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#battison
werewolf-in-sweaters · 5 months
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Bruce: Rules are made to be broken. Clark: They were made to be followed. Nothing is made to be broken. Dick: Uh, piñatas. Jason: Glow sticks. Tim: Karate boards. Damian: Spaghetti when you have a small pot. Bruce: Rules. Clark:
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gffa · 3 months
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It has been about eight months since I came back to BATFAMILY fic and this will be my ninth set of recs, which means I'm at about 500 or so for this one fandom, which is kind of blowing my mind a little, but also tracks pretty well, given how amazing the fic in the fandom can be. There's just so much that's scratching the itch of softer Batfam content or really digging into the angsty possibilities or exploring the characters in ways the source material won't/can't or just finding a dozen different ways to hit my id straight on and make it such a fun, exciting experience to be swimming through all this amazing fic. And, in that vein, yeah I may have a Dick Grayson Is The Most Important Guy In The World Problem, but I also have Dick Grayson Is The Most Important Guy In The World Solutions which is basically a metric truckload of fic by incredible authors and trying to lure more people into crying about these characters with me because I AM CRYING A LOT ABOUT THEM because fandom has PROVIDED ME WITH THE TOOLS TO DRAG YOU IN AND I AM GOING TO USE THEM. And, okay, I've got some good Jason, Tim, Damian, Babs, Steph, and Bruce stuff in there, too. Fandom is great at helping me get some really great variety in, too! Basically ALL THE BATS ARE MY LOVES AND I WANT TO DRAG OTHERS IN WITH ME.
BATFAM FIC RECS - BABY DICK IS THE CUTEST FERAL ROBIN I'M NOT HEARING ANY ARGUMENTS: ✦ Robin is Looking for a Sidekick by Writer_loves_tropes, dick & bruce, 4k     Eight year old Dick Grayson is already a crime fighting Robin and he needs a sidekick. Batman seems like he would be a good choice. Robin and Batman has a nice ring to it. Bruce has thoughts about that. aka, How could Bruce resist adopting this tiny child? ✦ The Pancake Predicament by Lightsider, dick & bruce & alfred, 2.1k     On his second Father's Day at Wayne Manor, Dick decides to make pancakes. -or- The reason Dick's not allowed unsupervised kitchen use, which isn't fair. The pancakes were delicious, and he was 10! ✦ Counting Elephants by PrincessMariana, bruce & dick & alfred, 3k     When kidnappers break into the manor, Dick runs straight to Alfred. Alfred will do anything to protect his family. Or, Dick gets scared, and Alfred is a badass. ✦ World's Finest: Christmas Morning by WingFeathers, dick & bruce/clark & ma kent & alfred & cast, 9k     Twelve hours of a Christmas morning in Gotham: Bruce foregoes sleep and grapples with change, Clark navigates Christmas at Wayne Manor and his boyfriend's emotional distance, and Dick gets the best presents. Also: Ma and Pa Kent and Alfred are the greatest. ✦ There is a Monster at the End of This Book by Trekkele, dick & bruce & cast, vampires, 2.6k     There was something deeply wrong with Bruce Wayne. This wasn’t exactly news, of course. Opening any one of the local Gotham tabloids would give you plenty of evidence to back his claims up, but Tyler liked to think his profession gave him an edge, an added insight into the strangeness that was Gotham’s ‘beloved billionaire’. ✦ Safe by Jinmukang, dick & bruce, 2.5k     Or, a baby Robin wakes up very lost and very alone in the middle of Gotham. ✦ Stars, Hide Your Fires by FidotheFinch, dick & bruce, 10.8k     Dick Grayson doesn't want to leave the circus he's called home his entire life. When he overhears Pop Haly talking to a strange man about sending Dick away for 'training,' he decides he'll do whatever he can to stop it. Even if he has to make a deal with a demon. ✦ It's who I am by Tiredteengaer, dick & bruce & wally & artemis & conner & kaldur & m'gann & cast, 44k     how each member of the team found out Robin's real identity. ✦ Drowning, Headaches, and being beaten by Penguin by PandasandDucks1, dick & bruce & wally & artemis, 1.7k     He couldn’t breathe. ✦ The Eldest Wayne's by Remarcely, dick & bruce & alfred & cast, 3k     ‘With all their talks about how to behave, Bruce had the upmost faith in Dick to talk to the other Gala-attenders with respect under his supervision. When Dick grew bored and wandered off, entirely unnoticed by a Bruce deep in conversation, he’d be lying if he pretended that faith didn’t waver’ Or Bruce and Dick throughout the years as they slowly learn how to be a family.
BATFAM FIC RECS - ADULT BATSON AND BATDAD ARE MY KRYPTONITE, I FOLD LIKE WET CARDBOARD FOR THEM: ✦ Rebalancing by SirenAlpha, dick & bruce & damian, 2.5k     Bruce was back from his trip through time. Dick expected to heal up from surgery, head back to Blüdhaven, and be Nightwing again. He did not expect Bruce to have a discussion on the nature of Batman, Nightwing, and if Robin really only needed one of them. ✦ Capitulate by Antiquity, dick & bruce, 5k     After Wally's death, Bruce tries to hold Dick together before he shakes himself apart. ✦ No Good Deed by I_Have_To_Get_Off_This_Planet, dick & bruce, 1.2k     While trying to stop a robber, Dick breaks two ribs. It's not a good time. ✦ Superficial Wounds by fleetfoot1, dick & bruce, ~1k     Bruce swore softly as he tilted Dick’s face to the side, his gaze flicking down the bruises covering his cheekbone. Dick swallowed, before opening his mouth. “I--” his voice cracked on the syllable. God, he was just so tired of arguing. ✦ fabric (frayed but holding) by Tevya, dick & bruce & cast, 5.1k     A few months after Dick returns to speaking terms with Bruce, he gets stuck in Gotham with the flu. ✦ aristocracy by brandywine421, dick & bruce & jason & tim & damian & cass & steph & alfred, 2.4k     "I really wish it was for a different reason. I - need a favor." "There are no favors between us, Dick, you know that," Bruce said, moving around the desk to take the seat beside him. "Tell me." "God, it's so stupid, I - could handle it myself, but - I don't want to. I just want - I just want to forget it ever happened," Dick said. That didn't sound like Dick. "Tell me," he repeated. ✦ Memories Fade by Lady_of_Lorule, dick & bruce & cast, 2.2k     “Miss Gordon sent in her daily report and Master Tim called to inform you that he will be in San Francisco for a few days. Also, Master Dick is upstairs.” Bruce froze. “Dick is here?” “Yes, sir.” “I thought he was in Central City visiting Wally West.” Alfred raised an eyebrow, pale eyes piercing. “It seems that he is back, then. I believe he is waiting for you.” ✦ On-Call by motleyfam, dick & bruce & jason & oc & cast, 1.6k     Kiran Devabhaktuni, medical doctor and close family friend of the Waynes, agreed to join them for one more Thanksgiving at the Kent Farm. It's a good thing he did, too. ✦ a day before midnight by batofgoodintent (crownedcrusader), dick & bruce, 2.1k     After you lose pieces of yourself, they don't always fit back the same. - Post-Ric Grayson.
BATFAM FIC RECS - EVERYBODY LOVES DICK: ✦ the more i look inside (the more you're real to me) by starsonthewalls, dick & bruce & john/mary & tim, 2.8k     Dick tensed defensively. “It’s not like I can do anything about that, Dad,” he grumbled, accepting the glass to clear his throat. “You know how B is about patrols.” “And who is ‘B’ supposed to be?” his mom asked. “One of your video game friends?” Dick froze- what did mom mean, who is B? ✦ You Won't Wake Up Alone by DawnsEternalLight, dick & bruce & jason & tim & damian, 5.2k     Dick's captured and drugged and probably about to die. The last thing he wants to do is die in front of his family, especially not his baby brothers, all he wants is to be with Bruce and feel safe again. ✦ Jason's Gift by Neoinean, dick & bruce & jason & tim & barbara & cast, 17.3k     As Dick’s birthday goes from mediocre to bad to worse, he finds himself so wrapped up in the chain of events that he fails to correctly piece together the clues. Will he discover the truth before its too late? ✦ they don't know me and you by konan_konan, dick & bruce & jason & tim & barbara & zatanna & cast, de-aged!dick, 4.5k     "The cold helps neutralize him," says Bruce, talking about Dick like he's a threat. "It'll keep him from hurting himself," says Barbara, talking about Dick like he's a child. They're both correct right now, and Jason hates it. ✦ If You Don't Know by TylerM, dick & bruce & jason, 10.2k     An exploration of Sick!Dick Grayson from little and big Jason's point of view. Because I honestly don't believe in there ever being too many of the same damn fic.
