightly around each other could stop the angry thrashing. Only the feeling of each other's skin calmed the painful sobs that racked through your bodies. Only the sound of each other's voice pulled you out of catatonic states. Only the sight of the exact same loss mirrored on each other's face brought either of you back from your nightmares. You took comfort with and from each other. There were days though that close was not close enough. There were days when you both needed a different kind of intimacy and comfort.

It started one night you were laying beside Steve in his bed and sleep completely eluded you. It was a silent agreement you had to sleep in the same room, both too terrified to sleep alone in case you wake up and the other was gone too. You didn't talk about it. You just understood the need to be the last thing seen before falling into a restless slumber and the first before bitterly facing another day.

You felt like you were paralyzed as you stared up at the plain white ceiling. You couldn't feel or move any part of your body as if you were fully bound and restrained. Your body struggled to breathe but at the same time each breath stung like you were betraying all those you lost. Your mind was completely blank and you had no idea what exactly from the many reasons caused the tears to continuously pour from your eyes, wetting the pillow under your head. You lay there frozen and silently crying. It was only at an involuntary sharp inhale from you that Steve was alerted.

He shot up to sit and immediately leaned over you, terrified at your shell shocked state. You weren't even blinking. He gripped your shoulders intending to shake you awake but recoiled when he felt your skin as cold as snow. He swallowed down the panic that was starting to seep in and racked his brain on how to snap you out of it.

Warmth.

You were cold to the touch. His best bet at that moment was to warm you up. He recalled the time you had pulled him out of his nightmare by cooling his fever. You needed the opposite now. You needed warmth and it was lucky that the serum made him run like a furnace. Quickly he got inside the covers with you and forced your body to curl against his. Your icy skin against his bare torso shocked him and made him shiver, but he pushed the discomfort aside as he positioned you until almost every inch of you was enveloped by him.

"Come on, Y/N. Come back to me," he murmured against the top of your head, pulling you closer still to his chest. You didn't move and you were hardly breathing.

"Please," he whispered, tears now clouding his own vision. "Please come back to me."

His whispered prayers was the only noise in the room, begging you to fight your power's instinct to protect you and take you away from the pain you had been enduring. His thumb brushed against your lips and he winced. They were practically frost bitten.

I can't lose you too.

Desperately, he held your chin gently with shaky hands and lifted your face to his. His own lips, warm and wet, pressed insistently onto yours. He caged you in his arms as he attempted to somehow breathe life back into you. He choked back a sob as you remained unresponsive. He was about to pull away when he heard your heart start to beat faster. Steadier. Stronger.

"Steve," you said finally. It was breathy and weak but Steve sobbed in relief at the sound.

"Hi, sweetheart. I'm here."

"I'm cold."

You shivered in his embrace and buried yourself further in his arms. You haven't felt cold in almost a hundred years. You haven't sought nor needed warmth since you gained your powers. You had forgotten how lovely the heat felt like.

"I know, sweetheart. Come here. I got you."

You wriggled in his grasp and craned your neck to meet his gaze. He was so relieved to see the color coming back to your face and feel your temperature start to stabilize to what was normal for you. Your heart though he could hear was beating a little too fast.

"Steve?"

"Yeah, sweetheart?"

"I'm still cold."

Your heart was thundering now but so was his own. He saw how your pupils were blown and how your attention was solely taken by his lips. You swiped your tongue across your lower lip and his body reacted knowingly.

"Are you sure?"

He hesitated, not wanting to take advantage of you but also clearly wanting the same thing. You already had your leg hitched up on his hip. It was a simple task to wind your own hips down against his now apparent erection. He groaned at the contact.

"Please."

Steve threw all of his doubts aside with that one word from you. His mouth attacked yours and his hands tore through your flimsy sleepwear. You weren't any better, impatiently pushing his boxers down with your feet. Two pairs of hands grappled, pulled, and gripped at every available span of skin. With each kiss and touch you felt the heat course through your body. For the first time since the Snap, you both felt alive.

You pulled apart but didn't go far, pressing your foreheads together and your hurried breaths mingling. Your eyes met and the smile you shared was filled with affection and a unique understanding of the other. Your eyes began to brim with tears as did his. Steve kissed the corners of your eyes before moving to your lips to plant a kiss so tender and filled with meaning that you felt all of the cold leave your soul all at once. It was laced with a promise that even without words was understood.

I am yours.

And I yours.

The initial urgency to be connected in the most intimate way possible had faded to give way to a slower more personal joining. Steve peppered featherlight kisses down the column of your neck to your chest, his beard causing tingles to dance on your skin. He swirled his tongue around your breast and groaned as he felt the bud harden in his mouth. He continued to lap and gently suck then moved to give the same attention to its twin. He kept one hand on the other, groping and pinching. Your back arched off the bed and your hand tugged his head closer. You hissed when he answered by nipping at your sensitive peaks and pinning you down with his hips.

"Stevie," you whined. "More. Please."

One more nip at your breast and he was venturing further south. Steve's baser instincts screamed for him to just take you, but the desire to savor this rare moment of simple pleasure won over. When he was finally facing your core, he blew on it making you jolt. You were breathtakingly beautiful from this angle; pleading half-lidded eyes, softly panting in anticipation, and glistening folds inviting him in.

He dove in, moaning into your cunt at the taste of you. Your hands fisted in the sheets and your hips moved to grind against his face. A muscular arm came around to hold you in place as he unraveled you with his tongue at an almost lazy pace. He sucked at your clit while he pumped his fingers into you, easily finding that spot that had you moaning and writhing until you fell off the edge. He watched you as he felt you clench around his fingers and wet his beard with your cum.

God, you're beautiful.

He would have happily spent an eternity between your legs, pulling orgasm after orgasm from you, but he needed to be inside you. He needed to feel you pressed against every inch of him as you came. He crawled up to settle behind you, pressing his front flush to your back and lifted one of your legs over his. He circled his tip around your entrance, coating it in your slick.

"Are you good, sweetheart?" he asked. He wanted to make sure that you really wanted this, assurance that he would stop if you changed your mind.

Instead of answering, you slipped your hand between you to guide his length into your soaking heat. The long moan you both let out was filled with a relieved satisfaction. A balm for your wounds. Two broken people fusing as one to hold each other together.

He pushed in and out of you slowly, sensually, reveling in the softness and warmth that was offered to him. You felt every ridge and curve of him within your walls. Your eyes fluttered shut in pure bliss as he whispered sweet words in your ear.

"You're so beautiful, sweetheart. You feel so good."

One of his hands reached around you to grope at your breast while the other pulled your hips harder against him. His pace quickened, his huffs and moans in your ear making you impossibly wetter. You whined when he bit on your shoulder and snapped his hips.

"Harder, Stevie. Please," you begged and pushed your ass back to meet his thrusts.

He growled. He loved the noises you made, loved that he was causing them. He loved it when you were just as desperate for him as he was for you. His grip on you tightened and his thrusts grew harsh, pounding into you until the loud slapping of skin on skin echoed in the room.

"God you're so wet, sweetheart. That feel good? Am I making you feel good?"

"Yes. Fuck, yes!"

He felt your walls tighten around him and your body grow tense. He moved his hand to rub at your swollen clit, almost slipping from your juices. He pressed harder, thrust faster until your breathing became a staccato of shallow puffs. You blacked out when your climax hit you, your vision exploding in a galaxy behind closed lids as your body convulsed.

Steve held you tighter and muttered every cuss word he knew as your cunt wrapped him in a death grip. The feeling of you sucking him back in each time he pulled out sent him spiraling towards his own finish.

You laid together, basking in the afterglow of your lovemaking. He nuzzled into your hair; kissing the back of your head, your nape, your shoulders. He breathed in your scent, now mixed with his own, and for the first time since the Snap he felt a moment of peace as you gently kissed his hand.

He slipped from your grip to cup your cheek and turn you to face him. He kissed you softly, lovingly, before he pressed his forehead again to yours. Words had become unnecessary, your eyes told each other everything. Every regret. Every apology. Every argument. Every promise. You both understood, but some words still needed to be spoken.

"I love you, Y/N."

You saw the fear flash in his eyes. Fear of rejection. Fear that he was already too late. Fear that he had already done too much damage, but you smiled at him and it took his breath away.

He didn't deserve you.

"I love you too, Stevie."

It had taken the worst circumstances imaginable, but you were finally with the man you had loved for nearly a century. Two years after the Snap, you had both found a small light in the seemingly unending darkness. You had found something that made the excruciating pain of loss feel a little more bearable. You found meaning in life again.

The next three years went by quickly yet at the same time agonizingly slow. You and Steve continued with the VA and outreach activities for anyone needing help. You checked up on Natasha constantly, making sure she ate more that just a PB and J. You checked up on the rest of the team too, just making sure they knew that they had you if and when they needed you for anything. Then you would come home to your Steve. Things began to feel easier and approach something close to normal. Perhaps down the line you could even think of the future, but right now the pain still burned bright for all of you.

So when Scott appeared and told you all his idea, you jumped aboard. No question. No hesitation. It was a yes immediately for you. If there was even the smallest chance, you would take it. For a moment your eyes met Steve's, but you saw the same determination you felt.

We're getting you back, Bucky. All of you.

You were the most hesitant to involve Tony. After all that happened, you didn't want to put him through any more. He had his little slice of heaven and he deserved it, but you also knew that you needed him in this fight. You hugged him tight and thanked him profusely when he appeared at the compound.

"We got work to do, Elsa," he smirked at you. You rolled your eyes at his never ending nicknames.

You sat on top of the conference table watching your family as they threw ideas around. You had lost count of how many monitors were up and what information they held. Coffee cups, crumpled soda cans, half eaten snacks, pizza boxes because Bruce said it made him think better, Chinese takeout boxes because Tony had a craving between drafting schematics, and the constant chatter of brainstorming. You chuckled softly as your vision filled with tears.

Happiness.

At this moment, watching your family come together for a mission just like you used to, just like many times before, you felt genuine happiness. More than that you felt the elusive stirrings of hope for the first time in what feels like forever. You were going to get your whole family back.

You spoke too soon.

You were assigned to go with Thor and Rocket to secure the Reality Stone in Asgard. The blonde god was unstable and they trusted you to keep him in check. You were going to pull Thor toward where Rocket had gone, back toward the mission, but when you saw him with his mother in a tearful reunion you couldn't bear to interrupt. You couldn't bear to deprive him of this opportunity. You waited in the shadows, tears silently tracking down your cheeks, until Rocket came running out screaming for you to go.

"Fates be with you, my children," his mother bid you all farewell, an elegant and serene smile on her face.

When you appeared back at the Compound, it took you a while to get your bearings. Time travel really had a way of scrambling all your insides. The nausea only worsened when a quick headcount told you that you were one person down.

"No," Your voice was barely a whisper, shaking your head and begging for it to not be true. The broken look on Clint's face though confirmed your worst fears.

"We can't -. She can't -," you gasped. You could barely form a sentence. "We have to get her back!"

Steve caught you before you hit the floor, wrapping you in his arms as one by one each Avenger wept for Natasha. He kept you in his arms during the small ceremony you held in her memory. She was gone and after several heated screaming matches, the group was forced to accept this fact.

"This has to work," you murmured against Steve's chest.

"It will. It has to," he said firmly, stroking your back and kissing the top of your head.

When Thanos, who had somehow come from the past, attacked unexpectedly you were almost grateful to have another shot at making him pay for all that he's done. Something snapped in you and you went on a wild rampage against him.

For the trillions dusted.

For your friends who had given their lives to protect the worlds.

For the 5 years that those left had to endure.

For Bucky.

For Natasha.

Even as he summoned his army, you stood unyielding beside Steve adamantly refusing to lose again. One portal after another appeared to reveal every cherished warrior who had been dusted. A smile broke out on your face as you watched Sam glide by. Your eyes met Bucky's and you felt that feeling again.

Hope.

The Cavalry had arrived.

"You are so dead," you sneered at Thanos.

"Avengers!" Steve's voice boomed across the battlefield, Mjolnir in his hand. The goosebumps rose on your skin and your body tightened in preparation to strike. "Assemble."

The power in you exploded, tearing through the enemy like a tornado of sharp ice. You decimated everything in your path, leaving no room for mercy. This ends today, you promised. The battle waged on and when the dust had settled on what was a victory for your side, that was when you saw what it took to win. Thanos had taken one last thing.

Tony.

You could hardly keep yourself together at his funeral. Tony was special to you. To all of you. You almost broke down completely when Morgan asked for you to carry her with a tiny mumble of Snow Ball under her breath. You had never wanted so badly to be called a stupid nickname than at that moment.

Steve had simultaneously withdrawn and clung onto you as if he was struggling between the two. You knew Tony's death had triggered something in him just as it had affected the rest of you, but you knew Steve in and out. You knew him even better than Bucky did to some extent.

So when he stepped up on the platform to return the stones to their rightful time, you didn't say a word. You didn't say a word at the absence of his shield that you knew was tucked in his closet with a letter for Sam on top of it. You didn't say a word when he bantered with Bucky, relishing the interaction just a bit too much. You didn't say a word when he embraced you and kissed you just a bit too long.

When Bruce began to panic after he had counted down and Steve had not reappeared when he was supposed to, you were the one to pull his hands from the console. You smiled sadly at him and shook your head.

"He's not coming back."

Because you knew Steve Rogers better than anyone, you had attuned yourself to him so well that you knew immediately that something was off. It wasn't after Tony's death. It was after they returned from taking the Tesseract. It was when you caught him gazing longingly and lovingly stroking the compass, a memento that had been buried in storage until that day.

It was crystal clear to you then and you had no fight left in you. It would have hurt less to think that he was cheating on you with her, but you know in your heart that it wasn't true. It felt more like he was cheating on her with you. And that hurt more than anything else.

That was the fifth and last time you allowed Steve Rogers to break your heart.

Four years later, you were sipping on your lemonade on a bench at the Compound's grounds watching two idiots bicker like children. You rolled your eyes at Sam's gleeful digs at Bucky for being a cyborg. The other man looked at you with a frown and pleading eyes to get Sam out of his face before he snapped his neck.

He had cut his hair short and it made him look just like he did in the 40s. You were so happy for him at his progress, but you weren't about to get in between him and Sam again because the last time you did Sam played Let It Snow on repeat in every room you were in. You were about to stick your tongue out childishly at him when an approaching figure made you stop dead in your tracks.

