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#bruce Wayne needs a hug

ao3statistics · 5 months

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This is self-made. And also slightly concerning. Date: 28.12.2023.

I assume no guarantee or liability for the completeness, correctness and accuracy of this chart despite my best efforts.

Includes fanfictions in all languages available on Ao3, NOT English only.

Includes all popular Ao3 tags directly connected to the tag "Bruce Wayne".

More charts will follow. :)

Want to have a chart for different pairings, headcanons etc. in your favourite fandom? Send me an ask!

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red-jaebyrd · 2 months

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A New Bird in the Nest

Summary: What if Jason survived Ethiopia and Bruce adopted Tim early? Jason has many insecurities about the new addition to Wayne Manor and it doesn’t help that Bruce has been avoiding Jason since he came back from the hospital. The fear of being replaced and pushed out looms over Jason and it all starts when a kid named Tim Drake moves in. This fic was inspired by this beautiful piece of art by @ky-landfill

It had been almost three months since Ethiopia and Jason was still walking on eggshells around Bruce. Lately Bruce was all clipped tones and clenched jawed whenever Jason attempted to start a conversation with him. After a while Jason gave up trying to talk to Bruce altogether. With a heavy heart Jason came to the harsh realization that Bruce was obviously still mad at him about Ethiopia.

Bruce was always busy now that Jason was home from the hospital. And while Jason was no longer confined to a bed and could now get around with the help of crutches, Bruce was hardly home. When he was home, Bruce was either holed up in the Cave or his study at all hours. At mealtimes he was constantly hiding behind a newspaper or hyper-focused on a tablet to avoid talking to Jason. Whenever his eyes would wander and meet Jason’s, it was always met with worry lines and a furrowed brow. It got on Jason’s nerves. He didn’t want Bruce’s pity. He just wanted Bruce to talk to him without snapping.

The only time they had talked was in the car on the way to Jason’s PT or to various doctor’s appointments. The conversations always mainly focused on the progress and recovery of Jason’s leg and nothing else. Jason figured it was probably easier for Bruce to talk to him if he didn’t have to actually look at him.

Since Jason had come home from the hospital Bruce had restricted Jason’s access to the Cave. He had told Jason that he didn’t want him to be in the Cave using numerous excuses like the flooring was unstable and would interfere with his crutches. There were also no handrails or any feasible way to install them.

Bruce’s cutoff of Robin spoke volumes to Jason without Bruce ever having to say much to him.

Continue on A03

Dick was visiting at the Manor today. Jason always looked forward to Dick’s visits, but he would never admit that to his older brother. When Jason had arrived home from the hospital, Dick had temporarily moved back into the Manor to help with Jason’s care.

At first Jason resented the gesture, mostly because he thought Dick was doing it out of guilt, but after a while it didn’t matter why Dick decided to stay at the Manor, Jason liked having him around. Not to mention Dick was a great buffer between him and Bruce.

Last week Dick had moved back to his apartment in Bludhaven. It was time for Dick to go back to his city and as much as Jason didn’t want him to go, he knew Dick had responsibilities he needed to get back to. Jason missed hanging out with his older brother every day, but Dick had promised to stop by and visit at least every other weekend.

This weekend Dick came, and they were hanging out the kitchen munching on Alfred’s delicious chicken salad sandwiches when Dick surprised Jason with a question.

“Have you and Bruce talked at all about what happened in Ethiopia?” Dick broached, taking a bite out of his sandwich.

“No,” Jason swallowed, putting his sandwich down and grabbing some chips. “We haven’t talked about that day. He doesn’t really talk to me anymore. Not that he ever talked a lot before, you know, but this is different. He snaps at me sometimes and stops mid-sentence. It’s like he wants to say something to me, but then he doesn’t.” Jason’s shoulders were inching toward his ears. “I think – I think he’s still mad at me.”

“He’s not mad at you,” Dick sighed, rubbing his forehead in frustration and muttering a ‘Dammit Bruce’ under his breath. “Believe me. He’s – he’s just overwhelmed with what could have happened and he’s bad at communicating that fear to you.” Dick rubbed his hands together over his plate to discard the crumbs. He put his hand on Jason’s shoulder and squeezed. “You almost died, Jay and for him it wasn’t the first time he’d almost lost his kid to a rogue. He’s not upset with you. Give him time.”

Jason scowled at Dick. How much more time did Jason need to give Bruce? It had been at almost three months. Jason pushed his plate away from him and rubbed the crumbs from his hands onto his jeans. The sandwich now felt like stone in his stomach.

“He won’t let me back in the Cave. Do you think – do you think he’ll take Robin away?” Jason inquired, picking at his sandwich just to give his hands something to do.

“The truth?” Dick asked, leveling a look at Jason.

Jason nodded.

“He should. At least for –,“

“But I didn’t mean to –,“ Jason interrupted, his eyes wide at Dick’s answer.

Dick held up his hands in a placating manner “Let me finish. He should take it away at least for now. Maybe allowing a kid at 13 to fight dangerous criminals wasn’t the brightest idea on his part.”

“You did it at 9 years old,” Jason argued, clenching his fists at the table.

He couldn’t believe the hypocrite Dick was being when it came to Robin. He thought Dick would understand.

“Our situations were different,” Dick countered, raising his voice a little. “I didn’t give Bruce a choice in the matter. I was going to find my parents’ killer with or without his help. Robin was a way for me to be out there making a difference and seeking justice for my parents.”

“I don’t know why I even asked you,” Jason snapped, crossing his arms. “You never liked me being Robin in the first place.”

“No, I didn’t,” Dick retorted, his jaw clenching. Jason recoiled at the quick response. “Robin was mine. It was my mantle to hand over to a successor, not Bruce. I was replaced before I even got a say in the matter.”

Jason lips parted to say something but all he could do was glare at Dick. Dick had never let him forget that he had been replaced.

Dick got up from the table and placed his plate and glass in the sink.

Jason chanced a look at Dick who had his back turned to him with his arms braced at the sink edge. His shoulders tense. After a while Dick turned on the faucet and began to wash his dishes.

Now Dick was going to give him the silent treatment just like Bruce. Jason sighed and rubbed his forehead. He really did have a knack for messing things up and pissing people off. He couldn’t afford right now to have yet another person in his life not speaking to him; especially Dick. They just started getting to know each other again.

He never should’ve said anything to Dick about Robin.

“I never liked that he made you Robin, but…” Dick admitted, breaking the silence and turning off the water.

Here we go, Jason thought, bracing himself for Dick to lay into him.

“I quickly saw in you what Bruce did, that you were the right choice for the mantle,” Dick continued, his voice gentle and even. Jason blinked and looked up at Dick. The older man was now facing Jason drying his hands on a dishtowel. All signs of anger gone as the brightness returned to Dick’s eyes.

Jason gave him a small smile. Dick didn’t have to say that last part to him. Jason picked up his plate and limped to a drawer next to the sink for a Ziploc bag. He placed the reminder of his sandwich in it and hobbled to put it in the fridge. Dick took his plate, turned on the water, and began to wash it. Jason headed back to his chair at the table.

“Do –,” Jason hesitated, steeling himself for his next question. He padded his finger against a scratch on the wood. “-do you think he’ll replace me too?”

It was a question he hated asking out loud, especially to Dick, he didn’t even know why he asked it. Maybe he was hoping for some support, a counter argument in his favor, a lie, or a platitude. However, Jason knew deep down Dick wouldn’t sugar coat his words.

“Not unless he decides to adopt another kid,” Dick snorted, turning off the water and drying his hands. “And I don’t see that happening anytime soon.”

“Thanks for the reassurance, Dick,” Jason retorted, rolling his eyes.

“Jay, I’m kidding,” Dick teased, throwing a dish towel at Jason. “He’s not adopting another kid, okay?”

Jason nodded. He wanted to believe Dick, but Dick had now planted a seed of doubt. Considering Bruce’s track record there was always the possibility of Robin being replaced looming over Jason.

Two weeks later Jason was blindsided by the introduction to Tim Drake. A boy he had met briefly at a gala that Jason had attended with Bruce last year. He remembered trying to make conversation with the kid, but the interaction was awkward. The kid hadn’t been very talkative. While he had an overly friendly smile and gave Jason his full attention, the kid only nodded and gave Jason one word answers. Jason wasn’t sure if the kid was just shy or stuck up. Jason had concluded that the kid likely didn’t want to be seen talking to a street rat from Park Row and was just humoring him.

Bruce informed Alfred and Jason that Tim’s stay was a temporary emergency foster placement until a relative could be contacted.

Jason could deal with having a stranger in his house for a week or two, it didn’t mean he had to like him or spend time with him.