BATFAM FIC RECS - JASON TODD IS AN ASSHOLE CAT, I'M GONNA THROW HIM AT THE OTHER BATS BECAUSE IT'S FUNNY: ✦ bury me softly by Nokomis, jason & steph, 4k     After a tunnel collapse, Stephanie and Jason bond while trapped together.
BATFAM FIC RECS - DICK AND DAMIAN WERE THE BEST BATMAN & ROBIN, I'M NOT HEARING ARGUMENTS ABOUT THAT EITHER: ✦ ties bind none by eryndew, dick & damian & bruce, 2k     Bruce discovers a son. Repercussions and choices follow. ✦ restless heart by emavee, dick & damian, 2.3k     It’s ridiculous to act like this one weekend really means anything in the grand scheme of things, but he can’t help it. It isn’t fair. He only gets these few days, and now Grayson is up in space fighting aliens or whatever and Damian is alone on the couch watching Jeopardy by himself. Or: Dick goes off world and Damian misses him ✦ Need To Know Basis by WordsAblaze, dick & damian, 1.1k     day sixteen, where damian has zero tolerance for dick hiding injuries from him… ✦ a killer time by konan_konan, dick & damian & alfred & bruce, 4.1k     The vent cover clatters to the floor, and Dick flings the knife at Croc, trusting that he's going to be a more of a threat than his goons. Croc roars in pain, or maybe just rage, and Dick scrambles toward the vent, Damian already inside, and - And Killer Croc grabs him by the ankle, slams him into the wood. He feels something break, and he gasps, hardly able to catch his breath. Some sort of metallic clang echoes from behind, and he thinks if Damian comes out of the vent and gets us both killed… ✦ as love carries its strength, but not its labels by AlterHarpia, dick & damian, 2.7k     Bruce is on a trip beyond Earth’s Solar System for longer than he intended, making Dick and Damian fall into an old pattern. “I'm not Batman.” A mere reminder, perhaps, but when said to Damian it always sounds like an apology.
BATFAM FIC RECS - BATKIDS ALL HAVE MANY SIBLINGS AND THEY'RE ALL PETTY ASSHOLES AND/OR WONDERFUL BABIES AND I LOVE THEM WITH MY WHOLE BEING: ✦ a study by bernard dowd by cv_angels, tim/bernard & conner & cassie & bart, 4.8k     Bernard opens the laptop, spinning it to face Tim with a flourish. It’s a powerpoint with a truly hideous red background, and Tim feels a moment of relief that Bernard isn’t breaking up with him before he registers the words on the slide. REASONS WHY TIMOTHY DRAKE-WAYNE IS A SUPERHERO, A STUDY BY BERNARD DOWD. ✦ princess carry by CreamofTomatoSoup, tim/bernard & duke & tam & damian, 3.1k     Tim almost gets shot during a public speech, which is a pretty average Tuesday. Being rescued by his civilian boyfriend, however, is not. ✦ beep beep!! by CreamofTomatoSoup, tim/bernard & bruce & dick & jason & tim & cass & duke, 6.1k     Bernard learned to drive from his henchman uncle. The last place he expects to use this skill is at a dinner with his boyfriend's family. ✦ little menace by InkpotSprite, bruce & dick & jason & tim & damian & alfred, de-aged!tim, 16.2k wip     "Did a two year old just outrun you?" Jason asked, wanting to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. Bruce clenched his jaw. "I didn't want to hurt him." He growled. "Liar!" Tim piped up from under the desk. Jason was starting to like this version of his successor. ✦ It Wasn't Supposed to Be Like This: I wouldn't Change a Thing by Grayson1996, bruce & dick & steph, 4.1k     She smiled tightly at him and stiffly beckoned him forward. If Bruce had to guess they weren’t close in the future, or perhaps she just didn’t know him. Regardless he stepped forward, though he didn’t turn to look at the figure on the bed just yet. For a moment the two simply stared at one another before Stephanie rolled her eyes at him. “Here’s where you apologize for pushing me against the wall.” Bruce felt guilt stir at the words despite the fact that she was clearly joking. ✦ in the lungs by hellsreluctantheir, tim & steph & cast, 2.8k     It went bad the way things always went bad. All at once. Steph had taken out two thugs (and maybe picked up a sprained wrist though she wasn’t counting her chickens before they hatched) and Tim was almost finished up with his third, when she saw him get launched backwards, head hitting the railing at the side with a resounding clang. She saw him slump to the deck, saw him struggle weakly as the thug pulled him up by his cape and looked at him for a moment, before tossing him directly into the Gotham River.
BATFAM FIC RECS - I SAY THIS IS A BATFAM REC LIST BUT SOMETIMES YOU JUST GOTTA SHOVE THOSE ASSHOLES OUT OF THE WAY AND READ SOME SUPERFIC: ✦ Troublemakers by Kannika, clark & lois & conner, ~1k     Introducing Conner and Lois is the worst mistake Clark has made in a long time. Because they're getting along. ✦ oh brother by corvidspectre, conner & lois & jon, 1.2k     “So what are you being for Halloween?” Kon had asked when he got to the Kent's place. “Superboy!” Jon smiled, making Lois chuckle under her breath. ✦ Gut Feeling by Ao3time, lois & conner, 18.7k wip     Lois Lane rescues a teenager who looks a lot like someone she knows...
BATFAM FIC RECS - TAKE THE ANGST DIAL, TURN IT UP TO ELEVEN, AND BREAK THE KNOB OFF, THAT'S WHAT I'M HERE FOR: ✦ my threads are coming loose by dizarys, dick & talia & cast, ~1k     “Oh good, I see both you and Bruce are on the same page about unrealistic expectations for grieving,” muttered Dick. Talia sucked her teeth and turned back to the grave, long hair swinging. The sound was so much like Damian’s iconic tut that fresh tears welled in Dick’s eyes. ✦ Fatherhood; a Knife that Never Stops Cutting by minnow_doodle_doo, bruce & dick & alfred, no powers au, 2.1k     There always seemed to be a thread that tied all their histories, from Alfred to Bruce back to Dick. Repeated over and over. And now it seemed that Dick found that the thread had been longer than he first thought. ✦ Tap Out by withthekeyisking, bruce & dick & jason & tim & damian, read the tags, 4.8k     Dick knows the importance of tapping out in training, so your partner doesn't accidentally hurt you. It becomes instinct, so heavily ingrained in him. He doesn't understand why his brothers don't do it, too. (Until they do, and it's too late.) ✦ A Death in the Family by PrincessMariana, bruce & dick & jason, yandere!bruce (?), read the tags, 12.4k     The Joker has killed Jason Todd. Bruce tells Dick immediately, and Dick returns to the manor. Bruce will do anything to keep his remaining son safe and close. Dick thinks it's the grief that's keeping him exhausted. ✦ Car Crashes and Hot Chocolate by PrincessMariana, bruce & dick, yandere!bruce (?), read the tags, 2.3k     Dick almost dies trying to escape Bruce. Neither of them are happy about the outcome, and so they talk about it. This is a follow-up oneshot for A Death in the Family and is set before Into the Gilded Cage. This can technically be read alone, though it does have spoilers for A Death in the Family. ✦ Into the Gilded Cage by PrincessMariana , bruce & dick & tim, yandere!bruce (?), read the tags, 17.5k     Tim investigates if Dick Grayson is being held against his will by Bruce Wayne. He somehow ends up spending the summer with the two at Wayne Manor. It might be a prison for Dick, but the more Tim stays, the less he wants to leave. This follows A Death in the Family, but you don't need to read that to read this. It might be useful, though. ✦ The Third Robin's Flight by PrincessMariana, bruce & dick & tim, yandere!bruce (?), read the tags, 13.7k wip     Tim accepts his place as Bruce' third - and most loyal - son. When his mother dies and his father returns to Gotham, Tim once again must pick a side, but Bruce never lets go of his children easily. Meanwhile, Dick struggles with the ramifications of finding the Joker, and Bruce remembers why Batman needs a Robin. This follows Into the Gilded Cage. ✦ Family Crisis by librarylexicon, bruce & dick & tim & cass & steph & leslie & barbara & selina & amy & cast, read the tags, 78.1k wip     At the close of the gang war, Batman uncovers an attempted deception concerning the life of his former protégé Stephanie Brown, and suddenly nothing is as important as his family. While Dick seeks absolution, Tim struggles with grief, Cassandra searches for belonging and Steph rebuilds her sense of self, Bruce faces the return of ghosts from his own past and psyche. (War Games AU) ✦ New Again by dustorange, dick & bruce & thomas wayne jr., 10.1k wip     “I’m not a good man,” says Thomas. “No," Dick hesitates, then comes closer, "but you're not an old man either." (a.k.a. Earth 3's Thomas Wayne Jr. "helps" Batman and Robin get back to their world, only for Bruce alone to be sent back, leaving Dick stranded in Earth 3—with Thomas.) ✦ not anything, anymore by emavee, dick & bruce, 2k     Bruce kicked him out four months ago. Apparently these particular kidnappers didn't get the memo.