Sam and Bucky stopped their argument to find what had drained all the blood from your face. They took a step back in shock to see Steve Rogers himself making his way toward you three. Sam rubbed his eyes and slapped his face to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.

"Steve?" Sam said in disbelief.

"Hi, Sam," he said with a small smile. "Hey, Buck."

He came closer to you, but the two other men had moved to flank you protectively with warning looks on their faces. He frowned at the gesture but turned his attention back to you. His eyes were soft and the beginnings of tears lined his baby blues. He looked at you like you were his sun and stars. He looked at you like a soldier who had finally come home from a war he thought he wouldn't survive. He looked at you like finally he was whole. And he smiled at you with that boyish smile that always made your stomach flutter.

"Hi, sweetheart. I missed you."

You remained frozen for a long time, your short circuited brain unable to absorb how Steve was actually standing in front of you. Bucky was worried at your lack of reaction but before he could reach for you, you had snatched the shield from Sam's grip and threw it at Steve with such force that it sent him crashing way back against a tree. The sickening crack of what was either bark or bone made Sam and Bucky wince. Steve struggled to his feet but you were already charging toward him with murder burning in your eyes.

"Steven Grant Rogers! How fucking dare you?"

He barely dodged the icy canons that you blasted at him. "Sweetheart, please listen to me."

"No! You listen, you completely selfish son of a bitch! You think you can waltz in and out of people's lives whenever it's convenient for you?"

A hundred years of pent up aggression came out all at once. All the times you had quietly swallowed your words and endured alone your heartbreak exploded in a deadly blizzard.

"I've loved you for a fucking century, Steve! A century! Even when you kept breaking my heart. Even when you kept choosing someone else over me."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. Please. I made a mistake, but I'm here now."

He tried to plead with you. He tried to calm you down, but his words only served to further enrage you. Your eyes glowed a brighter blue and sharp icicles flew toward him. He grabbed the shield and fought off your attacks because it clearly was meant to kill him. You weren't aiming to only injure.

"A mistake? Why? Was the right song not playing when you had your precious dance with Peggy? Was it not magical enough for you?"

Your attack was relentless. You were much stronger than he remembered and coupled with your anger he was barely keeping up.

"We lost Natasha. Tony died. You think you were the only one trying to grasp at a life? We were all drowning, you asshole!"

He had no answer. Nothing he could say could excuse what he did. How he had hurt you all this time. When he went back to Peggy, he had every intention to stay but the moment he arrived in that time he found himself looking for the familiar road that led to your apartment then. When he danced with Peggy, you were right in saying it wasn't magical because he found himself wishing it was you he was holding. Suddenly the warmth of her skin burned him and he yearned for the cool feel of yours. He found himself wanting it to be your face close to his. Your lips open slightly in anticipation of his kiss.

He felt so ashamed at what he had done and considered just not going back to avoid facing you. He couldn't stay away though because his heart kept searching for your presence. When he finally mustered up the courage to go back to you, the tech had malfunctioned.

Instead of returning to the exact time he was originally supposed to, it had flung him back to four years later. An unforeseen glitch or the universe's way of punishing him for his colossal fuck up.

"Do you have any idea what Sam has been going through since you shoved your responsibilities on him? The least you could have done was talk to him about it first!"

Steve shifted the shield to protect himself from a barrage of hale from you. That was definitely new. He grunted against the effort, feeling bleeding cuts on places he couldn't cover. Suddenly the assault stopped and he gave it a minute before he gingerly peeked around his cover.

You stood there staring him down and huffing, the anger still rolling off you in strong waves. But there was also a deep sadness and exhaustion there that brought the shame back in full force. He swallowed hard as the tears fell from your eyes.

"You didn't just leave me. You left all of us. You left Bucky too," your voice broke as the fatigue began to set in. "You said until the end of the line. You decided on your own that it was the end."

"Buck?" he said, turning to his bestfriend trying to plead his case. Trying to find someone on his side.

"I don't know, pal," Bucky glared and he shook his head. "There are three men in her life who want your head."

He was sure that everyone wanted his head for how he treated you, but he had to try. He would happily spend the rest of his life trying to make it up to you. He turned to you again, slowly and hesitantly approaching. He wanted so badly to hold you.

"Please, sweetheart. I love you."

For the second time that afternoon, Steve was knocked on his ass. When he looked up though, ready to receive more deserved punishment until you decide to give him a chance, he found that the blow didn't come from you. Instead it had come from a tiny boy with wild blonde hair and the same raging expression you had. He stood in a threatening stance in front of you, a spiky snow ball in one hand aimed at him, and eyes that glowed an icy blue.

"Not hurting Mama anymore!" the boy yelled.

Mama?

He was stunned, but another small boy suddenly appeared. His eyes grew wide as he watched this child float in mid air and cling to you. He held his small hands to both your cheeks and pressed his forehead to yours. His face was calm and serene completely opposite from the other boy, only enhanced by soft wavy hair the same color as yours and eyes the color of a peaceful ocean. He saw your body visibly relax at the child's touch and he was sure that it was somehow his ability.

"Calm now, Mama?" the boy in your arms asked.

That's when it clicked for Steve and the regret swallowed him whole. His eyes darted from one child to the other and then to you. They were undeniably twin boys. Undeniably yours.

And undeniably his.

Bucky saw the realization settle on Steve and decided it was time to have a talk. He asked Sam to take you and the boys back inside while he grabbed his best friend's arm to pull him back on his feet.

"You're lucky she didn't kill you. She's fuck all strong when she's pregnant," Bucky said.

"Pregnant?" Steve stuttered. He watched your retreating figure, one child perched on your hip while the other gripped at the hem of your blouse. He noticed how you were rounder and fuller than he last saw you. His heart ached at the sight. He lost the chance to share in the joy of you with child and years of his sons lives. They were so beautiful even as they stared at him with resentment.

"Yeah. Pregnant."

A heavy silence hung between them as Bucky allowed him to process everything.

"Buck?"

"Yeah?"

"You said she had three men who want my head."

"That's right."

"Who's the third?"

"Me."

------

A/N: We have reached the end, my loves! Thanks so much or all the comments, hearts, and reblogs. It helps me to know what works and what doesn’t so that I can keep making better and better stories. I appreciate you all so very much! There’s one more chapter coming out which I’m calling the how-the-hell-did-the-twins-and-Bucky-happen chapter and is purely indulgent on my part.

Taglist:

@xmberkxm​ @darkacademic2​ @eliwinchester-barnes​ @nathan-no​ @fanofalltheficsx​ @hommoturttle​ @savedbystyle​ @golden-ghost​ @thatchickwiththecamera​ @yesfanficsaremylife​ @mrsrogers-88​ @austynparksandpizza​ @babydidoy​ @paryl​ @thebitchinleo​ @disaster-rose​ 

[Tags not working. Sorry!]

@ripplesima @lovely-seb

Masterlist

[mochegato]

Even the Losers

Chapter 8

Chapter 1     Chapter 7

“Your father is Bruce Wayne and now he wants to reconnect,” Nino recapped as though anyone involved in the call was unaware. From the look Chloe gave him, he was particularly happy she was in New York not Paris and couldn’t actually smack him upside the head.

“Thank you for that waste of time and breath,” Chloe grumbled.

“I just… don’t see the problem.”  Nino did actually move away from Alya before she could swat him.  “What?  Your dad is Bruce freaking Wayne!  Even if you don’t connect with him, you can totally draw on that Wayne money.”

He wasn’t fast enough to move away from her smack that time.  “Ow!” he pouted at Alya.

“It’s not about the money!” Alya groaned, already exasperated by him.  “It’s about him not wanting to have a relationship until the press found out.  It’s about him cutting her out but taking in a gaggle of other kids.”  Nino lightly shoved Alya’s shoulder and motioned toward Marinette’s expression on the screen.  Alya grimaced and gave him a nod of understanding.

Marinette looked down and pursed her lips to keep from frowning.  It was bad enough thinking it in her own head constantly, but hearing it out loud, repeated back to her?  That made it so much worse.  That made her feelings real.  That legitimized her feelings.  She couldn’t pretend like she was just overreacting.  They were justified.  Which meant she couldn’t just freeze them out.  Or rather she shouldn’t.  She had to face them.

She focused her energy on not changing her body language so she didn’t worry Adrien any more than he was already.  Keeping her body relaxed instead of tensing up.  Adrien had gone into a frenzied panic when he and Max had returned from their apartment search to find her collapsed on the floor, blocking the door. She’d missed the worst of it according to what Tikki said, but she still remembered the terrified look in his eyes when she woke up.  He hadn’t left her side since, keeping constant physical contact.  

Max seemed to inherently understand the situation and was jumping up to get anything either of them might need so they didn’t have to abandon each other for even a few moments.  She was eternally grateful to him for it because she wasn’t sure who the physical proximity was having more of a calming effect on, her or Adrien, but regardless, they both needed it.  

Her attempt to not react didn’t seem to have been as effective as she thought it had been judging by the way Adrien hugged her closer to him.  Marinette lightly bonked her head into his chest and returned her attention to the laptop screen.  “It’s okay, Nino,” Marinette assured him weakly.

“No it isn’t,” Chloe said over her.  “Both of you need to stop talking.”  She flipped a page in her magazine and looked up at the screen.  “I mean, that’s true in general, but especially during this call.” Her eyes were sharp when she looked up but Marinette could see the concern she was trying to hide by focusing on her magazine.  She wasn’t sure what Adrien had told them about how he found her but she could tell it was enough to scare them too.

Marinette rolled her eyes at Chloe.  “Yes, it is.”

Chloe groaned.  “This is the way we work Dupain Cheng.  You and Adrien let people walk all over you, Nino keeps the peace, Alya starts trouble, and I tell people the truth and to back the fuck off when it’s warranted.”

“Which never starts trouble,” Alya snarked.

“I do not let people walk all over me!” Adrien objected, looking around for support. Marinette gave a curt nod of agreement, but Max was avoiding his eyes and Chloe was staring at him flatly.

“No, you don’t let people walk all over us,” she motioned toward the screen, trying to indicate the rest of them.  “But you let everyone walk all over you.”  Her eyes moved slightly and her eyes narrowed slightly.  “You both do.”

Marinette wrinkled her nose at the screen with a pout.  “I stood up to you,” she groused.

Chloe scoffed.  “And it only took you like ten years to do it.  So proud of you.”  She rolled her eyes so strongly, her entire head moved as she did it.

Marinette’s mouth dropped in offense.  “I’m better now.”

“Are you, though?  Really?” Chloe deadpanned.

Marinette pouted.  “Yes!”

“Statistically, she is accurate,” Max added.  “She does stand up for herself more now than when we were younger.”  Marinette pursed her lips at Max, unsure how to respond to his comment.  On one hand, it defended her.  On the other hand, she did not at all appreciate how he stressed the word ‘statistically’ and she was certain everyone else caught that as well.

Chloe opened her mouth to say something but was cut off by Nino. Marinette sighed in relief until she started processing his words.  “I get that it’s hard and it hurts, I guess I just thought you wouldn’t take it this hard. After Jagged with Luka and Juleka and your grandfather… you forgave all of them.  You helped Jagged with Luka and Juleka, making sure their relationship didn’t go bad.”  He motioned vaguely at nothing.  “You seemed to brush it off and take it as a challenge.  So why isn’t this?”

Alya dropped her head in her hands.  “Tact, Nino.  God.”

“No, he’s not wrong.”  Marinette frowned as she thought about his words.  “I went after Grand-père and convinced him to reconnect.  Papa never held it against him so I guess I didn’t either. Luka never held it against Jagged, just moved forward.  Maybe it’s just me.  Maybe…”

“No!” Adrien interrupted before she could follow that train of thought any further. He gently turned her toward him to focus her attention on him.  “There’s nothing wrong with you or how you’re reacting.  There’s no wrong way to react to news like this.  If you feel sad, that’s fine.  If you feel annoyed, that’s fine.  If you feel frustrated, that’s okay.  If you want to just move past it, there’s nothing wrong with that.  If you feel angry, that’s okay.  And if you feel like you need space, that’s okay too. There’s no wrong way to react to this,” he repeated.

“Except however Chloe would respond,” Alya added with a smirk.

“Hey!” Chloe objected loudly, glaring at the screen, but with no real heat behind it. “For the record, how I would respond to news like this is to spend all my new found father’s money, pressing my boundaries until he finally said something.  And if he didn’t say anything, I’d use those billions to do whatever the fuck I wanted and never see him in person.”

Marinette blinked at Chloe, as did the rest of the group.  That was certainly… an option.  Not one Marinette would ever choose, but it was…  Marinette started giggling at the idea.  Adrien joined her quickly while Max, Alya, and Nino watched them worriedly.  Chloe rolled her eyes and flipped the page in her magazine, but the corners of her lips quirked up.

“He is correct,” Max added, bringing them back to the original point.  “There are a variety of ways people will react to finding out they have a parent they didn’t know about.  Markov found hundreds of studies on psychological responses to similar news and responses are extremely varied.”

“Juleka had a harder time with accepting it and connecting to Jagged than Luka did, remember?” Adrien pointed out.  “And there’s nothing wrong with her.  She wasn’t wrong to react that way, right?”  Marinette shook her head reluctantly.  It wasn’t that she thought there was anything wrong with the way Juleka reacted, but in agreeing with Adrien’s observation, she would have to agree with his point that she was allowed to freak out about this instead of ignoring it like she wanted to.

“Marinette,” Alya raised her voice to bring attention back to her.  “You can do anything you want here and we’ll support you. You know that.  No matter how this ends we all love you.  No matter how you react, we’ll love you.  Nobody is going to judge you for any decision.”

Chloe scoffed.  She waited until everyone was looking, or in Alya and Adrien’s cases, glaring at her. “What?  You want me to lie to her?”  She looked incredulously at the other faces on the video call.  “We won’t judge.  Hell, I’m willing to scratch his eyes out in public for you.  But, your name was already getting out there and his name, now yours, is on the largest corporation in the world.  Every news and gossip organization is going to be talking about it forever if you guys don’t make a good show of it.”

“So?” Alya demanded incredulously.  “She should just do whatever is best for publicity?”