For the next several days, Jason avoided the new kid at all costs except at meal times, which were unavoidable. Alfred and Bruce wouldn’t allow him to take meals up to his room. Bruce even stopped hiding behind newspapers and tablets at the table futilely trying to engage the kid in conversation. The kid hardly talked but answered questions when asked. Bruce still sometimes stayed in his study, but he now started opening the door again. It was something he hadn’t done since Jason had come home from the hospital.

The changes in the house were obvious, and it stung that the kid was getting Bruce’s undivided attention.

Whatever.

The kid had exceptional table manners, which was expected considering where he came from, but it still rubbed Jason the wrong way. What was this kid trying to prove anyway, that he was better than Jason? No shit, Sherlock, that much was obvious. But it didn’t matter, the kid was soon moving out of Jason’s house and in with relatives. Jason would soon be rid of him.

It didn’t help matters that Dick and the new kid got along perfectly. Dick came over to the Manor right away to meet the new kid. The kid was completely enamored with Dick soaking up the frequent hair tousles and side hugs that Dick had always reserved for Jason.

First, the kid had stolen Bruce’s attention away from Jason, now he was stealing all of the time Jason would normally have with Dick.

About a week and half into the new kid’s stay, Bruce dropped the bomb that plans had changed, and the kid would now be staying with them at the Manor permanently. The kid was soon moved from a bedroom in the guest wing to a bedroom in the family wing next to Jason.

Jason’s stomach dropped. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard. Bruce had actually done the very thing Dick had teased him about almost two weeks ago, ‘not unless he adopts another kid’. It was actually happening.

Jason was being replaced! It was only a matter of time before Jason was completely out of the picture and the new kid became the new Robin.

He phoned Dick right away yelling at him that Bruce was replacing him with this new kid.

“This is all your fault,” Jason barked on the phone, slowly pacing his room.

“What’s my fault?” Dick asked.

“’Not unless he adopts another kid’ bullshit. Well it’s happening, because you’re the one who said it out loud,” Jason argued, clenching his jaw in frustration. It was a weak argument, but it was all Jason had at the moment. He had to blame someone.

“Jay, you can’t speak something into existence,” Dick snorted.

“I – I know that, dumbass,” Jason growled, irritated that Dick wasn’t taking him seriously. “I just didn’t think he’d –.”

The lump in his throat cut off his words and made his breath hitch. This was all happening too fast for Jason. Bruce wasn’t supposed to get another kid this fast or at all. The kid was supposed to move in with relatives. Jason knew he wouldn’t be Robin forever, but he thought he’d have enough time to get used to not being Robin before Bruce went and replaced him.

“Jay, are you still there? Talk to me, bud,” Dick said, breaking the silence, all teasing gone from his voice. “Bruce isn’t replacing you, Little Wing. He’s simply giving a kid something he needs right now, a home and a family. Nothing more. Besides, Tim is harmless and a great kid. I hope you’re being nice to him.”

“Why does he need my home and my family?” Jason whined, sagging onto his bed. His leg throbbing in time with his heartbeat.

Jason knew he was being unreasonable. This kid had done nothing wrong except existing, yet Jason couldn’t bring himself to be nice because this kid was getting the one thing Jason had been wanting for the last two months – Bruce’s undivided attention; and now stealing the only thing he had left - his brother’s devotion.

“Because his family failed him, Jay,” Dick replied, his tone matter of fact yet gentle. “You know what that’s like. Just talk to him and try to get to know him. He’s a great kid.”

Jason couldn’t bring himself to start a conversation with the kid, not yet anyway, but he no longer glared at the kid at meals or slammed his door in the kid’s face. He’d nod whenever the kid said, ‘Good morning’ and no longer avoided the library when he saw the kid sitting in his favorite chair. He even kept his mouth shut when he saw the kid sitting in Bruce’s study just feet away from the Grandfather clock entrance to the Cave.

The more Jason paid quiet attention to the kid, the more he saw things that reminded him of his own upbringing with Willis and he didn’t like it. The kid knew how to stay out of the way. When he was not occupied elsewhere with Bruce or Alfred, the kid spent most of his time in his room. The kid never really ventured within the Manor by himself beyond the library or kitchen, even though he was given permission and encouraged to explore his surroundings.

At first, Jason actually liked it. It meant he didn’t have to run into the kid or spend any time with him. But soon Jason realized that the kid’s avoidance of everyone was a definite problem.

The kid was quiet and never brought any kind of attention to himself. He never complained about the food given to him, ever; and ate everything on his plate, even the gross under-seasoned brussel sprouts and cauliflower. Bruce didn’t even eat the brussel sprouts on his plate. Jason knew the kid hated them because he noticed the kid struggling to swallow every single one, but he never said anything to Alfred or Bruce. Bruce eventually told the kid that he didn’t have to eat anything he didn’t like, but it was like the kid didn’t hear him. The kid also never asked for seconds but would say yes when they were offered to him.

The weirdest thing of all, the kid never initiated any conversation with Bruce or Alfred unless they spoke to him first. The kid was literally the poster child for that saying, ‘children should be seen and not heard’.

He didn’t even speak up one particular evening when he started breaking out in hives at dinner.

Jason was the first one to notice something was wrong with the kid. It was only for a split second and the kid must have realized something wasn’t right either because he instantly put his head down. But it was too late, Jason had seen the red raised splotches on the kid’s neck and face. The kid was white-knuckling his cutlery, a piece of Alfred’s Pesto Penne was still dangling off his fork.

If Jason had the height and the strength, he would have kicked the kid under the table.

Say something, kid!

Jason wasn’t sure why he was getting so mad, but it was pissing him off that this kid was going through what looked like some sort of anaphylaxis episode and staying quiet. Jason still might not know how to talk to the kid, and maybe he was still a little angry at him for stealing Bruce and Dick, but he didn’t want him to die.

Could it be that the kid was genuinely afraid to disrespect adults that he’d put his health in danger and eat whatever was put in front of him?

Didn’t the kid know by now that Bruce wasn’t going to be mad at him for speaking up about an allergy? Hadn’t the kid spent enough time with Bruce to know that he’d never be shamed for something he couldn’t control.

“Bruce!” Jason yelled, finally getting the man’s attention. Bruce gave him a puzzled look. “Your new kid needs you.”

Just then the kid cleared his throat and made a weird and alarming wheezing sound. Bruce’s fork clattered on his plate the moment he laid eyes on the kid.

“Tim, are you okay?”

The kid’s eyes went wide. His eyes scanned frantically at Jason, Bruce and then Alfred, but he didn’t say a word.

“Tim, I need you to answer me, okay,” Bruce asked, keeping his voice low and calm. “Are you allergic to pine nuts?”

“No, I…I don’t know,” The kid swallowed, tears pooling in his eyes. “I’m…I’m allergic to almonds, but I’m…I’m okay.”

It was obvious to Jason and everyone else in the room that the kid was anything but okay.

“Alfred, get two epi-pens and call Leslie,” Bruce ordered, making his way to a chair closer to Tim to examine his face and neck.

“Right away, sir.”

“I’m okay,” The kid wheezed, moving his face away from Bruce. “Really, it’s f-fine.”

Jason couldn’t take it anymore. The kid was obviously not okay. Nothing about this was fine. The sooner he realized that the better.

“You’re not okay, you dummy! You don’t fuck around with food allergies!” Jason bellowed, banging his fists on the table to emphasize his point. “If you’re not feeling good because the food is making you sick, you fucking say something.”

“Jason,” Bruce warned, keeping his voice even while also leveling Jason with a glare.

He could see Bruce clenching his jaw as he went back to examining the kid. Jason ignored him. He didn’t care that he was making Bruce mad. Jason needed to finish telling the kid what he needed to hear.

“If you’re still hungry, ask for more food,” Jason continued, his voice getting louder. “If you don’t like the food, don’t eat it. Either way Bruce and Alfred won’t get mad!”

“Jason, you’re yelling,” Bruce stated, his voice low and gravely. “Lower your voice or you’ll need to leave the table.

Jason didn’t even know why he was yelling at the kid, but it felt good to get it out. A part of him was frustrated that the kid still didn’t see what he had here with Bruce – safety. Another part of him was irritated at himself for acting like a complete asshole hating this kid for no reason other than existing and taking up space. Realizing too late that this kid was just like him when he first came to live here, scared and mistrustful of adults.

Jason wasn’t done yet. There was one last thing Jason needed the kid to hear and understand about the way things worked with Bruce and Alfred. Something Dick actually told him when Jason first came to the Manor.

“No one here is going to make you do what you don’t want to do,” Jason emphasized, grabbing his crutch, and getting up from his chair. “But they won’t know what you want if you don’t fucking say something.”

He added that last bit.

“Jason, that is enough,” Bruce scolded, his voice loud enough to make the crying kid next to him jump and Jason flinch.

Before Bruce could tell him to go to his room, Jason was already making his way to out of the dining room.