✦ dreamer by day by justbeyondstars, dick & bruce & jason & tim, 5.3k     In the next room over, Jason and Tim are laughing, and it startles Dick back into his body to remember he’s not alone. He feels impossibly empty, unmovable, untouchable. He almost forgets he's still on the phone until a voice says, “Is there anything I can do for you, Dick? Anything you need to make this easier?” Or: Dick is a lot of things to a lot of people. After getting some bad news, he has to grapple with the fact it might not always be enough. ✦ watching the world go dark by daringyounggrayson, dick & bruce, 3.5k     It wasn’t that Dick was suicidal exactly, but if an opportunity came about where he would have to actively save himself from death, he might just let go. He might not be suicidal, but he's not self-preserving either, and it’s becoming a real problem. Luckily, Bruce is a worried parent with a few detective skills. ✦ hold me like water (or hold me like a knife) by dizarys, bruce & dick & tim, 2k     Dick's recovery after a amnesiac year as Ric Grayson is taking longer than expected. And has some difficult side effects.
BATFAM FIC RECS - SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO TAKE ALL THE SERIOUSNESS OUT OF THE ROOM AND STAY SOFT FOR AWHILE: ✦ And There Was Only One Bed: Family Edition by RandomReader13, bruce & dick & jason & tim & damian & cass, 1.7k     “You’ve gotta be kidding me.” Dick stood on his toes to peek over Jason’s shoulder into the hotel room and grimaced. “Uh, Bruce…” “There was a mix-up with the reservation,” Bruce grunted. ✦ so everyone's just a fucking scalie huh by destiny919, bruce & dick & jason & tim & damian & cass, 1.1k     "Birds are animals, Jay." "What the fuck? No. Aren't they basically reptiles?" Jason demands. "First of all, no, you're thinking of dinosaurs, which is what they actually are in the Flintstones. Second of all, reptiles are animals." "Bullshit." "Okay, I..." Tim pinches his nose. "Okay. I think I see the problem here." "Yes, Todd sustained a traumatic brain injury the other night and didn't see fit to inform anyone before we left on this inane trip." ✦ The Batmobile (and other Bat things) by JeanjacketCarf, bruce & dick & clark & justice league, 2k     “Batmobile?!” Barry looked incredulous. It was clear he was missing the point of the story. “He called it the Batmobile? Out loud? In front of you?” Clark shrugged. “Yeah, twice. I’m sure I heard it right.” “Batmobile, my god,” Barry said shaking his head. “I can’t believe it.” Or Apparently, the Bat-Man is not a cryptid, he's a guy who gives his stuff silly names ✦ Vampire Bats by Sohotthateveryonedied, bruce & dick & jason & tim & damian & cass & steph & duke & cast, 4.1k     Despite the many, many obstacles, having his kids turn into vampires isn’t as tragic as Bruce anticipated it would be. Whenever one of them is grounded, all Bruce has to do is hang a cross on their door and they’re sufficiently contained. And the energy boost has been incredibly helpful on patrols. ✦ Adventures in Batsitting by raven_of_hydecastle, bruce & dick & clark & lois & justice league, 10k wip     "What, you're telling me the great Batman couldn't stop a nine-year-old from sneaking out?" Green Lantern scoffed. "At least come up with a believable excuse." It was Batman's turn to scoff. "Like anyone else could do better. If you can keep Robin off the streets for a week, I'll buy you a Porsche." *** AKA The JLA stages an intervention with Batman to get Robin off the streets. it goes downhill from there.
BATFAM FIC RECS - THROW BABY DICK AT BATTISON, C'MON DO IT, IT'LL BE HILARIOUS: ✦ though the sun and sky may fade (all shall be remade) by queenofthestarrrs, dick & bruce & alfred, 1.8k     Dick Grayson asks a lot of questions. ✦ My Little Robin by tyrianzzz, jim & dick & bruce, 1.6k     After being Partners with the Bat for so long Gordon tries not to question his life choices. Until Robin comes along. ✦ I Wish My Father Had More Sons by shipNslash, bruce & dick & jason & alfred, 9.4k     Jason Todd and Dick Grayson, from strangers to brothers to enemies and back again.
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darlingandmreames · 2 years
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Give me Bruce Wayne with a truly impressive lack of self-preservation, much to the absolute bewilderment of the rest of Gotham
Bruce has spent the past 20 years being a reclusive, socially awkward shut-in, and his public presence really isn't that much different once he starts getting involved in charities and public works. Hunched posture, barely audible mumbling, little to no eye contact- Gotham's Prince is well known and well loved for how socially uncomfortable he is. He's trying, bless his heart, and he really is making a difference, and that's what matters. Everyone just accepts that anxiety and discomfort are part and parcel of who Bruce Wayne is.
Except it becomes very clear very quickly that Bruce Wayne is apparently anxiety ridden to the point of paradoxical fearlessness.
On the few occasions he has to interact with Gotham's more dangerous (but powerful) individuals, Bruce shows zero extra fear. He interacts with Oswald Cobblepot with the same level of anxiety he has when interacting with a particularly chatty barista. Any time he's informed of a threat that's been made against him, he just responds with an awkward half shrug and a mumbled "okay" and then goes about his business like normal. Someone tried to shoot him in a crowd once but the gun misfired, and Bruce just shuffled away with the same urgency he has when leaving a long meeting. He got kidnapped once and spent the entire hostage video just looking tired.
To Bruce, these are expected things that he's used to facing as Batman, so why would he be afraid of them? To everyone else, Bruce Wayne has such bad anxiety about EVERYTHING that he treats all interactions as equally threatening. It's equal parts concerning and endearing. The memes about it are endless. Bruce's cryptid status grows exponentially each time and all of Gotham is living for it
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gothamssilliest · 1 year
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Young Dick Grayson: Why does Mr. Kent call you baby girl?
Bruce, almost crashing the Batmobile: that’s enough talking for tonight
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starlightervarda · 2 years
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‘Battison with Dick’ ‘Battison with Steph’ ‘Battison with Diana’
okay but how about Battison with Ma Kent
Could you imagine what she would do when Clark brings home this shaky wet cat of a weirdo where he keeps trying to buy her a whole new kitchen because she gives him the mothering he hasn’t had in like 20 yrs 
Like she reprimands him for tracking mud inside the house or gives him a big hug and he just bursts into tears
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magicaltrashtriumph · 2 years
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Anyways... just learned Tom and Rob are friends in rl. Thought this is funny...
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sherberrt · 5 months
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Light in the Dark || Bruce Wayne x F! Reader
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Hiring someone to help Alfred had not been what they had in mind since....a certain someone had a big secret, but Alfred insisted since Dory retired. So they got to vetting interested parties when they finally found one. And she was not what they expected, she was much more.
Warnings: Gun use, fighting, blood. Very brief.
Note: No spoilers for the movie. Takes place afterwards. Catwoman was an ally only, no inkling of love. This is a really long one-shot (15k word count). Didn't feel right to split it up. So please enjoy.
She believed it was the right address, yet she couldn't fathom just how tall the Wayne Tower truly was. Being new to town, but not new to its behavior was still quite the challenge. After reporting to the security downstairs and just before going up the elevator to the top floor, the ride was nerve-racking. As the numbers ticked higher, so did her heart-rate. She even started to do a mental checklist through her bag to make sure she had everything she needed. On the last note, the door finally opened to reveal an awe-inspiring foyer. Its gothic nature felt like it would swallow her whole. She imagined just how much more terrifying it could be if there had not been so much hushed whispers going around. Of course she would not be the only applicant for the House Keeper. She checked in with a secretary just beyond the rest and waited patiently until her turn. Slowly, with each passing minute more people went in and came out till finally she was the only one left, even the secretary finally left leaving her in the underbelly of the foyer. An older gentleman appear from around the corner instead. When he spotted her, he gave a small jump, but quickly hid it. "I apologize, miss. I must have missed you on my list. How long have you been waiting?"
"Oh, its no problem, sir. Not too long really. Your secretary just left a few minutes ago."