“Did I say that?” Chloe scoffed.  She finally put her magazine down to show how serious she was taking the conversation. “When have I ever let the threat of bad publicity stop me from doing something?  I just said it would be out there, not that she should care.  It’s a factor, a big one when she’s figuring out what she wants.”

“What do you want?” Adrien asked gently, turning his attention back to Marinette.

Marinette looked at Adrien for a few seconds while her brain whirred at high speed thinking through all the options.  What did she want?  None of this. That’s what she wanted.  After a few seconds she took a breath and let it out. “What I want is to not have to deal with any of this.  What I want is to not be his daughter.  What I want is to figure out where we want to live and work and start a company there like we planned.  What I want is to live a normal life now.”  She ignored Chloe’s scoff.  “What I want…” she sighed and looked away.  “What I want doesn’t matter.”

Chloe huffed almost loudly enough for it to echo.  “Of course it matters, it just doesn’t change the past or the current situation.  But, you control your next steps.  So Ladybug this bitch.  Some egomaniacal, rich, pampered megalomaniac has created an utterly ridiculous problem that you now have to fix.  This is your specialty.  Show this bastard who he walked out on.  Make him regret not dying with his parents.”

“Woah! What the Hell?” Nino exclaimed. “Too far.”

Chloe scoffed and looked back at her nails.  “If you think that was too far, you should have heard what I wanted to say.  I toned it way down for your sensitive ears,” she added condescendingly.  She just barely looked up when Marinette started giggling.  Chloe’s lips quirked up the more Marinette tried to stifle the slightly unhinged sounding giggles.

“Dude, that’s her grandparents…” Nino whisper shouted.  Marinette suddenly sobered and paled in realization.

“Or!” Adrien interjected with false excitement positioning himself between Marinette and the screen.  “Or, you could, you know, try to build a relationship with him.”  He looked decidedly away from the incredulous looks from Alya and Chloe and the doubtful look from Nino on screen, trying to pretend like they weren’t judging him.  He moved closer to Marinette and took her hands in his giving her a sincere, serious look.  “You have someone, your father, who wants to connect to you.”  

He ignored the loud scoff from the computer and continued as though Alya or Chloe, or both, hadn’t verbalized their opinion.  They clearly weren’t that opposed or they would have said it instead of making a noise.  He “accidentally” closed the video chat and gave Max a pointed look.  

Max nodded slowly.  “I’m just going to go to my room for a few minutes.  Let me know if you want to talk.”

Marinette and Adrien both shot him thankful smiles.  Adrien waited until his door was closed before looking back at Marinette with a concerned look.  “You got screwed in this deal.  Nobody can deny that, and however you feel, that’s real and valid.  It’s okay to be hurt.  It’s okay to be scared.  It’s okay to say this is too much for you right now, or ever.  But, do you really want to walk away?  Not connect to him?  Not try?”

“He didn’t want…” Marinette started weakly.

“Maybe he wasn’t ready,” he cut her off before she could spiral again.  “Maybe this is the universe’s way to saying it’s time. You got the embodiment of luck in your pocket.  Is it really so farfetched to think luck played a role?”

“Bad luck,” Marinette scoffed to the floor.  Adrien gently rapped her on the top of her head with his knuckle.  She looked back up and caught his unimpressed look. Marinette sighed and looked away before looking back up at him uncertainly.  “I don’t know…”

“Do you think you want to try?” Tikki asked floating out of her resting spot. “It’s your choice.  But I don’t think this is going away, so whichever decision you go with you’ll have to face the consequences.”

“Or I could just cataclysm him,” Plagg offered rubbing his paws together.  He darted away from Tikki before she could shut him up.

“No!” Marinette and Adrien chorused at the same time.

Adrien glared at Plagg but made sure to soften his eyes before looking back at Marinette.  “Okay, maybe things don’t work out with him.  But it sounds like you have siblings.  You already like Jason.  Maybe you’ll like them too.”  He gave her a small smile and rubbed her arms soothingly.  “You always wanted siblings.”

Marinette gave him a weak smile back.  “I don’t need siblings anymore.  I have you.  That’s more than enough.  I don’t think I could handle more of yous.”

Adrien scoffed good naturedly at her.  “If anything I’ve made having siblings more appealing.”

Marinette scoffed playfully.  “Keep telling yourself that,” she muttered.

He pulled her into a hug.  “You always wanted more.  And it sounds like you might have sisters.”

“More people he adopted after walking away,” Marinette groused into his shirt.

Adrien hugged her tighter.  “Maybe he had a reason?  Or maybe he just royally messed up.  Maybe he hates himself for the decision.  It’s something you won’t find out unless you stay.  And you can just talk once and see how you feel about it. If it doesn’t go well, you can walk away and we can find that bar Roy mentioned.  If it goes well, you can decide to stay or we can decide to move to New York or Metropolis, like we were thinking and you can still see him every so often.”

“Even if it doesn’t go perfectly,” Tikki added softly, “it’ll give you closure.  You deserve to have that.”

“And you’ll wonder what could have happened if you don’t,” Adrien nudged her gently.  “You know you’re going to regret not trying.”

“So is that an absolute no on the cataclysm idea,” Plagg popped up between them.  “Because I’m still willing.”

Marinette rolled her eyes at him but shot him a grateful smile.  It was as close as Plagg got to admitting he cared.  She scratched him on the forehead and looked back to Adrien with a frown.  “I don’t think I can handle this.”

“I’ll stay with you.  And Max will be here.  Tikki will be here for you.  Plagg will be here, but don’t let that deter you…”

“Hey!” Plagg pouted.

Adrien continued without acknowledging him.  “Chloe could be here in a few hours if we needed and she’d drop everything to get here, no matter what she says.  Alya and Nino will only be a phone call away.  We will support you no matter what you want to do. But we can’t make this decision for you, so, the question is what do you want to do?”

Marinette groaned and pouted at him.  “You sure you can’t do this for me?”

Adrien gave her a sympathetic look and shook his head. “Not this time, Bug.”  He waited a few minutes for her to think through her options.  When she looked just as lost after another few minutes after that, he spoke up gently. “Do you want to talk to Sabine and Tom first?  They might have some answers you need to make your decision.”

Marinette looked back up at him with a pathetic looking pout.  “Can’t I just sleep through this instead?”

Adrien chuckled and shook his head, relieved she was now in a light enough mood to make jokes.  “You could,” he nodded and put on a mock serious face, “but your problems will still be there when you woke up.”

“What bullshit,” she scoffed in a weak voice.

Adrien nodded.  “Yep, utter bullshit.”

Marinette kept eye contact with him for a few moments waiting for him to impart some kind of insightful wisdom upon her.  When he held silent and let her make her own decision, she whimpered and looked away.  “What if it isn’t him I cataclysm,” Plagg asked, flying between them.  “I could do it to his house instead… a few of his cars?  Rich people always have too many cars.”

Adrien grabbed him out of the air and shoved him in his pocket with an exasperated groan.  But Marinette giggled again.  When her laughter had settled, she took a deep breath and motioned toward her phone. Adrien smiled at her as he placed it in her hand.  She took a deep breath and pulled out the paper M. Wayne had given her.  She dialed one of the numbers before she could talk herself out of it, which knowing herself could happen if she was given more than a few seconds to think, and looked up to Adrien, letting his soft smile ground her.  “M. Wayne? It’s Marinette.  Would you be free for dinner tonight?”

Chapter 9

Tags:

@maribat-bdbwm @jayjayspixiepop @redscarlet95 @alice-hazelwood @deathssilentapproach-blog @unoriginalmess @alyssadeliv @emotionalsupportginger @frieddonutsweets @when-no-wings-do-broomsticks @toodaloo-kangaroo @colorfulmongerpsychicranch @iloontjeboontje @wolf-for-life @maribatserver @aespades @prettylittlebutterflie @imarivers8  @ certainmuffinbagelcalzone@ritacrow-blog @unoriginalmess @demonicbusiness @kking13 @lady-bee-fechin @blur-of-colours @kittenmywaythrulife @kashlyn @loysydark 

[redhoodieone]

His Girl

Plot: Dick Grayson has a type in women: athletic, feminine, and classy. However, the reader is completely different as she is plus-size, tomboyish, and spontaneous. But a conversation about Y/N between Dick and the batboys takes an unexpected turn one night.

Warnings: Language, Sensitive topics, and Fluff.

“What the hell’s up your ass?” Jason asks Dick, as he hands him a bottle of beer from the refrigerator in the Batcave. It was only until last week that Bruce gave in and allowed a refrigerator to be down there after the boys begged him for one.

As long as it was only for beverages, of course. Bruce had mentioned the boys have been eating too much junk food lately, but the boys knew deep down that his rule is simply for him, because of his age, and maybe for Y/N, too.

Y/N has only been with the Batfamily for a year since her family died at the hands of Two-Face. She had only started training with Bruce for two months now, and the two of them have been working out quite a bit.

Which makes sense of Bruce’s one rule for the refrigerator, though. But that hasn’t stopped Jason from sneaking in food anyways; mostly pizza and lunch meat and cheeses for sandwiches.

But now, Dick’s distant and silence is unbearable since the circus descent acrobat is usually excited and rambling about anything and everything.

“Uh, nothing! I mean...” Dick stutters. His behavior tonight was questionable to say the least. Usually, he would be on his game and even throw some wisecracks but he’s been awfully quiet, nervous even.

“Uh-huh, sure. Whatever you say,” Jason scoffs.

Dick sits on top of the hood of the Batmobile while he peels the sticky label from the beer bottle. He notices Tim and Damian walking out from the showers and are already dressed in sweatpants and t-shirts. Bruce is seated at the Batcomputer, still in costume but minus the cowl. Jason sits at the small table and sips from his beer and snacks on a triple meat and cheese sandwich he must have made quickly.

And Alfred had long gone to bed after Bruce forced him to get some rest since they’ve returned home and are not dead.

Dick suddenly notices Y/N must still be in the showers, on the other side of the cave for privacy where the guys can’t bother the girls.

“Fine...I’ve been...having these thoughts and dreams about Y/N lately,” Dick confesses. He notices Jason staring at him with a confused expression.

“Yeah, and…?”

“Well…lately, I’ve been thinking about her as…more than a friend. I’ve been seeing her in a new light. And you know I’ve always thought she was cool, and funny, and incredibly smart,” Dick continues, with a small smile. “But…I’ve never been sexually attracted to women like her before.”

Jason purses his lips and appears to think it over. “So, I don’t see the problem.”

“I just told you I’ve never felt this way about Y/N or any woman like her before.”

“Because you’re shallow.”

“I’m not shallow,” Dick argues, suddenly feeling defensive at Jason’s attack. “I just…I’ve never seen heavy women as hot, you know?”

“You can try to justify all that, but the point is, you’re shallow.”

“Have you ever slept with a heavy girl before, Jason?!” Dick snaps.

Jason chuckles and grins. “Actually, I have.”

“Bullshit,” Dick scoffs.

“Yeah, I have Dickie-bird. It happened three years ago, when my Outlaws and I kicked Black Mask’s ass. We went to a bar to celebrate in downtown Gotham. Roy and Star left early to go fuck or something. I was left alone and I was about to call it a night until this smoking hot woman took a seat next to me. She had long dark hair, tan skin, and curves that made my mouth water and my cock hard enough to pound nails. She was gorgeous, but there were these assholes around her and were calling her fat and telling her to leave because no one here would take her home. And do you want to know what I did?” Jason asks.

“What?” Dick asks quietly.

“I took her home, after I broke all those guys’ jaws. She was fucking amazing, man. She had a magnificent ass that she actually allowed me to spank. Her curves were endless, and after I fucked her good three times, cuddling and falling asleep with her was probably the best part of the night. I’ve never felt so…comfortable and felt warm, because I actually felt someone beside me,” Jason admits.

Dick raises an eyebrow at him. “Wow, I didn’t think something like that could happen to you, Jason. If anything, I thought you were shallow.”

“I used to be, until I realized I was judging others, when I was actually trying to have others not judge me. Alfred actually helped me with that. I don’t remember every word he said exactly but he said I wasn’t trying all the ice cream flavors out there. Like, I was always sticking to a certain flavor of ice cream, and I wasn’t trying other kinds, meaning I should be looking at all types of women. And after my one night stand with that magnificent woman’s ass, I realized bigger girls aren’t deal breakers; they’re just more to love,” Jason admits, and shrugs with a smug smile.

“That’s…I don’t even know what to say. But Y/N’s different. She’s someone we know and it makes it harder. And my problem isn’t that I’m shallow, it’s how I’m supposed to handle my feelings about her.”

“Yeah, you are, Dick. Y/N’s literally the best woman we’ve ever met. Hell, the best woman I’VE ever met. She’s fucking funny, she’s so caring and kind, she’s smarter than Timbo when it comes to common sense,” Jason lists off his reasons.

“That’s true! I’m not going to lie about that!” Tim interrupts from the distance.

“Y/N’s real, she doesn’t bullshit about anything like other girls. She’s honest, and that’s a rare thing to find nowadays. And fuck…she can really handle her alcohol, she can down shots of Fireball like it’s water,” Jason adds.

“You don’t think I know all that? Of course, I do! That’s why I’m having such a hard time dealing with my feelings for her. I’ve only ever been with tall, athletic women, who wear skirts and dresses, eats healthy, and are…well, feminine,” Dick confesses. A guilty expression shows on his face. “And Y/N’s not any of that. She’s really short, kinda chubby, and she’s more of a tomboy type, who’s loud and rambunctious, and eats like a man.”

Jason snorts. “And that’s a problem why? That’s why Y/N’s fucking awesome, man! I actually really like how she’s not afraid to be herself. She’s not fake. Do you know how long it took for her to be comfortable with all of us and be who she is rather than how she thought we expected from her? And I don’t know about you but I love how she eats, whenever we go out to restaurants, I actually like how I can eat the way I want and not feel like a fat ass because I know her and I both love what we love and fuck all who have a problem with that!”

Bruce turns around in his chair and gives both boys a warning look. Even Tim and Damian silently take a seat and watch closely.

“Fuck…Y/N is the perfect woman. She’ll always be in my eyes,” Jason admits, looking down at his beer longingly before taking a sip.