“I’m sorry, Bruce,” the kid sobbed, his breaths hitching, while Bruce continued to examine the hives on his face and neck. “I’m so sorry for making a scene. Please…please don’t be mad. I’ll…I’ll do better. I promise.”

The last sentence was said in a whisper, but Jason heard it loud and clear. It felt like a punch to the gut. He couldn’t get out of the dining room fast enough. If only his stupid leg would let him run. He made his way out of the dining room and into the hallway. He leaned against the wall taking deep breaths.

What kind of parents did this kid have that he was scared of adults and knew nothing about his own food allergies?

Jason saw the signs once he had started to pay more attention. The obvious signs of abuse. They were right there at every meal, every encounter, plain as day, but Jason was too preoccupied with his own paranoia of being replaced, and blinded by Tim’s rich kid status and upbringing to think that someone of his background was being mistreated by his own parents.

Jason was an asshole.

He was snapped out of his thoughts as Alfred walked briskly passed him into the dining room with the two epi-pens for Tim. Jason proceeded to head for the stairs.

Jason made it as far as the bottom of the stairs. He sat down on the steps and closed his eyes, leaning his head against the banister. The familiar throbbing of a migraine radiated from his left temple to the back of his head. After a while he heard familiar footsteps approaching him. It was Bruce.

“How’s the kid?” Jason asked, squinting at the harsh light of the chandelier above him.

“The epi-pens helped. Alfred is monitoring him in one of the downstairs bedrooms,” Bruce answered, sitting down on the step next to Jason. “Leslie is on her way to check on him.”

“Good,” Jason replied, nodding his head. “That’s…that’s good.”

They sat there on the steps in companionable silence. Jason could feel a lecture coming from Bruce. The migraine made it hard for Jason to care. Right now, all the fight in him had left.

“You can’t yell at him like that again, Jay,” Bruce warned, breaking the silence. “He didn’t deserve that from you at all.”

“I know,” Jason groaned, leaning his head against the banister again. “And I didn’t mean to yell, but the k-,“ Jason stopped himself, the kid had a name and he should probably start using it. “Tim needed to hear it. I’m not sorry for what I said.”

“You need to be nicer to your brother, Jay,” Bruce sighed, his shoulders sagging in exhaustion. “We need to make him feel welcome here.

Brother.

Jason let the word wash over him. He hadn’t really allowed himself to think of Tim in that way even though it was obvious that he’d be staying at the Manor permanently. It was all too much for Jason to think about at the moment.

“Bruce,” Jason breathed, closing his eyes and rubbing his forehead. “I don’t want to talk about him right now. My head is killing me.”

He knew he needed to talk to Bruce about Tim, but he couldn’t do it tonight. Right now his throbbing head wouldn’t let him think straight.

“Okay get some rest,” Bruce suggested, brushing Jason’s bangs from his forehead. “We definitely need to have a conversation. We’ll do that in the morning when you’re up for it.”

The next morning Jason took his time making it to Bruce’s study.

He had most of the morning to think about what he was going to say to Tim and Bruce. Jason wasn’t sure if he’d actually have the guts to admit out loud certain thoughts that had been rummaging around in his brain the last few weeks. Especially the big one concerning Robin.

Would Bruce take Robin from him and give it to Tim?

Before Jason realized it, he was in front of Bruce’s study. The door was opened. Bruce had always told Jason to feel free to come inside if the door wasn’t closed. His door hadn’t been opened in the months before Tim came to the Manor. Jason peeked inside from the doorway.

Bruce looked deep in thought as he perused over various papers from different file folders stacked on his desk. Jason was starting to have second thoughts.

“Hey Jason, what can I do for you?” Bruce asked, not looking up from what he was reading.

It always weirded Jason out when Bruce knew it was him without even looking at him. It was likely the squeaking sound from his crutch that gave him away.

“You look busy,” Jason observed, giving Bruce an out and hoping that he’d take it. He turned to leave. “I’ll come back.”

“I’m not busy, have a seat,” Bruce acknowledged, motioning to the sofa. He took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He closed the file folder he was reading, stood up from his desk chair, and stretched. He soon followed Jason to the sofa. “How’s your head, kiddo?”

“Better. I think I just needed to sleep it off,” Jason answered, sitting down and leaning his crutch against the arm of the sofa. Once he got a closer look at Bruce he could see dark circles under the man’s eyes. “Have you been here all night?” Jason gestured to Bruce’s desk.

“Pretty much. Though I did spend some of the night looking in on Tim,” Bruce sighed, sitting down on the sofa with Jason and rubbing his tired eyes.

“How’s he doing?”

“He’s much better, just tired. He’s back in his room if you wanted to go see him later and talk.”

Jason nodded. It was Bruce’s way of telling Jason that he needed to apologize to Tim. He had planned on visiting Tim after this, though he’d understand if Tim wasn’t up for it considering the way Jason yelled at him last night.

“Anyway, I’m just trying to see if I had missed something in any of Tim’s records,” Bruce continued, leaning back on the sofa. “They’re all pretty vague and don’t go back that far. There aren’t any details about any known allergies or yearly well checks, no documentation about any allergy testing except the most recent one that revealed an allergy to almonds. His immunization record stops at 5 years old.”

“But his parents have money, right? If they live in this neighborhood,” Jason snapped, folding his arms. “How could they just not take him to the doctor?”

“You’d be surprised by the priorities some people have in this town,” Bruce criticized. “Sadly, their children are not on the top of that list.”

Jason shook his head. It didn’t make any sense to him. Tim’s parents had money. Maybe not as much money as Bruce, but they could afford to take Tim to the best doctors for yearly check-ups and specialists to help him with his allergies. Instead, they chose to prioritize their jobs and lifestyle instead of their kid.

“Is that the reason he’s living here with us now? Because his parents didn’t take good care of him?”

“Among other things, yes,” Bruce answered. “Tim’s home life wasn’t great. From what little he told me his parents left him home alone for extended amounts of time at a fairly young age. For his safety and wellbeing, it was necessary for him to be removed from his parents. He needed a home with stability and most of all a family. I felt that we could be all of that for him.”

Jason’s shoulders dropped hearing all of this from Bruce. Tim was a lonely and abused kid, just like Jason had been. Bruce opened his heart and his home again to a boy in need. It now all made sense why Bruce had been spending so much time with Tim. He wasn’t trying to replace Jason. He was trying to make Tim feel at home; just as Jason should have been doing instead of slamming doors in the poor kid’s face.

“I realize now that the timing of his arrival was awful, and I’m sorry,” Bruce continued, interrupting Jason’s thoughts. He placed a hand on Jason’s shoulder and squeezed it. “I know this type of major change was the last thing you needed while you are still recovering.”

Jason nodded. He leaned his head back on the pillows to process everything Bruce had just said. Bruce wasn’t wrong, the timing of Tim’s arrival did suck as it played on Jason’s already frayed emotions. But after last night it made it easier to understand Tim’s sudden placement with Bruce.

Bruce saw a kid in trouble and did what came naturally to him. He did the same for Jason four years ago, of course he would do the same thing for Tim. Jason rubbed his face harshly. He felt like an idiot for not making this connection much sooner. Bruce had reached out to be Tim’s family, just like he had done for Jason, because Tim needed a family. Bruce didn’t need another kid. It was all about helping a kid in need.

So, he’s not here to replace me.

“What? No, Jason, I would never do that– what made you think I would –,” Bruce stammered, his wide eyes searching Jason.

Oh shit.

Jason didn’t mean to say that out loud.

But before he could think of something else to say, all the thoughts that had been festering in his brain since Tim had arrived came pouring out of his mouth.

“– because you weren’t talking to me. I thought you were still pissed at me for running away. And when Tim came you were spending all your time with him that you used to spend with me,” Jason blurted out in quick succession. His vision started to blur with tears. He really didn’t want to cry, but the tears were already flowing down his cheeks. “and – and maybe I thought that you liked him better because – because he’s a good kid with perfect manners who never talked back or complained, and he’s not – not a mouthy screw up like me who messed everything up.”

Jason’s eyes widened as his brain caught up to the words that had just come out of his mouth. Every thought and fear that he had been dwelling on these past several weeks came out faster than he could contain them. There was no taking it back now.

“Jason, you’re not a screw up and you didn’t mess up anything.” Bruce affirmed, gently pulling Jason into a hug. Jason held on to Bruce like a lifeline, his tears continuing to fall. “Son, you didn’t mess up anything.”

Jason shook his head, but who was he kidding. He made a pretty big fucking mistake that almost got him and Bruce killed. How is Bruce not furious with him?

“It’s true that choices were made by both of us, good and bad and things took a serious turn, and – and for a second I thought I’d lost you,” Bruce sniffed, breaking the embrace to look at Jason. “But I didn’t. You survived and I’m so grateful every single day that you are here with me.