"Well they must have forgotten to inform me of our last candidate. Please come in and have a seat. I am, Mr. Alfred Pennyworth." (Y/n) followed him into a small study just beyond a set of doors and if she thought the foyer was impressive, she hadn't seen anything as magnificent as the small archive here. She couldn't help but gaze at the wall-high shelves matching with the windows. The fireplace maw was as big as her with stone blending into the wooden floors. Alfred showed her to the desk set up just near the window.
"Would you like anything to drink before we start? Tea, water?"
"Water's fine. Thank you." "Ms. (L/n), is it? You have quite the resume here."
"Oh. Thank you, sir. Perks of being a military baby."
"Military?"
"Yes. My father. He was in the airforce. We traveled quite a bit before finally being able to settle down in a small rural town."
"Ah, if only I could do the same." He had the briefest smile. Before he scanned her resume again.
"Are you new to Gotham?"
"Yes and no. My father was born and raised here, when he joined the military, he never looked back. Even stationed here ironically because he was local, but not for too long."
"I see. I must imagine you have heard then of Gotham's reputation. If you have seen so much of the world, why come here for work?"
"Well, intrigue I suppose. I wanted to learn more about where my father was from. He never liked talking about it, I understood why, but I wanted to see for myself. Get my own understanding." She started to believe she may have said something wrong, when he fell silent. Only staring at her, if she was honest, it was unnerving. It felt like he was reading right into her soul. Yet as he gave a brief smirk, he could only nod.
"I see. Thank you, Ms. (L/n). We will contact you soon about our final decision. I shall see you out." They shook hands as he led her back to the elevator and after thanking him, when the doors shut, she let out a huge sigh of relief. Her heart was pounding. She could tell he was trying to gauge the type of person she was. He was hiring for a billionaire CEO of one of the biggest names in Gotham. With any luck maybe she made a good impression, but everyone that was there seemed so much more confident, dressed nicer, even had a longer interview than her.
Maybe she was too honest? Maybe she overshared? When the doors opened again, she waved to the security and bid them goodnight she exited the tower and started to type in her hotel address when an unknown number flashed across her screen.
"Hello?"
"Ms. (L/n). This is Alfred, I believe we found our new House Keeper. When will you be able to start?" It took everything in her body to not hop around in the instant before she caught her words.
"As soon as you need me, sir."
"How does this Thursday around 10 in the morning sound? We can discuss more of your employment when you arrive."
"Sounds lovely, sir. Thank you, sir!"
"We shall see you soon." After the click, she couldn't help but dance and hop at the good news. She had more pep in her step as she bid goodnight to her first night in Gotham.
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Bruce's POV
"I believe she is the best of all. She was genuine, I couldn't see any hint of a lie. She may not even have it in her to do so. Looking into her background, her father had quite the honorary record while her mother was a museum curator. The mother passing five years ago while the father two years ago. She became a bit of a recluse after his death, but record shows her helping the town she grew up in afterwards. Sounds like someone I know..."
"Alfred, I trust you. My scans didn't pick anything up on her. She has no ties to anyone here except for her father."
"Then I shall call for her to start work. It'll be nice to have an extra set of hands around here, since you've been busy keeping yours down the throats of thugs." He could feel the knowing gaze on his back without needing to look at his guardian.
"Alfred-"
"I know, it is for the good of Gotham and your family legacy. But as I've said, even Batman needs a break. Goodnight, Master Bruce."
Once Alfred left up the elevator he was tracking the girl through the elevator as they spoke. Unlike everyone else, she had no interest in him whatsoever. She was a bundle of nerves once she was out of Alfred's sight. Once she was outside she stopped to answer her phone, no doubt Alfred giving her the good news and when she hung up, she began to...dance?
Perhaps they didn't dig far enough into her records.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Y/n)'s POV
Thursday arrived much quicker than she anticipated. Even while waiting she was able to explore the city during the day and little in the night. She didn't test her luck on that front. She started to hear more about the vigilante that saved Gotham not too long ago from the serial killer called the Riddler. Batman was his name and just based on articles alone, she couldn't help but be glad he was around. He had quite the record for good deeds.
When she arrived back, Alfred greeted her in the lobby of the tower showing her up.
"Parts of the employment that I wished to discuss with you involved your duties and the expectation of them. Since Mr. Wayne is in the cross-hairs of the public eye, his privacy is of the utmost importance to him so you will need to sign many different contracts regarding this. We will have a lawyer available to answer any questions you have about these. Beyond this, you will be living in house in one of our guest rooms-"
"Wait? Like here here? I couldn't possibly intrude like that."
"There is no need to worry, if you feel this is beyond your comfort you have no need to accept, it can be discussed further. No matter what, you're necessary living expenses will be paid for regardless. That part I'm afraid is not up for negotiations. Mr. Wayne made that part very clear."
"That's very kind and generous of him. I will thank him in person hopefully."
"He's lingering around here somewhere, but please follow me. We have much more to show you and papers to sign." The tour took another hour before they settled in the library she took her interview. The lawyer sat looking over the documents for her to sign and answered all her questions as they reached the end of their discussion. Alfred left her to wonder afterwards just to get her bearings after the overload of information. Living here will be quite the adjustment for her.
Her shoes on the wood echoed across the halls when she came upon the locked up room. Alfred had told her this was Bruce's parents. It was off limits along with the basement. She understood that pain of losing a parent, but not quite so young. She hadn't met this Bruce just yet and she already felt sympathy for him.
A family portrait hung not too far with smaller photos littering the table below. They all matched elegantly in black and white their smiles hiding a constant laughter between them. She recognized the love from them as their closeness was resembled in the painting. The small boy had such a spark in his eye, almost mischievous. She could see the love from his parents who held him and each other dearly. Perhaps she can make an small gesture for them allowing her into their home. Flowers perhaps?
Alfred found her not too long afterwards to show her to her room. As they walked she saw him look fondly on the painting before a smile graced his lips.
After her first night she was excited to get started. No one seemed to be awake yet as she was alone in the kitchen. She started to make some breakfast like her mom taught her, she wasn't sure what they liked so she started to cook a little bit of everything she knew. It was then Alfred finally stepped through.
"My word, I could smell it from my room. My dear girl, what is all this?"
"Oh, Mr. Pennyworth-"
"Alfred, please. No need for formalities here."
"Alfred, well I didn't know what you guys liked, so I made a little bit of everything." She fixed Alfred a plate and then another for Bruce whenever he showed.
"Oh, well, you may want to store that, Master Bruce is quite the late sleeper." She only nodded and began to clean up after all the cooking when she began making a list. She didn't quite have everything yet she needed while living here.
"Alfred, small question. Is there any flower allergies I should be worried about with Mr. Wayne or yourself?"
"Flowers?" His expression was quizzical at this, but (Y/n) could only smile.
"I was just wondering if putting flowers around would maybe mess with anyone. I wanted to give this place a little bit of color."
"Oh I see. No allergies here. You'll find the cards on the table by the elevator, just pick one and keep the receipts once you've picked up what you need."
"Oh, I could cover it's no problem."
"Don't be silly, dear. Master Bruce won't mind. I can say this place does need some livening up."
"Ok then. I'll watch what I spend though. Promise." After bidding goodbye to Alfred she got ready and went out for the day. Because of the tower's location she could get to everything relatively quickly without taking a cab. The florist was blooming with a wide range, she decided a classic bit of white roses, sage, and baby's breath. Once arriving back, she set the biggest bouquet she made in front of the Wayne family portrait. She adjusted bits when she heard footsteps approaching.
"Alfred, what do you think of these, the florist said these were quite-" When she turned, Alfred was no where, only a tall dark shadow who towered her.
"Oh, hi! You must be, Mr. Wayne." He looked straight passed her at the flowers she placed there.
"Oh yes, the flowers. Alfred told me of your parents. Thought I could pay some respect to them this way. I hope I wasn't crossing a line."
Bruce's POV
It had been a bit since he looked at the portrait, but the flowers she got seemed to bring it to life. The fidgeting told him he made her nervous, rightfully so.
"No. Just new..." His voice dragged, it was a long night. He only came over after hearing someone near his parent's room.
"In a good way?"
"Yeah, good way." He needed some sleep. Maybe some food.
"There's some food in the fridge for you by the way. Alfred said you were a late riser. Also, I must thank you for taking care of my living expenses. I know it wasn't necessary, but it means a lot." He only nodded and left her standing there. Making his way to the kitchen. As he passed there were more flowers in vases at different points in the house. Not quite as big as the one he first saw with her, but smaller ones.
The food was neatly put away, but there was an abundance of variety.