“If you feel so strongly about her then why haven’t you tried to go out with her or sleep with her?” Dick asks angrily.

Jason’s pause takes everyone by surprise. “Because she can do better than me.”

“You-you actually tried to get with her?” Dick stammers.

“Oh, yeah I definitely did. I think about a year ago. I had spent the summer with her here while everyone was busy with the whole Justice League and Superman bullshit,” Jason explains. “You were with the Titans with Tim and Damian. It was just me and her.”

“Alfred was there as well,” Bruce mumbles.

“Anyways, call it cheesy as hell like those romcoms, but we actually got really close. She’s a spitfire for sure, but she really knows how to get under your skin,” Jason chuckles.

Tim and Damian nod their heads in agreement with that.

“And I obviously made the whole situation uncomfortable as fuck because when I told her how I felt, she rejected me. She said we were too alike, we’d butt heads all the time. And after that, I never brought it up again.”

Jason’s confession gives Dick a sense of confidence.

“Look, if you want to ask her out and do all that then I support you. Just know if you fucking hurt her or do anything wrong, I’ll slit your throat even if you’re family,” Jason threatens seriously.

“I wouldn’t even know how to bring it up with her,” Dick says.

“Well, don’t bring up how her weight and appearance bothers you,” Jason says seriously.

“It doesn’t!”

“Okay. How did you ask Barbara, Star, Zatanna, and-”

“I get it, Jason. I’ll just talk to her and tell her I have strong feelings for her,” Dick interrupts him. “I’ll just tell her the truth.”

“You already did.”

That voice belonged to none other than Y/N. All the guys in the Batcave jerked their heads to the top of the stairs where Y/N stood and looked down with tears running down her cheeks. She was wearing her plaid pajama pants and a loose black t-shirt she stole from one of them a long time ago, she doesn’t exactly know who though.

Dick and Jason slowly stand up. Dick carefully walks over to the stairs while Jason cautiously follows.

“Y/N…” Dick whispers, already feeling guilty and nervous that she had probably heard everything. “Please listen to me…”

“WHY?! So, you can tell me you didn’t mean any of that, when you actually did. I thought you were different! I didn’t know you could judge someone like that! Especially someone like me!” Y/N yells. “I thought you were my friend!”

“I am your friend! Y/N, please give me a chance to explain! I really like you, and-and I was just trying to ask for help so I can talk to you!” Dick pleads.

“Don’t lie to me! You were only asking for help because you didn’t know how to deal with me being fat and manly! I’m sorry I’m not like Barbara and Star! I’m sorry I’m not beautiful and thin! I’m sorry I’m not perfect for you!” Y/N cries out and runs up the stairs.

“Y/N! Wait! Please!” Dick shouts for her. He chases after her.

By the time Dick reaches Y/N’s bedroom door, it’s locked. He can hear her crying, automatically feeling like shit for being the reason why she’s hurt.

“Y/N, please…” Dick tries again.

“Leave me alone, Dick!”

Dick swallows hard and forces himself to move away from her door. There was no use for him to stand there; he’d already broke her trust and possibly ruined their friendship. He might have even ruined his chances with her.

Jason approaches Dick. “Is she crying?” he asks.

“Yes,” Dick chokes out. He runs a hand through his dark hair. “Fuck, Jason…I don’t know what to do. She won’t even talk to me.”

“You should go, Dick. I think you’ve done enough.”

Dick was a little taken aback by Jason’s command. He pushes himself to walk away anyways.

“Bruce wants to talk to you. You should go find him before he finds you,” Jason adds.

Dick exhales heavily and leaves. Jason shakes his head in disappointment at him. He takes a deep breath and knocks on Y/N’s bedroom door.

“Doll, it’s Jay. Please let me in,” Jason says softly. “I just want to talk to you.”

He didn’t think she would open the door for him. He didn’t think she would want to talk to him even though he hadn’t pissed her off or upset her in any way. But Y/N unlocked her door and even opened it for him.

Jason was deeply heartbroken to see Y/N; her eyes were red and swollen, her cheeks were wet, and she had the devastating look on her beautiful face. He quickly walked into her room and shut the door, quickly locking it.

He had to be cautious though. He knew couldn’t say or do the things he wants to do with her right now. Instead, he slowly and carefully approaches her. She allows him to wrap his strong arms around her, bringing her closely to his body to hold and protect her from everyone and everything.

“Shh…it’s okay, sweetheart. I got you. I’m not going anywhere,” Jason whispers into her hair. He tries desperately to not inhale the addicting scent of her shampoo and lingering perfume so much. “You’re okay. Everything’s going to be okay.”

Y/N lifts her face from Jason’s chest and gazes up at him. The sight of her glistening eyes makes him draw her closer to him.

“What did I do wrong, Jay? What did I do to deserve all that? Is everything about me really bad?” Y/N asks softly, on the verge of tears again.

“No. No, don’t say that. Don’t say any of that! Nothing is wrong with you. You’re beautiful, Y/N. You’re perfect just the way you are,” Jason admits.

Y/N shakes her head in disbelief. It breaks Jason’s heart more when she tries to pull away from his embrace, but he refuses to let her go. His grip tightens and he holds her as if she’d disappear and leave him all alone.

“That’s not true, Jay,”

“It is true. Hell Y/N, you’re the most badass woman I’ve ever met. You don’t take shit from any of us. You’ve managed to stay here even after all the bullshit everyone has put you through,” he explains. He even chuckles at a memory. “You’ve even made Bruce cry, remember? Remember you called him out on his bullshit when he refused to train you? You’re almost a savage like Alfred, you even make Wonder Woman and Catwoman look like dollar tree prizes, and that’s no lie.”

Y/N looks down at her feet. Jason knows she still doesn’t believe him.

“You’re always perfect in my eyes, Y/N. There isn’t a goddamn thing I would change about you,”

“If I’m so perfect, then why does Dick think so low of me?” Y/N asks. She sniffles adorably and looks back up at him.

“Because he’s a fucking idiot who can’t see the best thing that’s in front of him,” Jason answers, and looks into Y/N’s eyes before he looks at her lips. “But his loss is my gain.”

[nightwing-ing-it]

Dick shouldering the burden:

Dick always blames himself for things that aren’t his fault.

[The New Titans (1988) #57]

Dick even goes to therapy (pre52) to help himself but maybe Dick continues to think everything is his fault because whenever he saves anyone from impossible circumstances he’s always told things like:

[Nightwing (2016) Vol:4 #8]

“I jumped because I knew you’d catch me”.

[Red Robin #12]

“You’re my brother Dick.  You’ll always be there for me”.

Even though they clearly didn’t really know if Dick could have made it in time.

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m so glad people put their faith in Dick and his abilities but this sort of compliment really diminishes how hard he works to help.  ‘I knew you would be there’ when he couldn’t have puts a lot of pressure on Dick and Dick never corrects anyone from having that belief and so it keeps going in a vicious cycle of higher and higher expectations when the truth is Dick can’t always be there so when the time comes when he’s not there (because he’s only human and can only be in one place at a time) it’s automatically a guilt trip for him.

Sometimes he doesn’t get a thank you, lots of times he gets blamed for not helping out fast enough and no acknowledgement for his hard work.

[Teen Titans: Year One #3]

So even if he becomes aware of it himself he’s always still falling back into the mindset where he thinks he should have the ability to save everyone even in impossible circumstances and that’s why he always blames himself for things he couldn’t have helped even though he knows he couldn’t do anything.  

For Dick failure is his biggest fear.  Failure to help people, failure to live up to the incredibly high standards Bruce put on him and then the even higher standards he put on himself. (This issue was a scenario in which he had to face his biggest fear.  Failure and admitting failure.)

[Teen Titans (1966) #38]

But that’s why it’s also important to note that Dick does his best to acknowledge his failures and even shoulders blame for things that weren’t his fault or he couldn’t have helped.

[Grayson #15]

Everyone expects to be saved by him or expects him to be there for them so when he comes up short of their expectations and/or makes mistakes they lash out at him.  The thing is it seems like he lets them because he feels guilty.

That’s another thing that irks me. The Batfamily may not do it intentionally but along with enabling Dick to believe he can save everyone when he can’t they also lash out at him and he let’s them hurt him.  Personally it’s happened too many times for me to think that Dick doesn’t allow them to hit him sometimes.  Even when he doesn’t let them do it on purpose he thinks he deserves it either way and/or he tells himself and everyone else that it’s not his family’s fault but his own.  Dick will even defend his family members right after they hit him and none of them ever acknowledge this as a problem Dick has. You’re not supposed to be able to bounce back that quickly after someone you love and trust punches you that hard.

Dick Grayson – the Bat family punching bag

[Grayson #12]

Dick isn’t as put together as he lets them believe and people shouldn’t condemn him for every time he couldn’t be there for someone or does something wrong.  There are even times when he’s really trying his best but still comes up short and he realizes and gets frustrated at himself as well even though he couldn’t possibly have made everyone happy in the situation he was in.  

He also admits his failures, many times seemingly very easily, and that makes others feel like it’s not a big deal when really the hardest thing for Dick is failing and having people know he’s failed.

Overall I just want to emphasize that Dick carries too much baggage and the expectations for him are too high.  He is also always being blamed and blaming himself for things that aren’t his fault. 

[sturchling]

aft hawkmoth is defeated, paris banned any outside superheroes from entering bc lb and cn said that they had asked the superheroes (e.g justice league, up to u) for help, but all they got was a message saying that they should not be faking this for attention. soon, said superheroes try to come into paris to help aft hawkmoth was alr defeated and theyre arent allowed in. lb and cn show up and the superheroes insult then abit bc they arent allowed in so paris and lb and cn go off at them

Here you go!! Hope you like the story! Let me know what you think!

Ladybug and Chat Noir were very worried when they first became heroes. They had no experience as heroes, nor any idea how to track down Hawkmoth. They knew that people could request aid from the Justice League for their cities if something was wrong. Of course, it was mainly used to ask for just humanitarian help, typically after some kind of natural disaster. But Ladybug and Chat Noir didn’t know what else to do. So, they sent in a request, asking for their help. They never received a response to their initial request. As time went by, they kept trying to reach out to the Justice League. After their fifth message, they received a response, but not the one they were hoping for. When the two young heroes saw a message from the Justice League help line, they felt excited. They thought they would finally get some help and maybe this nightmare would be over soon. But the message didn’t say that help was on the way. Instead all it said was:

This help line is for real emergencies only. You two should not be clogging the line with these ridiculous jokes. This is not the kind of thing to fake to get attention. Please do not contact this help line again. -Justice League Assistance Requests

Ladybug and Chat Noir were disheartened. They had truly hoped that these heroes would help them. How could they think this is fake? It is true that there is no apparent damage, but Ladybug had explained that was only due to her powers.

 ------------------

Ladybug and Chat Noir did not listen to the message and kept sending messages that became more and more desperate as the akumas grew stronger. Eventually though, it became too dangerous to keep asking for help. Ladybug and Chat Noir both realized that if the Justice League came to Paris, they ran the risk of the League becoming akumatized. If any member of the League became akumatized, it would be disastrous. Ladybug realized that they couldn’t risk the heroes coming to Paris anymore. So, her and Chat Noir went to the mayor. After that day, foreign superheroes were banned from entering Paris.

  ------------------

After three years of fighting, Ladybug and Chat Noir had finally defeated Hawkmoth. His capture was international news. Paris was finally telling the full story. The mayor finally told the world all about Hawkmoth and his reign of terror. The world was shocked that they hadn’t known what was happening. None were more shocked than Bruce Wayne. He remembered those messages from all those years ago in Paris. Those kids had been telling the truth? He could hardly believe it; their messages had seemed so ridiculous that they had to be fake. Magic jewelry that is powered by tiny gods did not sound real at all. Batman knew it was time for damage control. He called a meeting with the other founding members of the league and went straight to the Watchtower.

  ------------------

When Bruce arrived, he saw that most of the other members were already present. Several of them were confused and were asking Bruce why they were there. Bruce just played the news clip from this morning. Several of the other leaguers were shocked. Green Lantern spoke up, “These kids again? They were actually telling the truth?” Bruce turned to him, “Yes it appears they were. This is going to look bad on us, that we didn’t help. Whether we believed them or not, it is important that we go to Paris now. Offer our apologies for not helping sooner and help them re-build. I imagine there is a lot left damaged after fighting such a powerful foe.” Bruce had clearly already forgotten that in the original messages Ladybug had said she could fix all the damage. Shows how much he actually listened to the original requests. With that settled, the different members prepared to leave for Paris. They tried using the zeta tube they had set up, but they got an error message saying the tube in Paris was too damaged. The leaguers assumed it had been damaged in one of the fights and decided to zeta to a different location in France and then fly the rest of the way to Paris. They had no idea about the cold greeting they would soon receive.

  ------------------

Marinette had been at home for the day when the news was announced. She may not have revealed her identity to the public, but she did tell her parents finally about her being Ladybug. They were so proud, and had agreed that Marinette deserved the day off from school, considering she had just saved Paris. Marinette was just planning on spending a relaxing day at home when she got a message. She had set up a website with a way to message Ladybug back when Hawkmoth was still active. This was so citizens could inform her of akuma attacks quicker. She wasn’t expecting to get a message on it today, but around noon, there was a new message. This message came from the mayor’s office. It read:

Ladybug, we have spotted different members of the Justice League approaching the city. Since the ban on superheroes is still in effect, we will turn them away. However, we would feel more comfortable doing so if you and Chat Noir were there to help. Please hurry to the Western border of the city.

Marinette was shocked. The Justice League was coming now? Why the sudden interest in Paris? Regardless, she quickly pulled out her phone and called Adrien, who was also staying home for obvious reasons. They had revealed their identities to each other after the final battle, and were ecstatic to find out they had been that close to each other all along. The rest of the miraculous team also revealed their identities, and everyone was shocked to see that Ladybug and Chat Noir were Marinette and Adrien. Adrien picked up quickly, “Marinette? What’s up?” “Can you talk privately right now?” Adrien knew that meant that Marinette needed to talk about superhero stuff, so he made sure the door to his room was locked and then said, “Yeah, I’m good. What’s up?” Marinette replied quickly, “We have guests coming to the city. Apparently, someone spotted members of the Justice League heading this way and are worried they will try to enter the city. The mayor asked both of us to be there to help when they turn them all away. He asked us to meet at the western border of the city as quick as we can.” Adrien was shocked. Why was the League coming? They hadn’t cared before. “I’ll be right there milady. Let the rest of the team know, we may need the back up. See you soon.” With that, he hung up and transformed. Marinette quickly sent a message in the group chat for they had set up for the members of the miraculous team, telling everyone to meet at the western border quickly. She then transformed as well and went to join Chat. He quickly rushed to the border of the city where he saw the police force, the mayor, and Ladybug all waiting. He joined them and watched for the Justice League. They didn’t have to wait long before the Justice League members appeared on the horizon. Officer Raincomprix used a megaphone and ordered all of the heroes to land before they entered the city. Chat Noir got ready to face the Justice League and tell them to get lost.