Bruce moved his hands to cup Jason’s face. He gently wiped away the tears from Jason’s cheeks with his thumbs. Jason kept trying to calm his breaths but they were still hitching with every sob. Why couldn’t Bruce have said all this to him sooner?

“I’m so thankful I get to watch you grow and see the person you will become,” Bruce continued, embracing Jason again and rubbing soothing circles on Jason’s back. “I’m so proud that you’re my son, and I love you just the way you are so please, don’t think for one second that I would ever want to replace you with someone else.”

There was still something that Jason needed to know from Bruce. A question he needed answered because he was tired of the subject being avoided and ignored. He was ready to take responsibly for his actions. He just needed Bruce to be straight-forward with him.

“Are you still mad at me?” Jason stammered, his bottom lip trembling. “About Ethiopia? It’s my fault –,”

“Oh, Jay, lad, no,” Bruce interrupted, his shoulders sinking. He hugged Jason tighter resting his cheek on the top of Jason’s curls. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I made you think that I was ever mad at you.”

Jason straightened in surprise at the words ‘I’m sorry’ coming from Bruce. Not that Bruce wasn’t capable of apologizing, but did Jason deserve it? It felt misplaced. He was the one that ran away and got himself in trouble. He was the one that nearly got himself killed and needed rescuing.

“I don’t blame you for what happened,” Bruce continued, interrupting Jason’s thoughts. “I blame the people who hurt and betrayed you. I’m mad at myself for not giving you the answers you needed at the time that you were seeking them. I feel responsible for making you think that you had to go halfway across the world in search of those answers. I’m angry that the one person who should have cherished you for the gift that you are betrayed you to a madman.

“I allowed my anger toward them to fester and instead of talking about what had happened in Ethiopia with you, I internalized it. I’m sorry, Jason,” Bruce apologized. “I am so sorry for pushing you away at a crucial time when you needed me; that will never happen again. Understood.”

“Understood.”

Jason blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. He wasn’t expecting Bruce to say all of that to him, but it was a relief to hear that Bruce’s anger wasn’t because of him. It felt like an invisible weight had been lifted from Jason’s shoulders. Bruce wasn’t mad at him, and he didn’t blame Jason for what had happened in Ethiopia.

“I’m so grateful that you’re alive and here with me,” Bruce repeated, pulling Jason in for another hug.

They still hadn’t discussed Robin, but right now Jason felt that Robin could wait.

“I love you so much, Jason.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

Later that afternoon Jason headed to Tim’s room. Jason still wasn’t sure what he was going to say to Tim. The kid was likely scared of him now from all the yelling that had happened last night. He couldn’t blame the kid if he now hated him. Jason kind of deserved whatever attitude the kid gave him.

Jason took a deep breath before knocking on Tim’s door.

“Who is it,” a faint voice answered from inside the room.

“It’s Jason. Can I come in?”

“Yes,” Tim answered almost immediately.

Jason wondered if Tim had ever said no to anyone. He felt it was best to give this kid a way out just in case he’d rather be alone.

“It’s okay if you don’t feel up for visitors,” Jason added, still not opening the door. “I can come back whenever you’re up for it.”

“I’m okay, you can come in.”

Jason opened the door and hoped the smile on his face looked genuine and didn’t scare Tim. It appeared that just him being in the room was enough to have the kid sitting up, hiding behind his knees and blankets.

“You’re not going to yell at me again, are you?” Tim asked, hugging his knees.

“No, Tim,” Jason laughed, making his way closer to Tim’s bed. “Not unless you give me a reason too.”

Tim’s eyes went wide.

“That was a joke,” Jason interjected quickly, before Tim burst into tears. He rubbed the back of his neck. “Let’s try this again, how are you feeling?”

“Better, just tired. I’m not itching anymore, so that’s a relief. This one hit me harder than the almond reaction.”

Bruce had told Jason that it was only a few weeks ago that Tim had experienced anaphylaxis while home alone. This incident had prompted Tim’s removal from his parents and placed with Bruce.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better,” Jason said, shifting his weight off his bad leg. It started throbbing in its standing prone position. “Allergic reactions suck.”

Just then the pain in his leg radiated from his hip to his knee. Jason couldn’t hide the hiss of pain that escaped between his clenched teeth. He looked up to see Tim looking at the long scar on his face and then his leg. Jason hated it when people stared.

“I think you need to sit down. You look like you’re in pain,” Tim suggested, gesturing to the armchair next to his bed. “This chair is really comfortable. I like sitting in it while I’m reading.”

“Thanks,” Jason breathed, trying to ignore the throbbing in his leg while making his way over to the chair. He noticed a familiar copy of ‘The Lightning Thief’ on Tim’s nightstand and picked it up.

“Bruce bought me the entire series. I just started it when I came here,” Tim explained. “I really like the story. I wasn’t allowed to read it before – before I came here.”

“Let me guess, your parents think gods and goddesses are evil?” Jason smirked.

“No, mother said ‘fantasy books are frivolous nonsense and not becoming of a future businessman.’”

Jason scowled. He was deeply insulted that the adults in Tim’s life had disparaged Jason’s first favorite genre of books. How dare they. It appeared that Jason had some work to do.

“I can recommend other fantasy books if you like the genre,” Jason offered, setting the book back on the nightstand. “When you’re feeling better we can go to the library. I’ll show you the fantasy section. It’s huge.”

“Thanks, but you don’t have to do that,” Tim shrugged. “I know you don’t like me.”

Hearing Tim say it like that, so matter of fact and accepting, wiped the smile off Jason’s face. It sucked to know that he had left such a horrible impression on Tim and that Tim was giving him a way out. It was a pre-emptive strike to avoid the disappointment of rejection.

Jason was all too familiar with this tactic – he used to do it all the time to Bruce and Dick when he first came to live at the Manor.

He wondered how many times Tim had been hurt by the people closest to him to easily brush off simple offers and attention from others. It didn’t help that Jason’s actions over the past few weeks solidified Tim’s assumption that Jason really didn’t want to spend time with him.

Jason needed to fix this fast.

“I know I don’t have to show you the library, but I want to,” Jason cleared his throat, stretching his sore leg. “We can make up for lost time, okay?”

Tim nodded.

“Is there anything you want to ask me?” Jason offered, sitting back in the chair. Tim wasn’t lying, this chair was comfortable.

Jason’s brain was screaming at him for daring to open himself up like this to Tim, a kid he hardly even knew. But deep down in his heart, Jason knew this was the right thing to do. It was a fair exchange. He couldn’t expect Tim to open up to him, if he didn’t budge himself.

“Um,” Tim hesitated, wringing his hands and looking anywhere but at Jason. He took a deep breath and returned his gaze to Jason. “What happened to your leg and –,“ Tim gestured to the left side of his own face which was the same place as Jason’s noticeably long scar.

Jason took a deep breath to steel himself. He knew this was going to be a question Tim would ask. He was hoping he wouldn’t ask this question right out of the gate, but he did open himself up to be asked any question. Jason wasn’t stupid enough to give Tim details but since this kid was his new ‘little brother’ Jason should probably be somewhat honest with him.

“It’s a long story, but the short version is I went and did something I shouldn’t have, and this happened,” Jason explained, gesturing to his face and his leg. “Can I ask you a question?”

Jason wasn’t sure the kid was going to answer his question once he heard it, but he had to give it a shot.

“Sure, what do you want to know?”

“I want to know why you didn’t say anything to anyone at dinner when you were having a serious allergic reaction?” Jason asked, maintaining eye contact and using his best Robin voice.

Tim stayed quiet and Jason realized that maybe he had pushed too far with his first question. Part of him definitely wanted to give Tim an out, but the other part of him felt it was important for Tim to answer the question. Jason strongly believed that Tim needed to know from him that Tim would never be shamed or scolded by Bruce for speaking up when something was wrong.

“Mother says,” Tim swallowed, fisting his blankets and then hugging his knees again. “That making a scene at the dinner table in front of guests is rude; under no circumstances should I bring any kind of attention to myself.”

Jason had to take a few deep breaths to calm his rage and quiet a few choice words he wanted to voice out loud about these absurd rules and Tim’s parents.

“Tim, you were going into anaphylactic shock,” Jason explained, keeping his voice level like he does when talking to victims as Robin. “Saying something is always okay. Especially if you are in danger, or you just don’t feel good. You wouldn’t have been making a scene. Bruce doesn’t care about decorum all that much just as long as you don’t say ‘fuck’.”

The last sentence made Tim giggle. It was nice to know he could make the kid laugh.

“You’re safe here, Tim. I know firsthand that concept will take some getting used to but believe me. This place is safe. Bruce and Alfred like having you here and so do I,” Jason confessed. “It’s true. I know I didn’t show it in the beginning, and I’m very sorry about that. So, if you want, we can start over.”