This was new.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Y/n)'s POV
The weeks turned to months while living in the Tower helped create quite the routine. Every week she would go down to the florist for new flowers, helped Alfred with all the meals and cleaning. All done before lunch so she had the rest of the time to explore Gotham when she could. Of course she had her ways of protection, pepper spray, taser, and her concealed carry.
Throughout her time she would only ever see Bruce in the late afternoon and then he would disappear. His nocturnal habits became normal to her, so instead she would be sure to make him something to eat around the time he woke instead of when she and Alfred ate.
She couldn't quite understand his nightly adventures, but she wasn't one to judge. Maybe she would see him tonight. She was curled up with one of the many books in the library after a nightmare. The heavy rain pelted the windows casting quite the dramatic shadows onto the page. She had been there for hours now trying to let the words lull her to sleep. They were close until she heard footsteps coming closer. When the door creaked open she saw Bruce creep in then abruptly stop when he saw her.
For a bit there was just silence as both of them took the other in when she finally spoke, "Bruce? You okay?"
"Yeah. Sorry, didn't know you were in here. I'll just-"
"No, no its fine. I was just reading." He fidgeted where he stood, as if trying to decide whether to leave still or stay where he was.
"Couldn't sleep?" He was so awkward, like a kid caught sneaking around after bedtime. It warmed her heart a little, but she felt worried.
"Yeah, nightmare. Got me good, couldn't fall back asleep. You?"
"Something similar."
"You're welcome to join me then." For a moment he thought about it before taking a seat across from her. She curled closer into the blanket she had laying the book off to the side.
"Do you have nightmares often?" His voice was low as he asked, his posture curling in on himself.
"No...only sometimes. Normally of my dad...thankfully not often." His eyes never left hers it was the same effect she felt from Alfred, as if he was reading her, studying her. She hoped he found whatever he was looking for because it was making her nervous as the chill went down her spine. Yet just as he read her, she could read him. He was weary. Tired, exhausted even. He had a weight on his shoulders that looked exactly like her father's. The weight of the world.
"Bruce..." When she said his name he seemed to snap out of a daze, suddenly aware he was again.
"Are you sure you're ok? You seem..." She rose keeping the blanket wrapped around her shoulders slowly dragging as she took a small step towards him. The word lost on her tongue as he watched every step she took closer. Part of her thought she was approaching an animal waiting for something to strike. So she slowed and only crouched below his eye level.
"What?"
"Sad." His brow quirked at it, but his shoulders loosened. For a while they said nothing. Examining each other as the animal she seemed to corner calm. That same sorrow in his eyes was familiar. She saw it in her own from time to time when things felt heavier. Darker.
"I won't force you to talk about it. That's not my place." Awkwardly placing a hand on his arm and for a moment she didn't feel her entire body curl in on itself and then she takes it back.
"Sorry that was awkward, ignore me. You know what, actually I'll leave you alone, you probably didn't wanna hear ramblings this late. So the library is all yours. Not that it wasn't yours, this whole place is yours, I'm just...you know what I'm going to stop talking now and leave you alone." She rushes the door curled in on herself now, the blanket slipping making her trip a little.
"Thank you." She turns to him and he's only looking at her from the side.
"Always."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After that night Bruce seemed to be a little more open to her. They would see each other every now and again in the early mornings when one was going to bed and the other rising. Embarrassingly enough, he found her asleep in the library more than a few times afterwards as well. She remembers falling asleep a couple of times and waking up in her bed the next morning. Certain of how she got there because of a certain shadow. She hoped that their little nightly escapades weren't uncomfortable for him. Yet there were times where he was hiding something she couldn't put her finger on. She would see him somewhat limp, trying desperately to hide it if he knew she was around. Some days she saw slight bruising appear on his face with small cuts.
Yet the beginning started when one night he had bleeding coming from from his chest just below his collarbone. When she found him, he barely made it to his room as she was heading to hers.
"Bruce?!" His head snapped over to her as fear spread across his face, but his body betrayed him as he fell to his knees. She scooped him up putting him on her shoulders and helped him in his room onto the closet chair. His pain spread when he tried to relax into it.
"Alfred-"
"No time, I can patch it. I promise I'll get him once I know you're not going to bleed out. Not on my watch."
"Med-kit...below the sink..." His voice was deep trying to speak, but any breath he took made the wound pump more. She found the kit quickly rushing back over. After pulling out what she needed, she helped him out of his shirt only to see he was littered with more scars, some fresher than others. But that was a question for another time.
"This is going to hurt." She dumped some alcohol on the wound causing him to tense up and moan in pain. She grabbed the side of his face forcing him to look at her. She held a patch to collect any blood to clean it up while holding his attention on her.
"I'm right here, look at me. You're halfway there. The cuts deep enough for stitches, I can do that. I just need you to breath, can you do that, Bruce?" His pupils dilated while looking at her but he managed to nod in understanding. The stitches were painstakingly slow, but she managed each a clean and even closure. Every other stitch she'd feel him tense, but his breathing would come back in to bring him back down.
When she finished, she cleaned up the wound, placing a bandage over it to protect it. She started to check the rest of him for any openings she should know.
"This the only one?" When he nodded, she began checking his temperature to see if something else set in. His skin was clammy with sweat and now that she looked at him, he had an odd amount of black makeup around his eyes. Getting the wet cloth from the kit and started to clean it off of him while cleaning some of the sweat from his brow. When she finished his eyes were glazed over but his breath was steadying.
When she moved to get up, he grabbed her arm stopping her. His breath picking up, fear welling up in his eyes. His grip was tight almost hurting her. She saw a type of fear in his eyes.
"Hey hey hey, " She grabbed a hold of his face again causing his grip loosened, "I'm getting Alfred. I'll be right back I promise." She kept her grip firm on the side of his face. When he leaned into it, her heart ached as his eyes closed into her touch. When he opened up again he nodded and let go. After getting Alfred he looked him over, commending her for quick thinking. He told her he would take care of it from there. But she couldn't leave him. Instead she helped Alfred get him to bed and made sure he took some pain meds to ease into sleep.
That next morning, Alfred had found her asleep in a chair not too far from him. After that she started staying up a little later to make sure he was ok every night after the fact.
Today though, the sun was shining and that brightened her mood.
She decided some assortment of fruits would be good for today since the sun was out. Legendary moment for Gotham it seemed so she decided to take advantage of it. Once she finished cleaning up the kitchen she brought over the food to where Bruce and Alfred were sorting through the mail.
"Snacks, anyone?" The pile of mail was right in the center of the large table they sat at as both of them went through it. She laid the small tray between them as Alfred thanked her and Bruce nodded. His own way of saying 'thanks' she had deciphered long ago. The pile though before them looked like it would take them the rest of the day to sort through. She picked up the extra letter opener and started giving them a hand, Alfred had started to protest, but she waved him off.
There were so many threat letters, bills, company issues, and invitations to different parties. But this was the CEO of one of the biggest companies in Gotham so it didn't take her by too much of a surprise. But the threats did, none of them made sense to her. These people didn't even know Bruce, so how could they claim to know how he acts or thinks all because he's rich.
The next one she reaches to open is packaged in a lovely box. It has many different patterns that look like a mix of different artworks. It read 'Grand Gotham Art Museum'. After opening it, a small letter was inside that was nicely printed. It was inviting Bruce along with a plus one to the grand opening of the new art museum. Their first opening will be holding an auction.
"Oh this is cool, Bruce, you're invited to the grand opening of the museum not far from here. The auction their having will have all the proceeds going to charities here in the city" She slid the letter over to him as they're fingers grazed each other. Part of her ached to hold his hand, but she pushed the thought down.
"That sounds familiar....Ah, yes, I overheard many of Wayne Corp investors will be in attendance. I didn't realize it was so soon." Alfred pointed out.
"Then you should probably go. I know parties aren't a comfortable point for you, but it may be good to just see. Talk a little then go home. No need to stay too long." Bruce only looked over the invitation with a hint of daze. He's probably been invited to hundreds of these types of events. She has yet to see him go to any. Always staying in and handling things from home.
"She has a point. They've been wondering when you'd be showing your face again. They're getting a bit anxious their CEO has abandoned them." Alfred says this as if he's said it hundreds of time, yet Bruce has yet to respond.
"Well, if you do decide to go, I want to hear all about it. I'm sure there will be something exciting about it you'll enjoy." Their time continued going through mail as her thoughts wondered back to the gala and Bruce. He didn't seem too interested, but it would be good of him to get out and socialize even a little bit outside of her and Alfred.
Days went by slowly leading up to the gala when she and Alfred sat silently together drinking some morning tea. He with a newspaper and she with a checklist of supplies.
"So has Bruce decided whether or not he's going to the gala? Its only a few days now until then."