  ------------------

When the leaguers arrived, they were expecting the citizens of Paris to be glad to see them. But instead, they were glared at and ordered to stop at the border of the city.  The leaguers were confused, this is a very different reception than they were expecting. They stopped and Batman stepped forward, “We heard about your defeat of Hawkmoth and have come to offer our help in rebuilding your city.” Then a younger girl in a ladybug themed outfit and a boy in a cat outfit stepped forward. Batman recognized them as the kids from the videos, what were their names again? Oh right, Ladybug and Chat Noir. Behind them he saw other kids in similar outfits, however he didn’t remember seeing any of them in the videos sent to the league. He was expecting them to thank him and the other heroes for the help, even if they were still upset from the earlier rejection. But that was not what happened at all. The two kids were very calm, but he could tell they were still angry. The girl called Ladybug took the lead, “Your help is not wanted, or even needed. The city is perfectly fine. Regardless, you are not welcome in Paris. None of you are. Foreign superheroes are banned in Paris. Only the miraculous team is allowed to reside in this city.” The Justice League were shocked, to say the least. Batman tried to argue with them, “The city can’t possibly already be prepared. Fights like what was discussed on the news cause massive amounts of damage. They couldn’t possibly be fixed overnight. And how could you ban superheroes?” Chat Noir rolled his eyes, “Shows how much you actually listened to our original request for help. We told you back then that the reason there was no damage to speak of is because Ladybug is able to reverse all damage caused by the akumas and other miraculous. In other words, the damage from the final fight was fixed immediately. And we banned heroes after you all refused to give us any aid. We needed to make sure that you didn’t just storm in later and try to take over or get akumatized. That would have been disastrous. You can’t just suddenly decide to come and help after ignoring us for three years.”

  ------------------

Superman stepped forward at this point, “We didn’t mean to ignore the situation. But you have to admit it sounds pretty far-fetched. Magical jewelry that is powered by ancient gods and evil butterflies possessing people doesn’t sound reasonable.” Ladybug got angry hearing that, “Why doesn’t it? You have several magic users in the Justice League, like Zatanna. You even have Dr. Fate who is a sorcerer that inhabits a magic helmet and possesses people who wear the helmet. That isn’t much different from the miraculous. Are you all seriously so close-minded that you didn’t even consider the possibility?”

  ------------------

That comment made several of the leaguers angry. They didn’t want to admit that they were in the wrong, but Ladybug was right. They had several magic users, and the Helmet of Fate is pretty similar to a miraculous. But these kids couldn’t possibly know what they are doing. The Justice League needed to step in and help get things back to normal. They were sure that they could get the city to listen. Batman turned to the mayor and said, “That ban is hardly necessary anymore. It wasn’t even necessary in the first place. These second-rate heroes just convinced you of it because their pride was hurt. Don’t you think it is time to lift it? I am sure we could help get your city back on track quicker than these children playing at heroes.” Ladybug and Chat Noir’s blood was boiling after hearing that. How dare Batman act all high and mighty and talk above them like he was superior. He had spent the last three years ignoring the problem and now wants to suddenly come in and take over. This is exactly why they put the ban in place. The mayor seemed just as angry as Ladybug and Chat Noir, “Sir, like Ladybug and Chat Noir said, you are not welcome here. They have done a fantastic job in not only dealing with Hawkmoth, but also helping the citizens return to normal.” Batman was furious, they were still going to deny them entry? The Flash stepped forward now, “Surely, with the focus being on Hawkmoth, crime rates have risen. That isn’t the fault of these kids, they wouldn’t know how to juggle dealing with Hawkmoth and also petty crime. But we can help you get that handled.” Mayor Bourgeois shook his head, “Actually, they handled both responsibilities well. Even though we told them not to worry about petty crime, and that the local police would handle it, they still patrolled every night to help. Crime rates are at an all time low here. Now I am not going to tell you again. You are not welcome here. Leave at once.”

  ------------------

The Justice League couldn’t believe it, Batman exploded, “You would seriously leave the security of your city in the hands of these wannabe heroes?” Green Lantern added, “Yeah, they are just little kids with some fancy jewelry playing pretend. You need real heroes!” The mayor and police were furious. How dare these people belittle their heroes. The mayor was now yelling as well, “Do not speak about them so rudely. They are more heroic than you seem to be. Now get out of my city.”

  ------------------

The Justice League still refused to leave. They hurled insults at the young heroes and demanded to be let in to the city. They even tried to force their way past the blockade of police officers. Ladybug turned around and gestured to Pegasus. The leaguers did not see any of this, they just heard someone call “Voyage!” They saw a giant blue portal open and then swallowed them up. When the light faded, they saw that they were in the middle of a field somewhere. Batman used his GPS and saw that they had been moved all the way to a corn field in the middle of Nebraska. He was furious, how dare they force him away through a teleport. Paris needed more competent heroes than a bunch of children playing pretend.

  ------------------

Over the next several weeks, the league continued to try and enter the city. None of their attempts worked though. They tried just flying through, entering covertly as their civilian identities, and a bunch of other plans. Somehow, the leaguers kept getting teleported right back out of the city, in increasingly strange locations. Eventually, the leaguers just decided to abandon Paris completely. They would not help Paris with any situation. Their plan was to watch the city fall to pieces and not offer any help unless they lifted that ridiculous ban. But that never happened. It irritated Batman and the others to no end that those second-rate heroes were doing a good job and that the ban wasn’t lifted. So, the leaguers resumed their attempts to break into the city. They did not count on the young heroes putting their actions in the public eye.

  ------------------

Ladybug and Chat Noir were still furious at how the leaguers behaved. They had thought that the Justice League was full of good and kind people, but the members they had met were certainly not good and kind. They were forceful and insulting. And even once they were told that they were not welcome in Paris, they kept trying to come into the city anyway. Poor Pegasus was exhausted from constantly having to teleport them away. Ladybug knew they had to do something or those leaguers would keep coming back. So, they made a video. This video told the whole world that the Justice League had ignored their calls for help all those years ago and had left young heroes to fend for themselves. It also talked about how the league had shown up after the fact and tried to bully their way into the city they had previously ignored, despite the fact they were told about the superhero ban. The video ended by talking about how they were fed up with the league members having no respect for the laws of Paris and still trying to sneak into the city. The miraculous team posted the video online and sent it to all the major news networks they could get a hold of. The public was outraged when they saw the video. The heroes they trusted were trying to break the laws in Paris? The video and public outcry seem to have worked. It had been several weeks since the video was posted, and no leaguer had tried to break into the city since. The miraculous team was ecstatic; they didn’t have to keep forcing the heroes out of the city. At last, the miraculous team and all of Paris could finally enjoy peace.

[dangerousconnoisseurdonut]

Magical Thieves AU

In a Gotham where about 40% of the population have some sort or magical ability and only something like 13% have two abilities, Bruce is a street rat with his honourary sister, Selina, and the two are excellent cat burglars, known as the Cat and the Bat. Selina is a Shadow Magic user; she can blend into the shadows as well as bring her shadow to life in extreme circumstances. She is called a Night Stalker, and is not trusted by many of those gifted with Light Arts. Bruce though, if anyone knew what his real abilities were, he would be locked up in the interest of public safety; he is often referred to as simply a Chaos Courtesan, despite not being a Chaos Mage.

Bruce is one of the 13% that has two abilities; the first one alone would have him be monitored for the rest of his life, Technomagic, an ability that allows him access to computer files, all kinds of electrical data, and possess mechanical devices, and those are only the surface of his abilities, but they are enough to warrant the government being worried about him. His other, arguably stronger ability, however, would have Bruce either locked up in a special facility where he never saw another living person ever again, or killed; Blood Magic. An ability that is hard to regulate as the user can literally use their own blood or that of their attackers/victims against them. They can turn a person’s blood into acid so they are eaten away from the inside out, they can track a person as well as those with Animal Magic, and they can supposedly even control people by binding their blood.

Selina and Bruce have been siblings since they were nine-years-old and Selina found Bruce wandering around, looking for something to eat. Bruce’s parents were from feuding families and when they fell in love, they were both disowned, and they became rather good thieves themselves, until the police caught up with them and killed them in a shoot-out. Selina and Bruce have stuck with each other and managed to become two of the most sought after professional thieves around, and they have been saving for the chance to get out of Gotham for the chance of a normal life. They need just one more good payday and they ca leave for good; unfortunately, that opportunity comes in the form of Roland Daggett and Rupert Thorne (Sofia and Theo work as well, I just thought something different). They are offering the pair a huge payout, in return for what others would call a suicide mission; rip-off the King and Queen of Gotham themselves, Oswald Cobblepot and Barbara Kean. Bruce is all for ignoring this job as this is beyond dangerous, but the pair are also offering papers that will identify the pair as harmless, low-level White Magic users; papers that would cost upwards of $50,000 a piece.

Selina talks Bruce into taking the job and they stake out the place to prepare for Gotham’s social event of the year; The King and Queen’s Masquerade Ball. Selina poses as someone called to do a repair job to get access to the house and they learn the layout of the house, particularly the room that holds their prizes; two beautiful rings that identify Oswald and Barbara as the King and Queen. The night of the ball, Selina attends as a low level socialite and Bruce is a waiter, both wearing one of his blood glamors to help add to their anonymity. Soon, however, a hush falls over the crowd as the King and Queen make their entrance with their respective courts. Barbara enters with her consort Tabitha, her botanist, Ivy Pepper, and her two bodyguards, Bridgit Pike and Ecco Valeska.

Then there’s Oswald with his consort, Captain James Gordon of the GCPD, his engineer, Jeremiah Valeska (Ecco’s half brother), his advisor, Jervis Tetch, chemist, Jonathan Crane, his own bodyguards Jerome Valeska and Victor Fries, his informant (and not-so-secret assassin), Victor Zsasz, and his Chief of Staff, Alfred Pennyworth. Each of them have dangerous magical abilities and none were meant to be trifled with but, if Selina and Bruce want that big payday and those papers, then trifle they must. Some time passes and the pair actually find themselves talking to members of the courts; Bridgit hates these things and enjoys talking to those who feel as uncomfortable as she does, and Bruce finds himself saving Jonathan from an embarrassing situation. Still though, once the Ball really gets going, Bruce and Selina break away to the room where the rings are housed and just as they grab the rings, Bruce feels a frisson of unease shoot up his back; they’ve been caught.

The two Courts enter the room, and Oswald reveals he’s actually flattered that Gotham’s infamous Cat and Bat Thieves have not only targeted him, but gotten so far, though he was suspicious when a random repair worker appeared at the house, given that Jeremiah always takes care of such problems. Still, as he’s an admirer of their skills and he’s in such a good mood from the party, all they have to do is put the rings back and tell him who hired them, they can leave peacefully. Bruce and Selina both know, however, if they show up empty handed, let alone give up who hired them, they will be a pair of dead ducks. When Bridgit throws a small fireball at the pair to scare them,  Bruce and Selina show their magic to protect themselves, and now Barbara finds them very interesting, offering them a fair percentage of what they would have made if they pulled off the heist. The pair still refuse to give up so easily as not having to buy those papers themselves, would save a large chunk of their savings.

Things go from bad to worse however when Jim and Alfred notice the blood charms and there’s just something too homey about them not to be handmade, and they realize that one of the pair is a Blood Mage. Once Oswald is informed of this, he’s ecstatic and informs Jerome to test the pair as the psychotic ginger is a chaos mage, and the only thing that can stand up to them are those of Order magic and Blood magic. Thanks to Jerome, they quickly figure out that Bruce is a Chaos Courtesan, and Oswald and Barbara know they need these two in their Courts. Not knowing this, Bruce and Selina make a break for it, which is helped by the fact Bruce managed to get a small sample of everyone’s blood, giving him a slight edge.

The two are about to take the staircase heading to the front door when Ivy manages to trip Selina, sending her careening down the stairs, thankfully only knocking her out. As Bruce reaches the bottom of the stairs to grab Selina, he instead is grabbed by the two Victor’s, Jim, and Jervis, who are quick to hide him in a small alcove as the other guests come to investigate Selina’s scream from her fall. Oswald and Barbara are quick to act as concerned hosts over the ‘poor dear who had a touch too much champagne and lost her balance’, a story corroborated by Bridgit and Ivy. When no one comes forward to claim her, Tabitha is quick to suggest they look after her, so they move her to a secure room.

Oswald meanwhile joins the other males, and Jervis tries to compel the truth from Bruce, but Bruce still has a vial of Jervis’ blood, and smashes it so that he can temporarily be immune to Jervis’ power. Zsasz and Fries however are quick to point out that Selina is very vulnerable at the moment and it wouldn’t be hard to...

Bruce is quick to reveal everything and give the rings back, not willing to let anything happen to Selina. Oswald orders some of his men to go to the meeting spot where Bruce and Selina were to meet Daggett and Thorne and take care of things. Bruce hopes to be able to leave with Selina once she regains consciousness, but Oswald naturally has other ideas;

Oswald: Let an injured kitten and obviously malnourished bat go wondering off into the night?! The ASPCA would have my head on a platter! Not to mention Barbara would have a separate one for my balls.

Jim: She is an avid animal lover, especially when it comes to cats. Same with Tabitha.

Oswald: Yeah, and I do not want that woman coming after me with her whip.

Bruce, starting to struggle between the two Victor’s: I will look after her; she’s survived worse falls than that! We both have!

Oswald: You see?! The kitten and no doubt baby bat, uh, what do you call a baby bat, anyways?

Jervis, enjoying himself: A pup.