Jason held his breath, pleading internally that Tim would forgive him for how Jason had treated him. He truly wanted to start over with Tim. Jason was looking forward to having a little brother.

“I’d like that”, Tim smiled. It was a smile that reached his eyes and brought out the dimples in his cheeks. “I just have one more question.” Tim hesitated, biting his lip. “It’s sort of a favor. It’s no big deal. You can say no if –,“

“Tim, I’m not going to say no unless you want me to move furniture,” Jason joked, trying to make Tim laugh. “What do you need?”

Tim looked longingly at the book sitting on his nightstand and then back at Jason.

“Can you read a bit of the book to me?” Tim begged. “I’m still dizzy from last night and every time I try to read, I get a headache.”

Jason blew out a breath and smiled. This request he had no problem saying yes to. He was just glad Tim didn’t ask him to leave.

“Of course,” Jason accepted, taking the book and thumbing to the page that had the bookmark. “How are you liking this book so far?

“I like it. I already liked Greek mythology, but this makes me like it even more. I don’t trust Luke,” Tim voiced off handedly. He looked at Jason nervously like he was waiting to be shut down for his opinion. “I know I probably should, but I don’t. I don’t care how much he’s helping Percy. There’s something not right about him.”

“I’m liking you more and more, Timmy,” Jason praised, giving him an easy smile. Tim definitely had a future in this family with those deduction skills. “Maintain that energy and sit tight. We’re gonna be here a while.”

Jason and Tim hung out more and more dividing their time together in the library, playing video games in the den, or hanging out in the kitchen baking cookies with Alfred. Jason helped Tim slowly come out of his shell around Bruce and Alfred. A red-faced Tim eventually confessed to Alfred that he hated fish, couldn’t tolerate the texture of carrots or brussel sprouts but loved broccoli, chicken, steak and pasta.

Having Tim around became the very thing Jason had needed all along. Hanging out with Tim kept him more active, which in turn helped the mobility in Jason’s leg. Even his physical therapist was impressed with the progress Jason had made over the past couple of weeks.

Jason liked being a little brother, but he liked being a big brother even more.

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bluejaysandblackbats · 4 months

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Catch and Release

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: AU where Jason doesn't die in the explosion and he and Tim end up attending the same high school months later.

Chapters: 8/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Tim Drake, Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, Sebastian Ives, Jack Drake, Janet Drake

Relationships: TBA

Additional Tag: Jason Todd Lives, Jason Todd-centric, POV Jason Todd, POV First Person, Tim Drake Has Issues, Tim Drake Has Issues, Tim Drake is Not Robin, Jason Todd is Not Robin (Anymore), Bruce Wayne Needs a Hug, Alfred Pennyworth is the Best, Alfred Pennyworth Knows, Stalker Tim Drake, Jason Todd Has Chronic Pain, Jason Todd Has PTSD, Angst with a Happy Ending, Unlikely Friends, Injury Recovery, Emotional Baggage, Rage, Bruce Wayne is Bad at Communicating

Chapter Eight: Pain in the Head

I hung out with Tim's friends and worked on character sheets. I spent three hours there before I told Tim I had to go. I had a great time. Don't get me wrong. But I was nauseous and didn't want to be sick at his house. Ives planned on sleeping over at Tim's place, so I didn't have to feel bad about leaving him home alone. I got a ride to the manor, and Bruce sat on the porch waiting for me as soon as I arrived. "Where have you been?" Bruce asked.

"I could ask you the same thing, Bruce... Can I go inside now?" I asked.

"You're pale," Bruce replied.

I wanted to lie down and nap, but I could tell Bruce didn't plan on letting things go. I didn't have the time or energy to explain myself, so I did what any reasonable teenager would do. I made myself throw up and burst into tears. "Jason," Bruce sighed before helping me to the family room. He couldn't accuse me of anything while I was sick. That and throwing up stopped the onset of a migraine.

"I'm so sorry, Bruce-."

"It's fine... When is the last time you took-. I swore I wouldn't ask you that," Bruce replied.

"I didn't think I needed them anymore... I thought I'd been feeling better lately," I replied. Bruce felt my forehead.

"I've been home for two days, and you-. Jason, I'm sorry for walking out on you. I wasn't trying to hurt you... I'm-. Our bond is different from the bond I have with anyone else. I'm holding on for dear life with you... And I know I'm losing you. I feel like you're slipping away when I look at you.

"I can't take the thought of knowing you suffered because I chose to leave you alone that day. Jason, you're so precious to me... And I'm terrified that if I let you talk about what happened, you'll say what I've been most afraid to hear," Bruce confessed. I wasn't in the mood for a serious conversation, but he was finally willing to speak about what happened to me.

"I don't hate you... And I don't blame you for what happened. I've been trying to tell you all this time," I paused, "I'm sure Dick told you I wanna die sometimes... But you don't realize what I have to experience every day."

Bruce exhaled through his nose. "Go ahead..."

"I wake up under debris almost every day... And then I lie about my nerve pain, which I know everyone can see. By the time I get to the mirror, I'm already so disheartened by the countless efforts I've made to appear normal that I barely notice my scars anymore. When I shower, my skin still hurts like the burns are fresh, and I want to cry, but if I do, I'd never get anything done. Then, I come down for breakfast... And sometimes the medications I'm on make me so sick I don't want to eat, but I know I'd be worse off if I didn't.

"Then I go to school, and you wouldn't believe what they say about me," I swallowed hard.

"Jason-."

"But I endure it because I know I have to... What I can't stomach is the isolation. Don't ice me out, Bruce," I begged. Bruce sighed.

"I don't know how-. I can't pretend that almost losing you didn't change the entire way I had to look at our life. You can't be Robin anymore, Jason, and I feel awful for having to take that away from you," Bruce whispered.

"You're saying our, but you mean mine. How can you expect me to step down from being Robin when you can't even walk away from being Batman?" I asked.

"Jason, it's been over a year, and you're still healing. I can't risk putting you out in the field again. Gotham needs Batman-."

"Bullshit," I snapped.

"Language-." "Oh! Go to hell! I told you about all my issues, thinking you would finally see me, and I realized you're no better than the rest of them!" I yelled. I couldn't help but get mad. I should've seen it coming. He'd never had the guts to say it, but I knew this was his way of shutting me out for good. It pissed me off. I threw my crutches and hobbled upstairs.

"Jason! Jason, you can't-!"

"Screw you!" I yelled as I went to my room. I slammed the door and packed my bag. I almost forgot I felt sick. He saw me as weak. That was the worst thing he could've ever opened his mouth to admit. He was no better than everyone that gaped and gawked at me. I was his walking tragedy, and I'd be damned if I let him treat me like a ghost.

I started packing with tears in my eyes. I wanted to get out of there before I said something vile. "Jason, don't be like this! Please come out and talk to me-."

"Bruce, I need to get the hell away from you before I say something I regret!" I hollered. "And I guarantee that if you follow me, I will never come home! Leave my crutches and get away from me!" I sat down and texted Tim. He was the only person I could trust at that moment. I asked him to come to get me, and he texted me immediately. I waited in my room until Tim texted me, and I left my bedroom. Bruce left my crutches in front of the door and retreated like always. I slung my duffel across my body like a messenger bag, hoping it wouldn't throw me off balance.

I swung the door open and left it like that. Tim took my bag and opened his mouth to ask if I was okay, but he kept quiet. It was for the best because I was in a particularly heinous mood. I fell asleep in the car and woke up in Tim's guest room. He was on the floor with Ives, eating pizza. My head throbbed, and I felt sicker than I did earlier. Ives glanced at me and got up to turn the lights down. "Sorry, were we too loud?" Ives questioned.

"No, I-. How long have I been out?" I asked.

"Thirty minutes... Maybe an hour," Tim answered, "Do you need an aspirin?"

I pressed my palms against my eyelids. "No thanks... Tim, do you-? Who carried me in?" I asked.

"We both did. Tim got you out of the car but wasn't strong enough to get you up the stairs. It was a team effort," Ives answered, "You're heavier than you look." I let out a soft chuckle despite the pounding in my head.

"Know how I asked you to move in with me?" I questioned. "Could it still work if it were the other way around?"

"You wanna live here?" Tim asked. I nodded. "Alright." I was shocked. I thought he'd say no, but he looked thrilled.

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morgansunflower · 2 years

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No Matter What 2/2

Bruce Wayne X Wife! Reader

Warnings:suggestive content, child-abuse(accused not acted), childbirth, character injury, and heavy angst

Words: 1200

Requested taglist/by @too-strong-to-lose @fancywinnerzinepasta

"push!" the doctor ordered, I pushed screaming out.

Bruce was standing beside me. My knees bent upward as he held my hand. The hours of intense pain, had only made me weaker by the second. I was only wearing my hospital gown that was a v neck.