"Yes, he will be going. Took some convincing, but I think you were the one that helped him finally decide." The grip on her mug tightened, she hadn't spoken about it with him since she opened the invitation. Had he thought about what she said all this time?
"Really, that's good. Will he be going by himself or will you both be going?" She began to take a new sip when Alfred responded.
"Actually, he asked me, to ask you if you'd like to go with him." Whatever tea she was drinking then spewed out form her mouth making a mess of her checklist. Alfred looked up from his paper, mid-breath until she waved him off.
"Oh my gosh! Sorry, hold on." She quickly cleaned up her mess and threw away her withered checklist, now long forgotten on her mind.
"I'm sorry, you caught me by surprise there...but why would he want to take me. I thought he'd be more comfortable going alone."
"Well, if you wish not to I can let him-"
"No! No, that's not what I meant, I-I just mean that, well, would he want to be seen with me at an event like that? I wouldn't want to e-embarrass him. I've never been to something like this before, I wouldn't even know how to act or what to say."
"My dear, if he wasn't confident about his date, he would not have asked."
"Fair point." Her heart thumped so loud in her ears she thought Alfred would be able to hear it. It felt like it was going to burst right out of her chest at any moment onto the table like the tea. For a moment she couldn't find any words to say.
"I'll go with him. I just don't want to make him uncomfortable."
"You being there, will make him more comfortable than him going alone." That statement alone done it for her heart. Her breath left her all together.
"Then I better see what dresses I have. Hopefully I have something fancy enough."
"That will not be an issue. You will be getting a new dress, at Bruce's insistence."
"I couldn't, dresses for that kind of event would be way too much, I couldn't ask him to do that, he -" One look from Alfred stopped her in her tracks, 'Not up for negotiation'. She only sighed and couldn't help but laugh.
"Then will you join me? I have no idea what would be appropriate for this."
"Of course, my dear. The day is still early. I say we can skip today's normal duties to find something suitable. I'll let Master Bruce know ahead of time of course. You scurry off and get ready. I'll meet you back down here when you're ready." She couldn't help it, but her body moved on its own accord and she hugged the older man. Squeezing tight enough to show her appreciation and he laughed at her sentiment as he returned the gesture gently.
"Thank you, Alfred. I owe you one."
~~Hour Later~~
Once they left, Alfred drove them to the nicest and closest dress shop in town. When they walked in, she was amazed by all the seamstresses and ladies in the room. Many were getting sized and tailored. She wondered if this place was normally beyond her price range...well, everything Bruce did for her was out of her price range.
"Mr. Pennyworth, when I received your call, I was ecstatic. I thought I'd never hear from you again after the passing of our queen of Gotham, Mrs. Wayne."
"It is good to see you again as well, Ms. Poirot. I just need to have my friend here tailored for a gala. We'll need it expediated, and please send the bill to Mr. Wayne. He'll be covering all expenses."
At the mention of Bruce's name, the woman and many others all suddenly stopped and looked at her. She suddenly felt as if she was on a pedestal for display. She stepped a little closer to Alfred, attempting, failing, but attempting to use him as a shield from all the prying eyes.
"By...by his prince's request, non?"
"Yes. A private tailoring, of course." She nodded enthusiastically and led them to the farthest room in the back which tucked itself away from everything. She couldn't hear any of the commotion from the front of the shop any longer as a series of dresses were already picked out and brought to the room for her to try on. It took the Ms. Poirot only minutes to get her sized as her assistant retrieved more options for her to try. It felt like an eternity of trying different styles only to find that something about it didn't seem right. Her and Alfred always seemed to agree on what it was whether the dress was too tight, too poufy, too revealing, etc.
"I'm sorry for not finding one, Alfred. Just seems like nothing wants to feel right."
"No worries. Ms. Poirot has one more dress, she believes after our suggestions she's finally found the one for you." She was led to the dressing room again as Ms. Poirot made some adjustments she gazed at the the dress. This one was checking all the boxes for her.
It wasn't too revealing as it came just off the shoulders. The corset style bodice wasn't too tight and squeeze her figure just enough to show her off elegantly. The length was perfect as it wasn't too long to trip her, just long enough for her to walk freely along with the slit that came up just to the mid-thigh all while having a form-fitting flow. She wasn't sure if anything she's ever worn made her feel so...pretty.
When she stepped out, Alfred looked up from the paper he was reading and his eyes widened as she stepped over to the mirrors.
"Mr. Pennyworth, I must say I have found the one for our special little guest here. She is perfect, non?" Ms. Poirot's confidence radiated off of her as she adjusted (Y/n)'s hair and a few pins. She couldn't help but become infected with her confidence. It helped her stand just a bit taller.
"You never fail, Ms. Poirot. (Y/n), you look...exquisite." Alfred came up to her side looking at her through the mirror. He stood their with so much pride that she imagined her father standing there watching her. The reminder of it, made a tears build up in her eyes. At the very sight of them Alfred wiped them away quickly with his handkerchief, asking Ms. Poirot if they could have a moment.
"Dear, whatever is the matter?"
"I'm sorry, I love this dress, its just...you reminded me of my dad...just now. It snuck up on me, the yearning, of wanting him and my mother both here with me. Watching me go to my first fancy party. Gosh, you'd think I was getting married or something with the tears I'm shedding." She laughed through them as they came down her cheeks. Alfred smirked wiping a few more of them away before taking her into a hug.
"My dear, I'm sure they both would be absolutely beaming." They stayed close for a bit until she calmed down enough for the tears to stop. Her heart still ached, but even through the warmth of her salt-ridden cheeks she felt the ghost of her parents hovering ever closer.
"Now all's that's left then is the jewelry. I think I have some that should match the dress and shoes."
"Actually..."
"Let me guess, Bruce has something in mind already." She couldn't stop that smile that grew just at the sound of his name from her lips.
"You catch on quick, dear."
"His generosity never ends it seems."
"No negotiating."
"I figured."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bruce's POV
He waited most of the day for them to return. Hours passed when they left and the tracker still showed them in Poirot's shop. He could only imagine, she was trying to convince Alfred to not let him pay for her dress. Though he knew how firm Alfred could be on his behalf and of his own will.
When they returned back to the tower, he waited for them in the library. Alfred said he was going to head in for the night leaving the two of them alone.
"Thank you for buying my dress. I hope one day I'll be able to return your generosity. Alfred told me there was jewelry though you wanted to also give me for the occasion. So I promise to take good care of them and return them to you once the gala's over." She had tear stains on her cheeks. What happened? They were dry only leaving the stains on her cheeks, been a bit since then.
"Yeah. Something tells me they'll go well with your dress...so uhm...here." He had a box waiting next to him as he handed it over. When she opened her eyes lit up seeing the small pearl necklace with matching earrings adorned the navy velvet within.
"Bruce, these are beautiful. I never knew you had such an eye for this." Her voice caught at his surprise. Her smile warmed him from within. It seemed to have that affect every time he saw it.
"They were my mother's." When he uttered those words he saw her heart drop. If she wasn't taken off guard then she was now. Part of him was surprised himself, but he wanted her to wear them. The more he thought about it the more it felt right she wore them. And only her.
"Bruce...these are too precious. I wouldn't be able to do them justice." When she tried to put them back in his hand, he took her hands and wrapped them around the case. Her hands were cold, soft but calloused from all the work she did with her hands. Feeling them only reminded him of how they stitched him back up all those nights ago. His were only rough, he wondered if he was even worth her time with what he did every night.
"You'll do them an injustice if you don't." Seeing that hope in her eyes made him buckle under their weight. His hands didn't leave hers for a moment until he put them in his pockets, awkwardly after he realized just how long he stood there holding them. Maybe this was a mistake, getting so close with her. But the way she just...understood without questioning made him feel a way he hadn't before.
Looking back down at the box then back to him, her next move was closer to him, lifting herself up to meet his cheek placing a small kiss. Now it was her turn to take him by surprise. Her lips were so soft on him that he wanted her to stay there. Never to leave.
"Thank you. I'll do my best to do right by them. I shall honor them as your mother would." She didn't know that she already was by accepting them. He hasn't seen those pearls since...since a long time. But to see her with them didn't make him fill with fear for the first time in his life. Even as she receded, her body was still close enough for him to feel her breath, to feel her warmth radiate off of her. How did she do this to him...so easily. So willingly.
"I trust you." Was all he could manage to say.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Y/n)'s POV
When the days passed closer to the Gala, she did anything and everything to keep herself calm. Her nerves were racking all over her with this event. She ended up cleaning rooms twice in the span of one day. Doing everything to keep her mind off of it. It took all of Alfred's will to put her nerves at ease while they worked. When the night finally came she thought she was going to sweat right through her dress.