Oswald: Thank you, Jervis; a kitten and a pup who are constantly being abused on the streets of Gotham?! Obviously they need someone to look after them! Do you like bats, Victors?

Victor Z: I think they’re adorable.

Victor F: Yeah, and this one is a real cutie.

Bruce: You can’t do this! Selina and I are people, not pets! We can look after ourselves!

Jim: And I’m the Captain of the GCPD, and I don’t think you can!

Alfred appears: Oswald, Ms. Kean has seen to it that her new kitten is properly situated in her new room, and I have prepared one for our bat whenever you’re ready.

Oswald: Thank you Alfred, if you would please? I wonder how much harder it is to train bats than birds?

Victor F: We’ll figure it out; besides, you always did love a challenge.

Bruce tries to cast one last spell, only to feel a sharp pain in his neck, and know no more.

For all those who liked my Underwater Gotham AU, I thank you and hope you’ll like this one just as much. Please leave a comment if you do!

[heyitsani]

A Dream Ripping at the Seams

@damianwayneweek fic Reverse Robins

Word Count: 5024

Rating: Teen and up

Warnings: Referenced past child abuse, canonical character death mentioned

Pairing: None

Summary: He had planned the whole thing out.  The moment he had seen the notes in Richard’s file on the computer, he had known he needed to get him out of there and away from Batman as soon as possible.  He refused to lose another brother.  

Saving Richard because he failed to save Todd was his only priority.

Notes: Guess what! IT’S MY BIRTHDAY! And it also happens to be Reverse Robins day for Damian Wayne week!  So to celebrate, I wrote this fic to give to all of you lovely people.  But especially those in the RR Discord who are always willing to encourage me to run with an idea that comes up last minute.

Also, this fic ends abruptly and that’s the point.  I might continue it, I might not.  But it’s supposed to feel sudden and full of questions.

To clear up confusion: Dick was 10 when adopted, Jason died when he was 15 and Dick 11, Dick is 12 (nearly 13) when the story starts, and 13 when it ends.

You can also read it on AO3 here

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

Damian waited until he had the opportunity to get Richard away from the manor for the afternoon before he approached the subject with the boy.  He hadn’t been certain he would need to, at first, but the longer Richard was in the house with his father the more he saw the signs he had seen with Jason. And that meant he needed to act.

So he had asked Richard if he wanted Damian to pick him up from school one Friday in February so they could go for ice cream before dinner.  Richard had, unsurprisingly, agreed enthusiastically like Damian had known he would.  With the kid’s sweet tooth, he never turned down things like ice cream.  Especially since it wasn’t something the circus really got much of apparently.  Traveling in trailers didn’t allow for too many luxuries like freezers.

“Richard,” Damian started once they were seated on a bench in a local park, not far from a playground that the child was eyeing.  When the sapphire eyes turned on him, Damian took a deep breath and looked directly at him. “I know you have figured out what Father and the rest of us do in the night.”  Richard nodded, smiling as he licked his cone.  “Has Father approached you about training yet?”

The boy nodded again, and Damian pressed his lips together.  Twelve years old.  Twelve.  None of them had been that young outside of himself, but his situation was different. Being born into the League of Assassins made for a different upbringing.  “Is that bad?”

Shaking his head, Damian made sure his face was neutral before speaking again.  “No, but I have concerns.”  The boy blinked at him, but remained silent as though he was waiting for his brother to tell him what it was he was concerned about.  “You do not know of my childhood, but it was far from…pleasant. I was raised in a place called Nanda Parbat that trains people to be the kind of people Batman fights against.”

“But you were a kid?” Richard sounded confused; ice cream forgotten as he tried to sort through what Damian was saying.  And what he wasn’t saying.  “Why would you train a kid like that?”

“Because that was the way things were done there.”

“Then they were done wrong.”

Damian let out a soft laugh, corner of his mouth raising just slightly at the thought of this twelve-year-old child telling him that he had been raised wrong.  “Be that as it may, you are correct that I was a kid and that should not have been my childhood.”

Richard hummed and went back to his ice cream, looking out at a pair of dogs playing in the grass. Damian observed him as he watched the dogs, wondering what he was thinking.  He wasn’t sure how to ask the boy to do what exactly he was thinking, but he just hoped Richard would go along with it.  That he would agree to leave because this was not the life he should be living.

“Dami?”  Richard looked back to him, and Damian raised his eyebrows.  “You don’t want me to train with Batman.”  Damian shook his head.  “Ever?”

And wasn’t that the real question?

Damian wasn’t sure if he wanted Richard, the purest of them all, to be exposed to how ugly the world was the same way the rest of them had been.  It would ruin him.  It would steal the innocence that Damian found himself desperately wanting to protect. It would tear out everything good in him and leave him a shell.  

“Never,” he admitted quietly.  Richard dropped his gaze again and chewed on his lower lip.  “I want you to understand why.  My childhood aside, I do not want to see what happened to Todd happen to you. I do not want you to lose yourself the way I have seen Drake do.  I do not want you to realize the ugly truths of the world long before your time the way Cain or Brown have.  I want to protect you from all of that.”

With brows drawn down, Richard looked at him again.  He was looking at Damian with that look, the one he had seen Cain look at him with too many times to count.  The look that penetrated all the walls and shields he had put around his mind and heart.

“You want me to leave.”

“I want to take you away from here and hide us both until you are able to stand your own against Father on the subject,” he quickly corrected, not wanting Richard to think he wasn’t welcome in the Wayne family.  “I want to protect you from a fate I wish we all could have been protected from.”

Richard took a lick of his ice cream and Damian waited, worried the boy would tell him no and then tell his father everything Damian had planned.  “Okay.”

“Okay?”

Richard nodded.  “Okay.”

And Damian released his held breath, relief washing over him.  He could save one of them, the best of them.  He could do one right thing in his life, a life filled with so many wrong things.

“We leave in a week.” Richard’s eyes turned determined, and he gave a firm nod before looking over toward the playground again.

“Can I play after my ice cream is finished?”  Damian laughed and nodded, too relieved to deny him anything.

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

“Who is she?”  Richard asked, tugging on the black chuba Damian had selected for himself the moment they had touched down in Tibet.  The weather was fairly cool, and he hadn’t thought to purchase the proper wears before he had put his plan into motion. But thankfully he had anticipated needing to switch enough money into Yuan to get them by for the first couple of months.  It had made purchasing weather friendly clothing for himself and Richard much easier.

Looking down at Richard, Damian frowned and followed his eyeline to the familiar statue that stood at the top of the mountain, guarding over Nanda Parbat.  “She is Ruma Kushna,” he told Richard, who couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away from the beautiful stone statue.  He couldn’t blame the kid, he had been fascinated with the goddess when he had been younger.  She had been formidable and even his grandfather had spoken highly of the goddess. “She watches over all of those in Nanda Parbat.”

Richard frowned and looked away from the statue, blue eyes skittering over the various people wandering around the market they were making their way through in an attempt to find lodging.  “She is not kind then,” the boy said, looking up at Damian with a fierce look.

“What makes you say that?”

Richard shrugged and looked away, curiosity stealing the boy’s attention once more.  But Damian couldn’t forget that look for stubborn protectiveness that had covered Richard’s face in the moment.  It had been breathtaking if he were honest.  He couldn’t remember the last time someone had looked at him like that when they weren’t preparing to fight him for one reason or another.

Pausing at a stall with various spices that smelled familiar and distant at the same time, Damian gave the older woman a friendly smile.  “Tashi delek,” he greeted her, giving a small bow of his head.  “My son and I are looking for lodging, do you know of anyone with vacancies in their home that would spare space for us?  We are willing to pay.”

The woman seemed to consider him closely, glancing from him to Richard and then back again.  He knew his excuse of Richard being his son was flimsy when someone considered their age difference, but it was the story he needed to stick to for the time being.  He couldn’t risk someone looking too deeply into their relation if they thought they were merely brothers.  And Damian would be drawn and quartered before someone took Richard from him and returned him to Bruce.

“I have a spare sleeping quarter if you could spare your strength,” the woman finally replied, kindness heavy in her old eyes.

“Tuchi che!”  Richard exclaimed, smiling brightly at the woman who almost looked surprised at his enthusiasm.  Damian struggled to hold back a smile of his own as he gave the woman a firm nod, silently agreeing to her terms.

“I am Damian and this is Richard.  We are grateful for your hospitality.”  The woman chuckled and waved them off, telling them to scout the market for anything they might need since their packs were small and probably did not hold much out of the bare necessities.  “What should we call you?”

The woman’s smile warmed, and she leaned back.  “I am Amala,” she responded.  “Now go find you both some clothing that is not of the city but of the mountain.”

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

“You are al Ghul,” Amala stated as she handed over the cup of tea.  Damian froze, eyes wide as he looked at the woman who still looked at him with that same kindness she had since that first meeting almost four months ago.  But he couldn’t figure out how she could possibly look at him that way if she knew who his family was.  “The League is well known in our village, as small as we may be.  They look after their own on the mountain.  But there were whispers of the Heir refusing to return and the Demon Head demanding justice.”

Looking down at his teacup, cradled in both hands to warm his palms from the cool night air coming in from under the door, he sighed before glancing back toward the corner where Richard was sleeping.  Confirming Amala’s words would put them both in danger of being discovered.  He had picked this village because it meant they were right under his grandfather and mother’s noses.  They would never look for him here.

But if he lied, he risked having to run with Richard again.  And the child was finally settling nicely in the village.  He had made friends with some of the other children and he was catching up on his studies.  The last thing Damian wanted to do was uproot him yet again.  His life had been disrupted enough since the death of his parents.

“I am he,” Damian admitted, looking back to Amala.  The woman smiled knowingly before pressing a finger to her lips in a ‘shhhh’ motion and Damian let out a sigh of relief.  “How did you figure it out?”

The woman shrugged.  “You have your mother’s eyes,” she said, as if that was enough to give it all away.  “And your mother used to bring you down here as a babe, just learning to walk the mountain.  I recognized you the moment you approached my stall at market.”

“Has anyone else?”

“Not that I have heard.”

But that didn’t mean they hadn’t.  If someone told his mother or even one of the footmen, Damian would need to pick Richard up and run.  He wouldn’t have a choice.  He probably should do it now before anyone had the chance to come after them.

“Thank you, for trusting us then.”

Amala waved a hand.  “I could see in your eyes that you were running from something.  That you were protecting your son from something.”  Damian held back the cringe at the word son, knowing she had to have figured out that Richard wasn’t his.  “You are safe in my home.  I will not bring harm upon you.  No matter if it is from up the mountain or from far away.”

Damian swallowed, bowing his head against the onslaught of emotion that hit him from her words.  “Thank you,” he whispered, unable to look at her just yet.  “Protecting him is all I am after.”  He looked over at Richard again and blinked away the tears.  “It is my only goal.”

“And that is what makes you a good father,” she said softly, “blood or not.”

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

“Baba!”  Richard called out; voice distorted as it came into the house from outside where he had been helping plant some new seedlings.  “Dami!”  That made Damian pause.  It had been a while since Richard had called him by his name, out of habit or fear Damian couldn’t be sure which.  But it made a small sense of panic arise in his chest and had him dropping the piece he had been sketching and immediately run out the front door.

He froze when he saw a man kneeling in front of Richard, black cloak and hood pulled over his head, hiding his face from Damian but not from Richard.  But when the man looked up, Damian felt his stomach drop.

“No,” he whispered, hurrying forward and pushing Richard behind him as he glared at Timothy Drake, his father’s second eldest but first adopted child.  “You are not welcome here, Drake,” he said lowly, English rusty from lack of use since coming to Tibet.

Drake held up his hands and took a step back, but Damian held tighter onto Richard who tried to move out from behind his legs.  “I am not here to cause trouble, Damian,” Drake offered.  And Damian knew him well enough to know the man was being honest.  But it didn’t mean he could let his guard down. “He doesn’t know I’m here.  He doesn’t know I found you.”

“Trackers.”

“Rerouted.”

Taking a deep breath, Damian glanced around before giving Drake a nod and herding Richard into the house, knowing Drake would following them.  “Richard, go work on your schooling.”  Richard looked up at him, frowning at the order, before glancing over at Drake.  “Now, Richard.”  And though Damian knew the child didn’t want to, Richard walked away with a pout to the table where his schoolwork sat waiting.  “How did you find us?”  

“It wasn’t easy, you covered your tracks better than any of us expected,” Drake said, eyes watching Richard as he took his seat and began writing in the notebook.  Damian could tell he was curious, but Damian needed answers before Drake got his own.  “I looked at footage we had searched through a million times and got lucky.”

“And Father doesn’t know? I’m meant to believe you simply didn’t tell him?  You?”

“He thinks I’m off world with the Titans.”

“That doesn’t answer why you didn’t tell him.”

Drake seemed to consider his answer for a moment before shrugging both his shoulders.  “Dick didn’t seem to be in distress in the footage I found. He looked like he wanted to be with you.”

“I explained it to him before we left.  He agreed to come with me on his own.”

“Why did you take him?”

A familiar anger built in his core and Damian had to push it down with a few deep breaths before he could answer Drake without yelling.  “Because I would not let him sacrifice Richard the same way he sacrificed all of us. Because since losing Todd, he has lost sight of the true mission and we have become nothing but soldiers to him. I would die before I let that man turn Richard another glass case bearing a bloodied suit of armor,” he growled, fists clenched tightly.  

Drake watched him with those eyes, the ones Damian had always hated because it always felt like he was a risk and Drake was calculating how dangerous he was in any given moment.  As if Drake was just like his father, with a file of ways to put an end to Damian because part of him was too dangerous to be trusted.

“Your secret is safe with me,” Drake finally said, looking back to Richard with a nod.  “I didn’t believe you could have taken him for anything other than his own good.”  The cool blue eyes looked back to Damian and had lost some of the calculating look.  “B won’t stop though, Damian.  He’s desperate to find you both even though it’s been over six months.  I don’t know how long until he realizes that you hid both of you in plain sight of the League.  Does Ra’s or Talia know you’re here?”

“Not that they have revealed to me,” Damian admitted.  “Our patron, she knows of my heritage and has sworn an oath of secrecy.  But she is League loyal due to their protection.”