"his head is out, breathe Mrs. Wayne" I breathe for a moment as Bruce uses a cloth to wipe away my sweat. "it's time to push again, and then you'll have your son"

I pushed "AHHHH!!!" suddenly I feel less pain, I take a shaky breath and then see my little boy. I began to cry.

"he's precious" Bruce mumbled as Damian cried in the doctors arms.

"Mr Wayne would like to cut the umbilical cord"

Bruce steps to cut the umbilical cord. They lay Damian on my chest. The afterbirth soon left after. Bruce leans over to me and kisses Damian's head. I was still crying as I held my newborn. Bruce kisses my lips.

"I'm so proud of you"

Month later I lay Damian in his crib as he sleeps. I just finished nursing my baby. It was 2:30 in the morning and Bruce just arrived home. I step to my bedroom I share with my husband. I see Bruce on his laptop. My heart falls to my gut hearing the old recording of the investigator questioning Bruce. He quickly cuts it off as I enter the room. He clears his throat with his jaw clenched tightly. He tried to make himself calm down. I knew he was hoping I wouldn't catch him.

"darling" he mumbled.

"Bat" I said back.

I take a shaky breath. It was right after we lost Jason that the investigation began. The whole ordeal was horrible. They investigated me, asking if he'd ever hurt me. They even questioned Dick asking about his childhood. I walk to the bed and take the laptop. I put it on our dresser. Bruce takes a deep breath. I walk back to him and hold his face in my hands. I lay my forehead on his and put my hands on his neck, sitting on the bed.

"have you not been through enough torture? Why are you watching something that will only bring you pain?"

"to clear the fog of where I went wrong" his eyes began to shake as his face fell.

"you have me for that and I will be very clear. You did everything you could have done to save him. He thinks that you not killing Joker means you never loved him, but that's far from the truth" I lay my head on his chest and wrap my arms around him "I stand by you. Don't hold your guard up with him. Learn to trust him again.. Let him see how much you love him. He's your son, treat him just as that. Be happy at they very least he's alive"

Bruce holds me close kissing me "I can't lose him again Y/N" he brokenly said a tear falling down his face.

"you won't" I kiss him needing to feel closer to him.

2 years later...

Jason's P. O. V

"Jason!! Son!!!" I hear a sharp whistling "where are you?!!"

I groan, halfway opening my eyes laying on my stomach my whole body burning in pain. My helmet busted and jaw bleeding. I blink twice seeing two sets of footsteps.... I hear, beeping I hear Mom's barely audible voice. I can hear my brother whining in her arms.

"shh it's OK Damian he'll be OK" her voice quavering

I feel her rub my forehead. I felt too weak to open my own eyes or let my mouth open to say anything. I hear a loud crash of something falling.

"Bruce" Mom softly said to him, he must've broke something.

"this is my fault to begin with. I should have been a better.. A better father. Even the world believes I--" he stammered

"don't you dare!" Mom demanded "d-don't you dare. I know you love him. That we love him. They didn't know how much it killed you to lose him. How much he was truly your son, our son. How much it nearly destroyed us. We love him and--" she began to cry "we always will, even when he can't see it. Look at, him Bruce. He's here, he's breathing.. Our little boy is home"

3 days later.. I can't stand this. I'm about to really break. Deep down I want to, so I can finally begin to heal. I wait to hear Bruce leave for patrol and mom leave so I can make my escape. I still had bandaging on my chest and arms. I walk to the elevator maybe my bike is in the front of the Manor. I walk through the hallway to hear a soft cooing sound. I peep into the living room seeing Damian playing with Ace. The German Shepard sniffed Damian's feet making the kid laugh. I softly smile.. Not cute! Don't get sucked in. Ace barked to me and walked to me wagging his tail.

"hey pal. You miss me?"

Damian walked to me giving me a playful glare. I squint my eyes at my little brother. He bites my leg.

"owe! Dami!!" I yelled in annoyance.

He let's go and then began to laugh.

"oh you think that's funny"

I reach down tickling him. He pushes my hand away with a grin on his face.

"ah not too tough are you?" I laugh tickling his neck.

I stopped for a moment ruffling his black hair. He then hugged my arm. I take a deep breath.

"I'm glad you made it out of bed. You're really good with him, I should let you babysit him" Mom said entering the room.

"absolutely not. I can't stand kids.." that was a lie. I would love taking care of the twerp, he's.. Cute.

"oh by the way your motorcycle is in the garage. As I've said many times before you're in no condition to leave"

I sit on the chair while Mom sat in front of me in another chair. This is so hard. I can't expect her to forgive me. Guess my chance of escape as gone from 6 to zero.

"how are you?" she asked me

"I.. Don't know how to really answer that.."

"I know you are trying to be strong but even Batman has his breaking point. Even he needs help to stand back up.. I can't stand to watch you torture each other and yourselves Jason. We want you to stay here. I'm not saying it'll be easy or you won't have set backs, but I want you to be surrounded by those who truly miss you and love you. So you can began to heal from.. From everything"

"I.. Can't.. Not.. After" I try my hardest to prevent the tears from to fall from my eyes.

"yes you can. I forgive you, Bruce forgives you. All we want is for to be apart of this family again"

I knew better to assume she's lying about Bruce. Damian grips finger bending it in different directions.

I know it'll be hard but maybe.. Maybe I really can heal "I guess I could stay.. For a while.."

#batfamily #Batmom #Bruce Wayne X Reader #Jason Todd X Batmom #Childbirth #Baby Damian Wayne #Blood #Injured Jason Todd #Fluff #Hurt #Comfort #child abuse #Only mentioned and never acted upon #ace the bathound #Crying #Angst #Bruce Wayne needs a hug

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channajen · 2 years

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Part 4 of the series “Ghosts in Gotham” Link to first story: HERE

Summary: Jason Todd is investigating Amity Park. Batman is his "man in the chair" for this mission. The information Jason turns up highly unnerves the nearly unflappable bat. So much so, that he feels like calling in the Justice League. Alfred comes in with his unique brand of help--and sass.

This story takes place during the same time period as "Welcome to Amity Park" They overlap. This story is the lead-in to the next multi-chapter part of the series. "Batman, Meet Team Phantom"

teaser: To say that Batman was unhappy with the information he was receiving from his son on-mission in Amity Park would be the biggest understatement of the century. When he booked Jason’s hotel stay, he had raised an eyebrow at the “ghost insurance” surcharge, but had just assumed it was some sort of money-making scam and dismissed it. After seeing the first set of pictures his son uploaded that evening, he wasn’t so sure anymore. The structural damage to the roads and buildings alone hinted at the power of the beings involved. Even more disturbing, his own research had pointed out the fact that the majority of these battles were being fought by two individuals. A “ghost” of questionable motives named “Phantom” and a high-tech fighter called “The Red Huntress”. From what Batman could glean from the small amount of news pickings he could find, these were the only two competent fighters protecting the town from a possible invasion of “ghosts” or some other type of inter-dimensional entities... Batman knew three things from Jason’s report of first contact with Phantom: he was a teenager, he was most definitely sentient, and he could feel pain. Yet these supposed “scientists” were planning on vivisecting him—without anesthetic—as soon as they could catch him. Batman thanked whatever higher powers that were listening that they had not managed to corral the teen yet.

***Read the story on A03***

#jason todd #batman #danny phantom #dp x dc #bruce wayne is a good parent #bruce wayne needs a hug #batman has feelings too #sassy alfred #the fenton's a+ parenting #takes place during the story Welcome to Amity Park #Red Hood is holding me hostage and making me write these stories

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emo-batboy · 4 months

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A Wild Battinson (Social Media AU)

Part 45 (Masterlist)

(Part 46)

@bruciemilf it’s been months bestie but it’s tradition

If you follow me on my main, you know I haven’t actually been gone. I’ve just been on a few side quests. I’m also being fought over by two companies rn so that’s fun (and completely stressful, please I’m just a 22yo teenage girl) but we’re BACK for a limited time! Idk I’ve got like at least five parts in my drafts so let’s see what happens.

TOODLES

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tim-drake-scholar · 16 days

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Hey idk if anyone else needed this but hey look at Bruce not just giving his approval, not just giving affection, but truly appreciating Tim Drake and everything Tim has every done to help Bruce/Batman. I just think it’s nice

#Tim Drake should always get hugs!#look at how much he has grown since his red Robin days #he truly traveled the multiverse #and he fought everything and everyone to save Bruce #and for these little moments bruce appreciates it #pls ignore when bruce will do a 180 in the next issue and decide he needs no one #bruce wayne #Tim drake #tim drake: robin #td:r #red Robin #batfam #batfamily #batman 2016

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brie-annwyl · 7 months

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Fic idea things <3

Jason coming back to get revenge and seeing Bruce at his grave, talking to his headstone saying things like “you have a wonderful new brother, his name is Tim. I think you would’ve loved him.” And “Never tell Dick, but you were and probably always will be my favourite, Jay.” And Jason realizes oh fuck, I’m not ready for this emotional moment and I don’t even want revenge anymore. So he just continues to be Red Hood and sticks to crime alley until the Bats (Bruce, Tim, Dick, etc) get kidnapped and he’s like, oh fuck, now I HAVE to deal with this emotional bs.