She sat at the small vanity in her room staring at the pearls resting on velvet. God, she could feel the weight of them just by looking at them. How could she even begin to do them justice, but Bruce trusted her with them, so that should have been all she needed. So why did it feel so difficult?
The knock on the door snapped her back to reality as Alfred stepped through. When he found her form he stopped in his tracks.
"Alfred? Oh, sorry, I must be taking a while huh. I'll be right down, but uh..." Her gaze fell back to the pearls when footsteps approached her.
"Need some assistance?" She looked up at him as he took the necklace from its velvet resting place and moved to place it around her throat. It sat snuggly against her neck outlining her collarbones. When he finished he moved some hair out of the way and like before looked at her through the mirror. But something was different, instead his eyes softened.
"Alfred?" She turned in her chair looking at him now, now with his eyes seemingly distant.
"I didn't think those pearls would ever see the light of day again. You've given them a new light, a new life, my dear. I thank you." The smile wouldn't stop growing on her face as she matched his own.
"I tell you what I told Bruce," She took his hands in hers, "I will wear them honor. I'll be sure to get them back here safely."
"My girl, you already are." Alfred left her after that, letting her have a few more minutes before coming down, to calm last minute jitters. When she finally drew up the courage to come out, she made one slight detour to the Wayne family portrait. When she looked at Mrs. Wayne, the pearls around her neck came to life all over again. They were the same ones she wore from the portrait. The vase was empty for now. She'd have to go for flowers tomorrow. But she had one red rose left and placed it there below the portrait.
"Thank you, for letting me into your home and being close to your son. I'll try to watch over him tonight in your place. But maybe stick close by. Never hurts to have extra help." She didn't turn her back to the portrait till she was at the stairs. At the bottom was Bruce and Alfred, Bruce's back was to the stairs as Alfred adjusted helped with his tie. He could hear Alfred babying him now as Bruce's posture told her he's heard this talk plenty enough to want to escape it. Alfred stopped mid-sentence when he spotted her. That's what made Bruce turn around.
"Sorry for taking so long. Last minute jitters." As she took each step, Bruce followed every one of them all the way until she was right next to him. She has never seen the Bruce Wayne in awe, so maybe that was proof enough she looked pretty okay. She must have interrupted Alfred cleaning him up, cause one part of his hair was a bit out of place.
"Oh, looks like you got a stray there, hold on," Without second thought she reached up to his hair and slicked it back some, fixing the stray easily enough.
Alfred's POV
It felt like a stake was passed through his heart seeing the both of them like this. The way they both were dressed with the smallest gestures reminded him all over of them. The doting of Martha and how much love Thomas had in his eyes. That cold exterior of Bruce couldn't hide what his eyes wanted to say. She continued fixing the small things Alfred had begun. She even began to tease him. As Martha would.
"Bruce, I never knew you could spruce yourself up like this. You were hiding out on me all this time. Though I'm sure your normal clothes are definitely much more comfortable, maybe you should do this more often." Her smile grew ever wider. Her hands stayed for a moment on him, dusting him off a little. He saw the way she took Bruce's breath away. It looked like he taken an arrow to the heart and it an essence it was. "Only because you asked." Was all Bruce could respond with. And for the briefest moment, he saw Thomas' signature smile on his son's. The clock chimed signaling the event time was drawing closer.
"Is that the time?! We are going to be late," she finished dusting him off and practically dragged him to the elevator after Alfred helped them with their coats, Bruce followed behind most willingly. Before the elevator dinged, she stopped abruptly and raced back as quick as the heels would allow towards him. She placed a small kiss on the side of his head with a smile.
"Thank you, Alfred. I'll bring him back in one piece." That made him laugh.
"Please do, don't be afraid to use force." Her smile grew to a laugh as she raced back over to him. When the elevator doors closed, for once in his life since the Wayne's passing...
He could breath easy.
(Y/n)'s POV
Once they made it down, Bruce led them to the garage picking out his classic 63' Stingray. And as a gentleman he helped her inside closing the door behind her before stepping in himself. They still had just enough time to get to the event right as it opens, so Bruce didn't speed over, but being the car she began to feel the nerves all over again.
"So, how many of these have you been to before?"
"Only a few. I went to a lot of them when I was younger, but haven't so much as I've gotten....older."
"No shame in that." She began to fidget trying to keep the nerves at bay, she wasn't sure what else to talk about. Though when she looked down to her dress she remembered the reaction she got when Alfred had told them Bruce was paying for it. Living with him all this time, she practically forgot who exactly she worked for. No doubt the paparazzi will be there waiting, and he was bringing her as his date.
"Hey," Something had grabbed her hand away giving a small squeeze, it brought her back for a moment.
"We can turn around." His words filtered through when she turned to him.
"No! No, I'm okay. Just realized that I may be putting a lot more eyes on you than maybe what I thought..." The questioning glance was all it took for her to explain.
"Well, I remembered the way the ladies at the shop reacted when Alfred had said you were footing the bill. If that could make the whole shop go quiet, then the paparazzi here will have a field day. You may not see your name out of the papers for awhile just because I'm showing my face with you. Rumors will spread, people will start asking questions, it'll start trouble where it wasn't needed and-"
"(Y/n)." Her name spilling from his lips was all it took to quiet her. The red light from the stoplight shined against the side of his face as he took a moment to fully look at her.
"I knew the risks. I still want you there with me." He squeezed her hand again sending a chill up her arm. When the car surged forward again, she was happy and sad that he wasn't looking at her all at the same time. Her hand squeezed in return.
"Then if you're not worried, neither will I." They're hands stayed linked the rest of the car ride over. The radio hummed lowly until they finally arrived. He stepped out first and told her to wait a moment. When he opened his door, all sorts of flashing lights started to go off the moment his face turned towards the cameras outside. She could practically hear the screaming of them calling and begging for his attention. The fact she had his attention at all made her fuzzy inside.
As he opened his door, the surge of yelling increased as he laid his hand out to her. She took it gently as she rose slowly out of the car, the lights immediately blinding her. Bruce covered most of her body with his as he linked his arm with hers. She could barely see a few steps in front of her because of the lights.
"Focus on me." He managed to whisper in her ear. She squeezed his arm closer as he led her past the crowd and into the museum. Once inside, all the shouting died away and the lights now a low warmth as music played, echoing across the room. When she first entered into the Wayne Tower, she thought of a gothic style when entering, here was similar but it was warmer in tone. Lighter but similar.
Someone had took their coats for them as the walked further in. The music she heard came from a live orchestra just in the corner. There was even a singer with them whose voice carried sweetly into her soul. Though the warmth she felt just being connected to Bruce at the arm, put her more at ease. Everywhere she looked their was pedestals of different art pieces with paintings hung up all around the walls. They all had smaller stand to them with names and prices listed, the prices ever increasing.
"So that's how they're doing the auction." She whispered.
"What is it?"
"Oh, just, its a silent auction. I thought they have, you know, the person that spoke really loud and really fast. Silence kind of takes the fun out of it."
"How's that?"
"Well, you don't feel the tension as much. Its like you're fighting over the piece you want right then and there instead of it carrying on through the night."
He only hummed in response at this. They walked around a bit looking at different pieces before a few older gentlemen came over calling Bruce's name. She could feel him tense, he recognized them for sure. This was where the socializing would begin.
"Mr. Bruce Wayne, as I live and breath. Been a while since you've escaped from that tower of yours. Oh, and who is this lovely lady you have hidden from us? Name's Harrington Rutherford, I'm a business partner of your date tonight here." The way the man spoke, she knew he was an investor without having to introduce himself. He had taken her hand and pressed a kissed to it, he was old fashioned like some people she knew back home. It was refreshing, but still odd to her as she took her hand away.
"I'm (Y/n). It's lovely to meet you, Mr. Rutherford. Bruce has told me of your business practices." The small lie sent the man lit with pride. She saw Bruce out from the corner of her eye, huff as she squeezed his arm.
"Did he now? All good things, though I have to say. I have quite the silver tongue, but this young man can out-negotiate anyone in the city." He slapped Bruce on the shoulder while a laugh escaped her lips seeing him wanting to curl in on himself. But he forced his shoulders back and smiled.
"Thank you, Rutherford." Was all he managed to get out before the man went into talking about other business. She excused herself with running to the ladies' room, but secretly only went so far as to stay in eye-sight of Bruce. She watched as the moment she left his side, he was swarmed by what looked like other business partners or interested parties. Every now and again he would find her as their eyes met.