Damian watched Drake fully take in the appearance of the home they were in, the simple nature of it all and Damian couldn’t help but wonder what the man thought of him now.  What did he think of the haughty Wayne heir who had loved to shove that fact in every ones faces, telling them that he was the heir to one of the richest men in the world.  That he was heir to Batman, the Dark Knight.  The Damian standing in front of Drake was far from that person as Damian could probably get.

“This has not only saved him,” Drake finally said, looking directly at Damian.  There was no lie that Damian could see and though he wanted to deny what his brother said, his eyes glanced over to Richard and knew it was the truth. He was not who he had been before they had left Gotham.  He had been losing himself in his own grief and it was only the deep seeded fear of losing yet another family member that forced him to pull out of it and take action.

But he couldn’t admit that to Drake, could he?  “I wouldn’t lose him the way we lost Todd.  I did what I had to do.  He never would have listened.”

“No, he wouldn’t have.”

“And has anything changed?” Drake frowned; eyebrows furrowed. And that was enough of an answer for Damian.  “He’s just become obsessed with finding us instead.”

Drake nodded.  “It’s been bad enough that Superman watches Gotham from afar to keep B from doing something he might regret.”  And Damian knew, yet again, that he had made the right choice in getting Richard away from that.  “Can I give you a burner that only I know about?”  Damian’s eyes snapped back to Drake, having drifted back to Richard yet again.  “I want to be able to give you a heads up if he comes your way.  It might not be much of one, but maybe enough for you to get a head start.”

It wasn’t a bad idea, having that option, but Damian also knew it might give his father access to the pair of them without Drake even knowing.  But Drake did know technology more than anyone else in the family. Perhaps it was a risk he could take.

“All right,” Damian relented, giving a nod.  Drake’s features looked relieved, to the point where Damian wondered if he had made the wrong decision.  But he could work on the device later and see if it had been bugged or tampered with in any way.

Drake dug into his small pack and pulled out a small phone, probably a prototype that Wayne Tech had decided wasn’t worth the trouble.  He quickly showed Damian how to turn it on and use the basic features before it was turned off yet again and Damian was tucking it into the pocket of his pants.

“I need to go, I can’t reroute much longer.  But if you need anything, please call me.  I have your back.”  Damian gave a nod before watching Drake walk over to Richard and kneel down to talk quietly with the teen.  He didn’t bother listening in, knowing Richard would tell him what was said later, but he did watch.  He watched Richard listen and nod, responding with his own words before reaching out and hugging the man around the neck.  

When Drake stood and turned to leave, Damian was fairly certain he saw a sheen of tears in his eyes.

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

Damian knew something was different the instant he walked into the small house, even if he couldn’t immediately tell what.  It caused him to stop short in the doorway, Richard smacking into him because he had been too absorbed in the book of mathematics one of the men of the village had shared with him.

“Baba, what…?”  The child complained but Damian’s eyes focused on the figure in the corner of the room instead, not answering.

“Mother.”

The woman moved forward, like a serpent seeking prey, into the light with a smirk on her face.  “Son,” she greeted, eyes looking over his ragged appearance from his day of labor with a hint of distain before stopping on Richard. “You really do have too much of your father in you.”

Rolling his eyes, Damian shuffled Richard into the house and nudged him toward their sleeping corner. And though he didn’t think his mother meant them harm, he still kept his body between the two of them and coiled his muscles to prepare for a fight.

“What are you doing here? How did you even know?”

“Oh please, Damian,” Talia sighed and came closer before lounging in one of the chairs near the fireplace.  “Do you honestly think we weren’t aware the moment you landed in Tibet?  That we weren’t tracking you from the very start? You have forgotten your roots.”

Damian narrowed his eyes. “Then why did you wait so long to approach me?”

“Because we did not need you.”  That made Damian tense further.  The League needing him would lead to nothing good, he knew that deep in his core.  “I have something in Nanda Parbat that requires your attention before it can be dealt with.  And no,” she held up a hand to stop his question, “it is not your father. But it does have a link to him.”

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

Damian couldn’t believe what he was seeing.  He couldn’t trust his own eyes in that moment.  It wasn’t possible.  Was it? No, he had seen the body.  He had been there as the coffin had been lowered into the plot and covered with dirt.  He had laid his hand on the tombstone and apologized for not being able to get to him in time.

But that was definitely Jason Todd in front of him.

“How is this possible?”  Damian asked, glad he had put Richard in his old rooms while he handled this.  Richard had known Todd for only a year before he had died. This was not something Damian wanted to expose the teen to before he knew what the point of all of this was.

“We are not certain. We can’t even say how long he has been like this.  He has been dead for nearly 18 months and we have had him here for the past six.” Damian frowned, walking closer to Todd, trying to catch the teen’s eye.  “He is alive and everything is in working order, but it is as though death stole his soul.”

“Of course it did!  He died!”  Damian snapped, looking back at his mother who stood a ways back watching but looked bored.  “We buried him.  We…” Breathing heavily through his nose, Damian looked back to Todd and shook his head.  They had mourned him.  And now he was there, living and breathing but lifeless.  Everything that had made him Jason Todd seemed to have been stripped away.  “What do you intend to do with him?”

His mother’s heels clicked on the marble floor as she moved closer and stopped once she reached the pair. He watched a slender hand reach out and pet the side of Jason’s face.  Annoyed, Damian’s hand shot out and grabbed his mother’s wrist to stop the obscene gesture.  “What do you intend to do with him,” he growled, gripping her wrist tightly and turning to fully face her.  He narrowed his eyes and stared her down, not willing to let her brush him off.  She had brought him here for a reason.

“We will put him in the Pit, of course,” she said, unaffected by the grip he had on her or the look on his face.  “We just wanted to see if a familiar face might wake him up first.”

“Mother,” Damian gasped, releasing her and stepping back.  “We do not put innocents in the Pit.  It is not done.”

Talia raised a brow and Damian glowered.  “There is no ‘we’, Damian.  You made your choice.”

“You cannot do that to him. He had anger before his death.  He was murdered brutally.  These are all things the League has always avoided in resurrections.”  Damian looked over at Jason’s empty eyes and frowned, shaking his head.  “You cannot sentence him to that Madness.  He is a child.”

“He is no more a child than any of you were.  My Beloved has only had one true child in his home and you stole him away in fear of him turning your precious Richard into the same monster each of you fight off daily.” Talia tilted her head, considering him. “You most of all, my son.”

“You created the monster long before he got his hands on it.”

A slender shoulder rose and fell gracefully.  “Perhaps, but you have Demon blood in your veins and you have always been destined for so much more than this charade of a life you have taken up.”

Damian clenched his jaw and looked away from his mother, unable to deny her words.  He knew this farce he and Richard had been living would not sustain them forever, but he knew it was what the teen needed at the moment. If he returned Richard to Gotham, his father would rip the child away from him and Damian would lose him to the fight he desperately wanted to protect Richard from.  The Bat would get into his head and Damian would lose.

No, returning to Gotham would never be an option until Richard was old enough to stand on his own.

“You could remain here. Take up your title again and we could train and teach the boy to be the very best.”  Damian immediately shook his head.  That wasn’t any better than the fate that awaited them in Gotham.  “It is only a matter of time before he finds you. He will exhaust all resources and then call upon me.  He will come to Nanda Parbat and hear the tinkling laughter that reminds him so much of the boy his own son had stolen away from him.  He will follow the sound to a yard where a teen with black hair and sapphire eyes kneels in the dirt, pulling weeds from around the plants that have just begun to sprout.

“He will watch in wonder at the change a year, perhaps two years, has made in the boy.  And then he will see the man who is responsible for the heartache and fear he experienced over that time, standing in the window watching the teen just as he had been.  And he will take him back.  He will threaten them both with everything in his itinerary until there is no choice but to return.”

“And then he will ruin him,” Damian whispered, closing his eyes because he knew his mother was right. It was the fear that kept him up each and every night.  His father would never stop searching and he would eventually get desperate enough to turn to Ra’s for help.  And he would come himself to plead his case because otherwise Ra’s would laugh in his face and behead whoever was foolish enough to come in his stead.

Opening his eyes, he stared into the familiar one watching him closely.  “You win.”

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

Damian hated that his mother insisted on Richard being in the room with them when Todd was placed in the Pit, but he wasn’t in any position to argue.  He just hoped that nothing happened that would require him to use the sword strapped to his back in order to keep Richard safe.  The last thing he wanted was for the teen to see that side of him, the side that would require him to take up arms against another of his brothers.

But Richard stood just behind him, stubborn look on his face as he watched Todd over near the Pit. The green glow of the waters within gave the room an ethrial look but made Jason look sickly.  With that blank look on his face, Damian felt his heart ache for the boy he remembered.  He had tried harder with Todd than he had with Drake, but it didn’t mean he was the best of brothers.  He hoped the teen knew he had tried.

But emotions had never been his forte.

Thankfully, he was doing even better with Richard than he had with any of the others.  The teen had taught him much more than he ever thought possibly while he had taught the boy what little he had to offer outside of self-defense. Which, he had taught him as well. Just not to the same effect that training to be a Cape would have done.

“Are you ready to witness true magic, Richard?”  Damian frowned over at his mother when she entered the room and moved over to stand with the two of them.  He looked back and down toward the teen, who he found watching his mother with narrowed, untrusting eyes.  Good boy.

Damian had made sure that he always questioned his surroundings and stayed wary of those he didn’t know. Apparently, Talia al Ghul fell in that category.

The woman simply quirked an eyebrow at him before she walked over to where the footmen were getting ready to move Todd to the platform.  Reaching out, Damian tugged Richard closer to him in hopes to shield him from the coming disaster.  His mother might be certain this was a good idea, surely for her own gain, but he knew this was not something that should be done.  But as good of a fighter Damian was, he could not take on the entire League. And he would need to do just that if he wanted to get Todd out of there before he was manipulated and twisted into a shadow of the teen he had been.

“Let us begin,” Ra’s said as he took his place on the opposite side of the Pit.

[css1992]

could u do more high school au's pls? I was thinking maybe rich popular peter who seems untouchable and then grungy tony who just doesnt care for appearances and hes been pining after peter his whole school life

+

could u make it so that tony is rich and everyone knows it but he just doesn't care about his money and doesnt act rich so it's one of those things that u know but dont acknowledge. also if tony's daddy issues made an appearance id be so happy ty.

I’m so sorry for the delay, but I really do hope this scratches your itch! 

***

He had that sort of beauty that almost hurt to look at. So pure and soft. Pink cheeks, small eyes that squinted when he laughed – which was often –; brown, wavy hair, so shiny and silky-looking; thin, pink lips, always stretched in a smile. He had the most beautiful smile Tony had ever seen, too. Honest and wide, happy.

He was never alone. Of course he wasn’t. He was too magnetic, there were always people drawn to his light, following him around, laughing at his jokes, making him laugh in return. Everyone seemed to want a piece of him, a scrap of his attention. And he, being the lovely human being that he was, made room for anyone who wished to bask in his light.

Jocks liked him. Peter was great at team sports, he was light on his feet and good with his hands. He wasn’t in any teams, though, claimed he didn’t have the time, but he was always picked first in P.E. group activities. Tony knew, watched him at practice way too often – from a distance, of course, as he did his stretches and sit-ups with Rhodes.

Nerds liked him, too. He was really smart, an asset to the Decathlon team, and was always willing to help anyone having trouble in class. Even the weirdos from drama club, glee club and the school band loved him – he never made fun of them, on the contrary, he was always very vocal about how talented they were and how he wished he could be a part of their clubs, too.

Girls swooned at him. He was kind and sweet, a good listener, and gorgeous. Guys weren’t immune to his charms, either. The ones Tony knew for a fact that were gay or bi didn’t even try to pretend they didn’t watch him when he walked down the halls, but even supposedly straight guys, like Steve Rogers, sneaked a peek now and then, face flushed, if he was wearing specially tight jeans.

Tony was jealous of all those people, but he learned to deal with it. He’d been, well, admiring him from a distance for years. He was used to seeing people make passes at him, ask him out. Peter was discreet, though. If he ever dated anyone, nobody ever heard anything about it. He was a mystery, Tony wasn’t even sure if he was gay, straight, bi or whatever – there were rumors that he had made out with Wade Wilson in freshman year, but neither of them confirmed or denied it. Tony hated the guy anyway.

“If you keep staring, people are gonna know you’re in love and not actually dead inside,” Rhodey spoke up right next to him, taking a huge bite of his tuna sandwich. Tony averted his gaze from Peter’s table for a minute and looked at his friend, annoyed. “It’s gonna ruin your whole aesthetic.”

“Very funny,” He rolled his eyes and looked back at Peter. There were so many people around him he could barely catch a glimpse of his smile, which was annoying.

His dad’s company, Parker Innovations, had just released a new phone a few weeks earlier, it was ridiculous how many people thought they could get one for free if they kissed his ass hard enough. At least Tony didn’t have to endure that kind of nonsense anymore. People in that school learned very early on that even though he was related to Howard Stark, he wanted nothing to do with the guy – or his company, or his money. They also learned sucking up to him did nothing but annoy him, so they kind of just forgot he existed over time and he blended right in with everyone else – a blessing in its own right.

“Rhodey is right, you’re drooling, it’s a little embarrassing,” Natasha looked at him with boredom as she nibbled on her fries. “You should just ask him out, you’ve been pining for ages.”

“I’m not pining,” he huffed, irritated, and the redhead smirked, raising a perfectly manicured brow.

“Right, yearning might be more accurate. Bruce?” She glanced at their other friend who scratched his chin, pretending to think about it.

“I think obsessing sounds more like it. Rhodey?”  

“Fuck you guys,” he barked before they could keep the game going, and all three laughed at him. Someone got up from Peter’s table and he caught a glimpse of his beautiful face, their eyes made contact for half a second and Tony looked away.

“No, but seriously, Tones. Just go talk to him, he’s a great guy, I’m sure he wouldn’t be an ass about it.” Bruce adjusted his glasses and said that like it was simple. Like he would have the guts to do it if he was in Tony’s position – he wouldn’t, he’d pined for Thor, an exchange student, for a year, and never worked up the courage to ask him out. The guy went back to Norway or whatever and Bruce never even said hi to him.