Bruce just immediately hugging Jason after he finds out his identity. Even if it’s dangerous for him to do so (Jason pointing a gun at him).

Jason’s reason for wanting to kill the Joker having nothing to do with revenge, the reality of the situation is Jason has borderline debilitating insomnia because he’s so terrified he’ll wake up back in that warehouse or the Joker will find him whilst he’s asleep.

Bruce originally not wanting Tim as his new Robin because he reminded him so much of Jason. To the point where he caught himself almost calling him Jason on multiple occasions. That’s why it took so long for them to be close.

Dick accidentally calling Tim - Jason after Jason beats the shit out of him.

Jason and Tim knowing each other before Jason dies. Jason knew Tim’s parents weren’t caring for him properly and wanted Bruce to adopt him but he didn’t get the chance to tell Bruce about Tim when he was alive.

Jason getting dosed in fear toxin and getting hallucinations of Willis whilst the other bats are around.

Bruce getting dosed in fear toxin and hallucinates burying Jason again.

Jason is always freezing bc of the whole dying thing and needs other people to keep warm, but Jason’s a stubborn bitch and it’s the middle of winter.

#jason todd #tim drake #dick grayson #bruce wayne #batfam #batfamily #batman #red hood #red robin #nightwing #i’m so tempted #so tempted to make a fic for that last one #make like a 5+1 oneshot thing #’five times Jason needed physical touch and the one time he wanted it’#and the last one is like giving Bruce a hug #or family cuddles

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crii-sis · 4 months

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jason “cannot go a single minute without mentioning his death” todd

Batman & the Signal (2018) #3

#batman #batfam #dc comics #bruce wayne #jason todd #damian wayne #damian wayne is a little shit #nightwing #batbros #batfamily #duke thomas #red hood #jason todd is a little shit #jason todd needs a hug

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just-more-pr0mts · 3 months

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You have probably seen all the aus like danny gets adopted by batfam, Danny as damiens twin/older brother, Danny dating a member of the batfam, Danny part of the justice league, Danny as a gotham superhero and more.

But have we seen Danny Fenton as Batman.

Danny Fenton who was taken in by the original Wayne family, with Marta and Thomas Wayne. Taken in when Martha was not yet pregnant. They treated him as their own and raised him as such. When they discover that Martha is pregnant and go out to celebrate. When they take a short cut and danny is just a few seconds too late to save them.

The boy who lost his parents when he failed to stop Dan and for all he knows his sister is dead gone. Who was lost in the infinite realms for so long. Who got stuck in a foul city where the weak are crushed so only the strong prevail.

Danny, Who stumbled into the warm arms of the Wayne family. Who slowly opened up to them. Who never used his powers so he could have a shred of normalcy with them. Who realized they loved and cared for him as thier own. Danny who accepted he loved them in turn. Danny,the boy who lost another set of parents on one fateful eve.

Danny who lost-

Danny who

Danny

Bruce.

Bruce who takes in these lost stray children because he wants to look after them. But he doesn't know how to because he never had a normal childhood.

Bruce who puts up a front to protect himself as well as his family. Who lies to face of powerful beings to protect his family. Bruce who trains long and hard to protect his family from said beings, so much so that he ends up locking away his emotions, so that his children don't have to loose another parent -not knowing that they already had so long ago

Bruce who's so proud of his children, but just doesn't know how to show it. Who is so scared, so terrified they might fight the same battles as him...or something even worse.

BRUCE WHO WANTS to kill the joker. Who wants to hurt him like he hurt his CHILD and leave him there to die, but he knows better than that... he knows what a cruel joke it would be, the irony. He knows that it will just more horrible things to his children knowing they'll never be able to stop him. That's why he brought him back.

Bruce who as much as he tries is always two steps behind.

And now when his new dimension is at stake because of the very beings he left behind, he must choose between the life that he built for himself here or the one that he left behind.

A carefully weighted scale. With the future on the horizon, and choices to be made.

Will the scale stay true or will the choices made unbalance it all.

________

Hii my beautiful creatures of the day and night.

I sorta forgot about tumblr but if you like this piece let me know! Also I love hearing how I can improve and make my writing better.

Ps. If you have any suggestions on what I should write about feel free to ask! I'm so excited to hear about it

Ps.ps. if you have any cosplay blogs dm me! I'm trying to get into cosplau

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beatora-truther · 7 months

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it shocks me every time i hear people saying they just wanna read about the batfam communicating and hugging each other and going to therapy or some shit. where’s the drama!! where’s the intrigue!! i want to see dick beat the shit out of bruce while tim awkwardly watches. save that happy family bullshit for a flash comic.

#dick grayson #bruce wayne #tim drake #they’ve been handing out hugs a little too freely lately #they need to reach 90s batfam levels of toxicity again

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bluejaysandblackbats · 4 months

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Catch and Release

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: AU where Jason doesn't die in the explosion and he and Tim end up attending the same high school months later.

Chapters: 14/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Tim Drake, Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, Sebastian Ives, Jack Drake, Janet Drake

Relationships: TBA

Chapter Fourteen: Needed

Tim settled in on Dick’s couch while I made dinner in the kitchen. “Are you sure he won’t be mad?” Tim asked as he flipped through the channels on Dick’s TV.

“Have you seen the inside of the fridge? Dick hasn’t had a homecooked meal in over a week,” I replied, “He’ll be happy to come home to dinner.”

“Are you sure?” Tim asked.

“Do you want mac and cheese or not, Tim?” I questioned.

“Shutting up,” Tim replied.

I took the mac and cheese out of the oven and removed the tray of wings from the top rack. “He’ll be here any minute. I’ll put his plate in the microwave. Do you wanna eat now or wait for—? He’s here,” I whispered as Dick came through the door. “Hey, Dick. Surprise—.”

“Hell no,” Dick interrupted, “No, you can’t be here. You cannot be here right n—. Do I smell hot wings?” I smiled and nodded.

“But if you can’t spare one afternoon on your brother’s weekend away from school… I guess,” I sighed, “I have no choice but to take our dinner to the crappy motel down the street. Come on, Tim. Let’s see if that motel will let us rent a room for the night without an adult.”

Dick held his hands up, reaching for me before balling his fists and shoving them to his sides. “Fine. Stay,” Dick replied, “Hi, Tim. Sorry, I wasn’t expecting you guys.”

“It’s okay,” Tim replied as he checked his phone. He didn’t look up. Not even to acknowledge Dick. And I thought Tim would be thrilled to see him.

I served dinner, but Tim didn’t move from his spot on the couch. He was glued to his phone, which wasn’t like him during dinner. I set his plate on the coffee table and messed up his hair. “Earth to Tim,” I smiled. Tim looked up at me with big puppy dog eyes and showed me a news clip from an hour before.

“What’s wrong?” Dick questioned.

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t speak. I stepped out into the hall and called Bruce. He answered immediately. I didn’t expect anything less from him. “What’s wrong?” Bruce asked.

“I need your help,” I replied.

Bruce met me on the roof of Dick’s apartment at ten o’clock. “Likely, they’re still alive. Don’t worry, I’ll see what I can do—.”

“They’re his parents. I need you to bring them home safe,” I interrupted. My stomach was in knots. I couldn’t stomach watching Tim go through what Bruce, Dick, and I went through. It was no time for me to be prideful. I was scared and trusted Bruce more than anybody to find Tim’s parents. If he couldn’t bring them home, no one could. Bruce nodded in full Batman cape and costume… Like he was hiding from me.

“I’ll do everything I can. Stay with Tim… I’ll let you know if I find anything out,” Bruce replied. He reached for me but ultimately decided against physically comforting me. He disappeared into the night, leaving me with Dick, Tim, and my feelings. I took the stairs back to Dick’s apartment, quietly resenting Bruce’s lack of outward emotion. I knew he cared, but I wanted him to show it. I wanted him to be human with me for a moment. I wanted a sign that I mattered more than the mask he wore. That felt like an answer.

I sat beside Tim on the couch, nudging him gently. He laid his head on my lap, curling up there with tears in his eyes. “I should’ve begged them to stay home. I should’ve listened to you—.”

“Tim, this isn’t your fault. I called the GCPD, and they will do everything to get your mom and dad home. Okay?” I lied. Not to Tim. To Dick. “You should get some rest. Tim, I’m here with you.”

“There’s nothing to do but wait,” Tim mumbled.

“Mhm, but your parents would never—.”

“They’re your parents too… We’re brothers, remember?” Tim interrupted. Any words I had in my head were lost to me after he said that. I choked on every word I tried to say as he sat up, locking eyes with me. We were never more related than we were at that moment. United in fear of loss. United in helplessness. I was his older brother, so I swallowed it and pulled him into a hug so he couldn’t see how scared I was.

Dick glanced at me while he ate at the kitchen island, and I nodded. His phone rang, and he licked his fingers before answering. “Hey, Donna. It’s not a great time—. My brother and his little brother are here,” Dick answered. He swallowed hard. “A family emergency… His brother’s not mine. Yeah… I’ll let him know you asked.” I nudged Tim, and he stood up while I pulled out the couch. “Yeah… I love you too.” Dick hung up. “Jason, Donna wants to know if she can see you tomorrow morning.”

Donna and Roy were the only ones of Dick’s friends that came to see me in person when I was in the hospital. Donna thanked me once when she visited, but she thought I was unconscious. She thanked me for letting her vent when she wasn’t sure of herself. I never had the heart to accept her gratitude. Working with the Titans felt like it happened an eternity ago. I wasn’t the same person. I didn’t have all this rage back then. I wondered if she saw me—. I wondered if she’d see how quickly my insides rotted. I wondered if she’d see how far I’d fallen. I lost my hope, and all I had left was my anger, frustration, and stubborn desire to claw my way back to the person I used to be. I liked that Jason a lot better… And I think I was that Jason with Tim.

“Jason?” Dick asked.

“Okay,” I replied, “Did she say—? Was she just—?” I couldn’t ask him what I wanted to.

“She’s gonna flip when she sees you. The last time she saw you—...” Dick trailed off. I was half out of my mind. The doctors didn’t think I would make it, so they’d put me on morphine. When I could speak for myself, I had them take me off it. I couldn’t hear a thing she said over the pounding in my chest. I must’ve cried the entire time. I was a mess. I wished I was dead. I couldn’t look away from her, and she wouldn’t have let me. Everything after that was fuzzy.

I turned toward Tim, forcing myself out of that terrible memory and back to the present. Tim lay curled up without a blanket, asleep on the couch bed. “Dick, do you have extra blankets? Tim’s gonna freeze half to death,” I mumbled. Tim. I had to take care of him until Janet and Jack got home. I knew that’s what they’d want me to do.

Dick grabbed a few blankets from the hall closet and gave me two pillows before messing up my hair. “Are you ever gonna go home?” Dick asked.

“I don’t know, Dick. Even if I wanted to—. I don’t want to, but—. I’m never going to leave Tim. I know you don’t get it, but—.”

“You’re his brother, and you wanna look after him… Unlike—.”

“Dick, I don’t resent you. You had your own problems back then. So did Donna and Roy—. Heck, all of your friends were struggling. I get it... You came to the hospital. You joked around with me when that was the last thing I wanted… Because you knew I needed it. You don’t have to keep beating yourself up,” I interrupted, “And you don’t have to worry about me so much.”

“I know. It’s just—. It’s nice to see you smile again,” Dick replied. I half-smiled and nodded. “Get some sleep. I’m not going anywhere tonight.” And he meant it. Even though I couldn’t sleep, it felt nice having Dick there, watching from his chair until he couldn’t keep his eyes open. I got up and draped a blanket over him.

Then, I whispered something to Tim that I wished I hadn’t. “Everything’s gonna be okay.”

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to-the-stars8 · 3 months

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Learning to Love Slowly

Jason Todd x Reader All Chapters AO3

66- Nepo Babies and Little Thoughts of Getting Old

“Are you technically a nepo baby?” You asked, looking up from your phone.

Jason didn’t look at you right away, eyes training in on his book even harder than before as he tried to link the idea of what you said to his situation. It wasn’t until a minute later that he stopped thinking to look at you.

“Explain,” Was all he could say.

You explained, “Well, your dad is a big-time vigilante, and he trained you. Now, you use some of his connections and a lot of his techniques—”

“No. No, I’m not even entertaining that anymore.” Jason closed his book and let it fall onto his lap. He looked at you, seeming so hurt by your words. “That’s so offensive.”

You began to laugh and opened your arms to drag him onto you. “Awe, baby! I’m sorry.” He dove head first into your arms, hiding his face in the nape of your neck as you peppered kisses into his hair, and mumbled about how much that what you said hurt him. Of course, you knew he was joking, but played into his want of comfort and affection.

“You’re the best vigilante in all of Gotham,” You said. “Batman’s been copying you.” Jason’s laugh tickled your neck, and he held you tighter. Having him hold you so tight was one of the guilty pleasures in life that you could never forgo. You did the same to him, squeezing him close to you so that he might never slip away.

You hoped it would be this way for years and years until there was gray in his hair and you couldn’t remember the days. What a happy life you could live with him, you thought. The picture was so clear in your mind, the days together turning from hundreds to thousands as you watched him get older and more beautiful. Laugh lines, gray hair, joint pain, and blurring eyes—All of it you could live with if it were with him.

Jason laughed again and you were brought back to the present. Looking down at him, you blushed. You never thought you’d seen a more perfect person before.

“Okay, I forgive you,” He said playfully, moving himself up to look at you.

You smiled, reaching up to push some of his hair out of his face. “Thank goodness, I was worried there for a moment.”

Jason kissed you sweetly before laying his head on your chest as you ran your fingers through his hair. You wondered if this was the knowing that people talked about. The kind of knowing of when someone was it, that they were the one you’d been waiting and craving for. You liked the thought of it being Jason, because, nepo baby or not, it just felt like he was it.

#jason todd #jason todd x reader #red hood #romance #jason todd fanfiction #jason todd x you #bruce wayne #batfamily #red hood x reader #jason todd red hood #jason todd x y/n #jason todd x fem!reader #jason todd needs a hug #jason todd robin #jason todd smut #jason todd imagine #batfam #alfred pennyworth #dick grayson

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im-not-buying-it-ether · 19 days

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One thing I’d love to touch on one day, probably in a “Batman adopts Captain Marvel” fic, is how Billy went through what would’ve happened if Bruce wasn’t taken care of

Specifically, where Billy had wealthy parents, pillars and stewards of their community, who died tragically when he was young and left him in the care of someone who he was supposed to trust, so did Bruce. But their situations went differently

Bruce was left in Alfred’s care and was taken care of, Billy was left in his uncle Ebenezer’s care and neglected and then thrown out with his inheritance taken away from him. Both at roughly the same age and both having enjoyed a fairly idyllic childhood that’s suddenly torn away from them, with Billy it’s either his parents murder at the hands of Theo Adam or a sudden lightning strike that causes them to crash their car and die.

Bruce lost and reacted with righteous fury and anger at the world, resolving to do good and make sure what happened to him doesn’t happen to other people ever again while fixing the issues that helped cause his tragedy. Billy lost and reacted by staying the same and by showing all the kindness the world failed to show him, never stooping to the level his villains go to because he has to be better or he’s just being another bully. The grand difference being that Bruce still had someone holding him up and giving him a shoulder to cry on with a room to isolate in, Billy had none of that and had to work to keep himself safe and fed.

Idk, just with all the focus on putting these two characters together makes the angst brain go full throttle

#sad bat bois #both need a hug #shazam #batman #billy batson #bruce wayne #dc #dc comics

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channajen · 2 years

Link

Chapter 11 is up! {Link to first chapter} {Link to first story in series}

This story is co-written with @lunarcatninja

Summary: The morning after Bruce receives the letter from Jason, he gets some seriously disturbing news from Commissioner Gordon. He meets his old friend at his son's gravesite, and an unholy anger erupts in Bruce's heart at what he finds there.

Teaser: ....“This is the belt found near the grave. Do you recognize it?” Gordon tried to be as tactful as possible in such a sensitive situation. Grave robbing was a serious crime—especially in a place like Gotham City.

Bruce slowly ran his fingers across the plastic covering on the belt. The buckle was badly damaged—far more damaged than it would be if it had just been taken off. Why is the buckle like this? It didn’t make any sense to Bruce—or to the Batman inside of him. He turned the bag over. “JPTW” was engraved on the back of the belt. There was no question at all that it had been taken off of his son’s body. He looked at the state of the grave and an absolute rage ignited inside his soul. Whoever did this was going to pay.

“You have my permission to exhume the coffin. We need to know for certain how he was taken.” Wayne’s voice was ice, but his soul was pure fire. Someone had disturbed his son and taken his body. The Fentons hadn’t answered their phone, so he had no answers yet on how bad the situation was. He was going to have to wait and talk to Danny to see what effect this was going to have on Jason…

“Bruce?” Commissioner Gordon called. “Did you hear me? To move forward, I need your signature. He held out a clipboard...

***Read the whole chapter at A03***

#danny phantom #jason todd #dcu #batman #dp x dc #bruce wayne needs a hug #bruce wayne is a good dad

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