“I know, of course he wouldn’t, but I don’t wanna be one of those people begging for his attention, just look at that.” He pointed at the little crowd around him, people were almost literally fighting for his attention, the poor guy could barely finish his lunch. “It’s ridiculous.”

“Yeah, but you’re not them,” Natasha said that like it was the most obvious thing in the world and Tony frowned.

“How am I different?”

“You’re a certified genius, you and him have similar interests and you look hot in a ‘I’m gonna fuck  you raw in the back of my car’ kinda way. I don’t know, maybe he’s into that.” The redhead shrugged, again, saying all that like it was obvious and an unquestionable truth.

“Yeah, right, sounds just like him,” Tony scoffed.

Peter was perfect in so many ways – perfect face, perfect body, perfect grades, Tony was sure he pooped out candy or something – of course he wouldn’t go for a guy like him. He had a bad reputation, he was in detention more often than not and people in general considered him an asshole – all because he didn’t partake in their little games of social climbing or whatever. No, Peter wouldn’t go for his grungy ass. He’d probably go for all American, apple pie, boy-next-door Steve Rogers.

“No, she’s right, I’ve seen him looking at you several times.” Bruce pointed out, not for the first time, and Tony scoffed.

“Oh, yeah? When?”

“AP chemistry class. I’m his lab partner, remember?” How could Tony forget? As Mr. Erskine called out their names, Tony prayed to a God he didn’t even believe in that he’d be paired up with Peter, but no such luck. “He stares at you whenever he has a chance or an excuse. You know, when you blow things up, for example.”

“Yeah, which is why he must stare, he must be afraid for his life.” Tony hated to admit that he was way more prone to causing explosive accidents when Peter was in the room. It was fucking embarrassing.

He sighed, drinking the last of his coke. No matter what his friends said, he knew he didn’t stand a chance with Peter. He was… Untouchable. He was too good for him, Tony wasn’t even sure he’d want to taint him if he had a chance –  no, scratch that, he definitely would.

He chose to watch him from afar, allowing himself a few fantasies and daydreams. He had this really stupid and lame one, where he walked up to Peter in the hall, people just parted to let him through, then he gave him his trademark, lopsided grin and asked him out. Peter smiled brightly up at him, holding his books to his chest, cheeks flushed, eyelashes fluttering as he whispered a shy “yes” and leaned up to kiss him. Yeah. That was the whole fantasy.

Peter was so untouchable to him that he didn’t even dare to dream further than that. Of course when he was alone in his room, late at night, relieving himself, a few… less pure fantasies popped up unsolicited, but he felt so guilty then, dirty even, like he was disrespecting him somehow. It was all very confusing, but he still came, shamefully, to the thought of his beautiful face scrunched up in pleasure as dream-Tony fucked him.

The bell rang and everyone hurried to get to their next period, Peter was no different, he gathered his things and stood up, looking around the cafeteria like he was looking for someone. Their eyes met again for a second, but Tony quickly looked away, grabbing his backpack in a hurry to leave.

It was Thursday, the worst day of the week for him, none of his friends were free to hang out with him until later, so he either had to head home and deal with Howard or he had to find somewhere to be for a couple of hours, until Rhodey was done with football practice so they could go to his place. That day, Tony decided to just stay by his car, smoking a cigarette and singing along to Black Sabath’s Iron Man, it wasn’t like he had anywhere to go. He was so distracted watching the smoke dissipate into thin air that he didn’t notice when someone approached, and jumped almost a foot in the air when they spoke.

“Aren’t you afraid of getting caught smoking on school grounds?” Tony almost dropped dead when he registered the angelic voice. He was already having a heart attack as it was, but the boy was so close and he had that beautiful smile in place, blushing cheeks and all. It took almost a full minute for him to calm himself down.  

“I won’t tell if you don’t.” The older teen answered when he finally found his voice and got his breath under control enough not to make a fool of himself. Peter smiled wider, biting his lower lip.

“Your secret is safe with me.” He fake whispered, leaning a little into the older boy’s space and he almost choked on nothing. Peter’s smell was inebriating, expensive and sweet, but not overly so – perfect. He recomposed himself quickly, though, and nodded, but didn’t say anything else. He wasn’t sure why Peter was talking to him and, frankly, he was too fucking nervous to think of anything cool to say. The younger teen deflated a little faced with Tony’s silence; he looked around, seeming a little lost. “You’re Tony, right?”

Fuck, the way he said his name. His name. It was fucking music to his ears, the most beautiful tune. But how did he even know his name? Sure, he was Tony Stark, so not really anonymous, but people often forgot about it.

“Yeah. And you’re Peter.” Tony didn’t play games, he didn’t even try to pretend like he didn’t know who Peter was. It would be dumb anyway, everybody knew him. The other boy nodded shyly, it looked like he wanted to say something else, but he kept biting his lips and looking around nervously. Tony frowned. “Is everything okay?”

“No. I mean, yeah, sure, it’s fine, it’s just, uhm. I have a flat tire and the wheel bolts are really tight and I couldn’t get them off, so I thought – I mean, could you, uh –“ He gestured wildly as he stuttered out his answer, looking in the general direction of his flashy, cherry red sports car. “I mean, it’s okay if you’re busy, but I –“

“Sure, I’ll help, don’t worry.” Tony threw his cigarette butt on the ground and stepped on it. He was a little more at ease now that he knew why Peter was talking to him – he just needed help – and the best thing was, Tony was really good with cars. Of course, one didn’t need to have a PhD in mechanics to change a tire, but it still made him feel really good that he would be able to help properly.

“Thanks, you’re a life saver.” The chirpy attitude was back, as well as the smile, it made Tony’s heart flutter. He nodded sharply, looking away from his face, and gestured for Peter to lead the way.

When they reached his car, Tony whistled lowly, crouching down to look at the completely flat tire, as he tried to find the source of the problem. He was surprised to notice a two-inch cut on the surface of it, and it didn’t seem accidental.

“Fuck, Peter, it looks like someone sliced your tire.” When he looked up at the younger boy, he didn’t look surprised, but nervous. It was an odd reaction. Tony wondered if Peter already knew that – maybe he knew who did it and was scared of them? It made Tony’s blood boil. Why would anyone do that to Peter?

“Wh-what? How do you know that?” He bit his lower lip nervously, scratching his arm, and Tony frowned, worried.

“Here, look.” He gestured for Peter to crouch down next to him and pointed at the cut. “This is clearly a stab mark. Judging by the size and shape of it, I’d say this was probably done with a pocketknife.”

“Oh. Yeah, of course. Clearly.” He face-palmed, like he felt stupid, maybe for not seeing it before, but Tony still worried.

“If you want, I could go with you to the administration. We can ask them to check the security cameras. I think that one might have caught whoever did this.” He pointed at a security camera nearby, Tony knew where all of them were in the parking lot area – he’d been caught smoking way too many times not to know.

“What? There are –? I mean, look, it’s okay, it’s probably just someone trying to play a prank, it’s no big deal, it’s fine.” He stood up quickly, shaking his head, and Tony was positive he felt threatened somehow, he was acting so weird.

“If you’re sure… But if you change your mind, I’ll go with you, ok?” Tony stood up and took off his leather jacket. The weather was nice, just a bit chilly, so he was wearing a thin, white t-shirt with short sleeves underneath. He thought he heard Peter’s breath hitch for a second, but it was probably just his imagination. “Can you hold this for me?” He held out his jacket and the boy blushed, blinking rapidly.

“S-sure.”

Tony bit his bottom lip to refrain from asking, again, if everything was fine. Peter looked so freaking nervous, he was even sweating a little at the temples. Tony was positive he knew who did that to his car, but didn’t want to tell him for some reason. Maybe he wanted to protect whoever did it, maybe it was a boyfriend, or an ex. He gritted his teeth, hands closing in fists, but didn’t say anything, just crouched down and got to work.

The first bolt came off easily, it wasn’t tight at all, so he thought maybe Peter had already loosened it when he tried earlier. The second and third ones came off just as easily, though, only the fourth one was a little trickier, but nothing the younger teen couldn’t have handled himself. Tony thought maybe he hadn’t tried too hard, maybe he was afraid the person who did that would show up or something. He was so glad he was there to help, he wondered if Peter felt safe with him around, and the thought made him feel oddly proud and protective of him.

He made quick work of changing the tires, making sure not to screw the bolts too tight, then put the sliced one in the trunk of the car. When he turned around to look at Peter, he was looking intently at him, almost hypnotized, holding his jacket close to his chest like it was a puppy.

“All done.” Tony smiled and the boy seemed to snap out of a trance.

“Oh, thank you so much, really, you’re too kind.” He smiled broadly and the older teen scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Don’t mention it.” They were silent for a few seconds after that, but Peter kept holding his jacket and didn’t make any move to give it back to him. “Uhm, could I–?” He gestured towards the jacket and again the boy jumped up in surprise.

“Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, here.” He handed it to him and quickly crossed his empty arms over his chest. “So, uhm,… Your dad is having a gala this weekend, right? Are you gonna be there?” Ah, so Peter did know who he was, not just his first name. The older teen leaned against the car and stuck his hands in his pockets, shrugging.

“Not if I can help it.” He smirked, trying to act cool, but now that he didn’t have anything to do with his hands, he was growing nervous.

“Oh,” Peter looked… disappointed? He dropped his gaze to the floor, shuffling his feet, and Tony stood up straight, frowning.

“Why?”

“Nothing, it’s just – my parents are going, so I thought I’d tag along to, you know... but it’s okay.” He kicked an imaginary rock and avoided Tony’s eyes. The older teen stared at him with wide eyes, heart beating fast – what was the end of that sentence? Peter couldn’t possibly mean–

“I don’t – what, you’d go to, like, hang out with me or something?” He felt stupid when he stumbled on the words, but Peter didn’t seem to notice, his cheeks were burning red and he was looking anywhere else but at Tony.

“I mean, you must have much better things to do, of course, I was just –” He chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head, finally looking up at Tony. “Sorry, just forget about it, I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“No, wait!” He rushed to interrupt him and Peter looked back at him with huge, Bambi eyes. Tony coughed awkwardly, blushing a little. “I mean, like, uhm… If you – would you wanna go as my date? To the gala?” He blurted out, finally, because what the hell. The worst that could happen was Peter say no, and he could deal with it. He would survive, for sure. It wouldn’t be a big deal. Really. It wouldn’t.

But he didn’t say no, he smiled broadly, eyes twinkling in excitement.

“I’d love to!” He answered quickly, and Tony’s heart fluttered, Peter looked genuinely happy.  “Could you – uhm, text me what color of tie you’ll be wearing? If you want! I understand if you think it’s lame, but I thought–”

“No, it’s fine.” His heart was beating so loud, Peter Fucking Parker wanted to coordinate ties with him, it was fucking corny and cliché and he loved it. “Uhm, here, give me your number.” He fished his phone from his back pocket and gave it to the younger teen.

“Cool.” Peter typed in his number and as soon as he gave his phone back, Tony sent him a smiley face so he would have his number, too. “Cool, cool, cool...” He rocked on the balls of his feet and looked around, like he was looking for something else to say.

“So… Do you have to be home soon or…?” Tony stuck his hands in his pockets again, wondering if maybe he was pushing his luck, but Peter shook his head quickly.

“Not really, no, my parents don’t really mind what time I get home as long as I let them know. You?”

“They don’t really care.” He shrugged, taking one step closer to Peter. “So… are you hungry, by any chance?”

“I’m starving.” He nodded, looking up at Tony in anticipation. It drove the butterflies in his stomach crazy.

“I know a place where they serve great burgers. We could go in my car and I could drop you off here on our way back, I’m just a little worried someone is gonna try to fuck up your car again. I mean, what if they’re targeting you or something?” Just the mention of what happened earlier made Peter nervous. He stuck his hands in the pockets of his bomber jacket and shook his head.

“Oh, don’t worry about it, I’m sure it’s fine.” He didn’t look worried, though, at least not anymore.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, trust me, I am.” Tony found the sudden change odd, but thought maybe he was just trying to play it cool, so he let it go.  

“Okay, then, c’mon, my car is right there,” Tony gestured to his car and Peter smiled, taking his hands off his pockets. When he did, though, something slipped out and fell to the ground with a metallic noise. Tony quickly crouched down to get it for him, when he noticed what it was. “Wh – is that…?” He frowned, examining the pocketknife as if it was alien material. He was confused at first, because Peter didn’t seem like the kind of guy to carry one around, but then it dawned on him. When he looked at the younger teen, his face was so red it looked like he was about to explode.

“Uhm… If I told you I’ve never seen this before in my life would you believe it?” He chuckled nervously, scratching his arm, as Tony stood up. The older teen raised a brow at him.”Sorry, I just – I wanted an excuse to talk to you.” He said quietly, dropping his gaze.

“You know, you could have gone with the weather or whatever.” Tony answered, amused, and it made the younger boy look up at him.

“You’re just very intimidating,” He looked at him with huge, scared eyes, and Tony cocked his head to the side.

“Me?” He raised a brow.

“Yeah.” Peter answered pointedly, and Tony smirked, offering him his knife back.

“You do realize you just sliced your own tire so you’d have an excuse to talk to me, right? And I’m intimidating?” He joked, but Peter didn’t seem to find it funny. He winced and covered his face with his hands, clearly embarrassed.

“You must think I’m such a freak,” He groaned, voice muffled by his palms.

“Hey, hey, yes, I do think you’re a freak.” He grabbed Peter’s thin wrists and marveled at how perfectly they fit in his hands. He definitely saved that thought for later. “But you’re a really cute one.” He grinned and Peter chuckled, a delicate flush rising onto his cheeks.

“I feel stupid.” He admitted, worrying his bottom lip, but Tony shook his head, working up the nerve to cup Peter’s face in his hand.

“I feel flattered,” He said, honestly, and Peter’s breath hitched. He stared up at Tony, eyelashes fluttering, moist, pink lips slightly open. The older teen leaned down slowly and when the Peter closed his eyes, their lips touched. Just like in his fantasies, Peter tasted sweet, his lips were soft and his arms circled Tony’s neck in a warm embrace. When they parted, Tony smiled down at him, stroking his blushing cheek. “Just promise that if this doesn’t work out you won’t, like, key my car or something.”

“Oh, God,” he groaned, but they both laughed out loud, as they walked hand in hand across the parking lot.