Motioning with her hands, she raised her mouth to form a smile while mouthing the word to him. The exasperation at her little antics caused him to give a genuine one, just not to the men and woman that surrounded him. At that point, maybe she should rescue him.
She excused herself by the people that separated him from her, but as she approached closer they began to part like the red sea. When she finally got to him, Rutherford was still there but red in the face with so much laughter. And maybe a bit with the amount of alcohol she smelled from him.
"I must excuse, Bruce here, he promised me a dance this evening and I'm calling it in." She took his hand in hers and led him out of the crowd. Once they reached the dance floor, a new song began to play.
"You left me."
"You needed to socialize with your investors." She grinned as he puffed out his cheeks. His shoulders released as he took her by her waist.
"I will say though now, I actually don't know how to dance..." Now it was his turn to grin. He pulled her closer so their chests touched.
"Put one hand on my arm and the other in my hand here. Just follow my lead." When she did, she felt the hiding muscle in his arms. It only made her think back to the night she had seen him shirtless, but also bleeding out. She had only one good look at what lurked beneath that suit and the mere thought of it sent her spiraling as he led them their the swaying of the dance.
"How did the talk with your investors go? It looked as if you were about to turn into a puddle at any moment."
"Tiresome. There's a reason I do business from home. I'm not...a conversationalist."
"But you're talking right now." The exasperation returned as she joked with him only to give herself a small giggle. She is torturing him.
"Talking with you, is much different than with them and any other person here."
"Why's that?"
"You make it easy to forget where I am." That made her forget where she was now. Looks like he's taken his revenge out on her for abandoning him to the wolves. Before she could respond she felt something small tug on her dress. When she looked down the tug was attached to a small hand which belong to a handsome little boy dressed up in his finest.
"M-may I-I dance with the lady?" He must have been working up the courage for that one. When she looked up to Bruce he had a small smirk on his face, giving her hand a small squeeze.
"I don't think he would mind if I did. From one handsome gentleman to another." Her hand slipped from his and into the little boy's as he led her a little ways closer to the center of the floor. She took a chance to look back and see Bruce with an older woman next to him. She seemed to look apologetic, but he dismissed her with a smile. A real smile.
"So, what is my dance partner's name?"
"Peter. And yours my lady?"
"(Y/n)."
"You have a beautiful name, miss."
"Why thank you. You have handsome name for a handsome gentleman." They continued to dance, or sway, to the music as it picked up pace. The boy's laughter was contagious as they continued. They bumped into a few people and she quickly apologized. When the boy started to tire so she took them off the floor as he started telling her all about the art they past as they went to get a drink. He was spouting facts off as if he curated the museum itself. He showed her every piece on auction. It reminded her of her own mother. Peter reminded her of herself a little.
"Now what about this one?"
"Its actually my mom's. She spent a really long time on it. She even let me help, but only a little."
"Then you my friend, have an hand in helping this city. This one your favorite?" His eyes only lit up like fireworks as she laughed with him. She spotted Bruce and his mother not too far off from them as they wandered around. Bruce had someone come up to him every now and again, but the mother seemed to help him escape when he needed. Mothers know.
"What was yours?" She had to think for only a moment when she grinned at him and led him over to the one in the farthest corner of the room. It as hidden away from everyone and had still yet to have someone bid on it. The background showed the darkness of the night with only small specks of white showing the stars along with one bigger one showing the north star. The massive amounts of black mixed with blue made her think of the clouds that would pass overhead. It was the only picture that reminded her a bit of home.
"This one?" The boy was quizzical, but her smile only grew as she looked at it some more.
"Yep. It reminds me of home a bit and of someone..." Her mind couldn't help but wonder to Bruce.
"It reminds me of Batman." The bewilderment that flew through her did not do her surprise justice.
"Batman? Like the Batman?"
"You never see him?!"
"No, not yet, but maybe that's a good thing. Since he's always out chasing bad guys."
"Yeah, but I got to see him once. He looks so cool!" Classic little boys with their heroes. Though she couldn't blame him.
"He does blend in with the night. Despite it, he actually shines very clear."
"But he's a shadow."
"But a light to those in need." She pointed at the star in the painting. Peter began to piece it together and smiled wide showing his toothy grin.
"You can be a light too, even if its from within yourself."
"I'll try to be. But I want to help my mom first."
"Then that can be your first step." He squeezed her hand tightly as he gazed further into the art with her. Even as he did so, a yawn overtook him and his eyes began to water with sleep.
"Alright little buddy of mine, I think its time to find your mom." She picked him up without a second thought. He settled in and held her neck tight as she looked around. She didn't have to look long when she saw Bruce with the same woman, they had been watching them the entire time she imagined. The mother moved immediately with a grateful smile. His mom took him onto her own shoulder thanking her profusely for being with her son most of the night. As they left, Bruce stopped being the shadow he was over her shoulder and stepped more into view.
"That time, I did not abandon you willingly. Not intentionally at first."
"I believe he was a better dance partner."
"By a long shot. Pretty handsome too, but don't worry, you're definitely a close second." They both huffed a small laugh at that as another song began to slow. She noticed now that the crowd dispersed to become thinner. She hadn’t noticed how late the night had gotten since she began to play with the small boy. It’s almost time for the gala to end.
“Would you like to finish our dance?” A small whisper past her ear. As she turned, Bruce had his hand outstretched waiting for her’s. When she placed it there, his rough callous hands gently squeezed, guiding her back to the dance floor. One hand slid around her waist bringing her closer than they had ever been as the other continued as the lead in their dance. Everywhere they touched, she burned. Every graze sent her into a haze. Their eyes stayed on the other, she couldn’t pry them away. She found peace there being lost in them.
“Thank you, Bruce.”
“What for?”
“For letting me come with you. I know you could have just has easily ignored the invitation or even came alone, but you brought me with you. Risked me causing trouble for you just by being by your side.” For a beat he said nothing he only studied her face before he spun her away and back again, her back to his chest.
“I don’t mind the trouble you bring, so long as you’re here.” His breath brushed against her neck as he spoke. The warmth traveled from his hand around her waist to her cheeks. He moved her again to face him once again though now the hand on his bicep traveled up to his neck, barely brushing her fingers into his hair. His grip tightened on her waist as the leading hands moved closer to their chests. She couldn’t speak a word with how close he was to her. He was but a hair away from touching her nose with his own. There was nowhere to look but his eyes.
"Then whatever trouble comes, we'll handle it...together." She whispered back. She so desperately wanted to meet him where their breath mingled. Her heart was racing and she knew he could hear it. She could partially feel the chill that seemed to run up his neck, yet her whole body was covered in them thankful that his hands couldn't feel them. She wouldn't know what to do if he did.
"Ladies and gentleman," Their faces pulled away as a lady began to speak over the microphone. She pulled away from him just enough where they both had room to breath. The awkward smile on her face wouldn't leave her. She only briefly felt his hand stay intwined with her own as the woman continued.
"We thank you for coming and participating in our auction. We have closed the auctions and finalized the total of donations. Thanks to you, we have raised over 20 million dollars to be divided and sent to our most prestigious and trustworthy charities!" The was an arousal of applause at the sound. Joy filled her at the sound. Knowing Gotham, someone will try to take the money, but she still has hope that it stays protected till it reaches where it needs to go. Maybe perhaps even the Batman will watch over it. Her hand squeezed Bruce's briefly in her joy as he moved it to instead wrap around her waist, pulling her closer to him. She saw the smile that lifted as she showed her excitement.
"We would not have been able to do it without you, citizens of Gotham. With this final announcement we will commence this Gala. Any one that purchased art will receive their purchase within a few days, but we will need those of who also to please stay for a moment to sign papers for finalizations. Please be safe going home." Once she dismissed everyone, everyone made for the doors or for their paperwork it seemed.
"I'll grab our coats from the desk. I can meet you out front to wait on the valet to bring the car around." She said, still somewhat leaning his hold of her.
"Sounds good. I'm actually going to run to the restroom, before then."
"Alrighty." As they parted his touch still lingered all around her body. She already missed his warmth, but she pushed it to the back of her mind as she requested their coats. After putting her own on, she felt a ticket tucked away in Bruce's coat pocket, it was the valet ticket. Perhaps she could go ahead and get the valet to bring the car around. Once she exited she gave the valet the ticket and waited for them in the chill air of the city. More people spilled out of the Gala as she began to hear the city truly come alive in the night.
From across the road, there were two men stumbling around, drunk obviously to her eyes. She tried not to stare, but one of them caught her. When she quickly looked away, it was too late. She heard him yell out at her along with his friend. She tried her best to ignore them and act as if she did not know they were yelling for her. It wasn't until they crossed the street in the middle of traffic that they finally got close enough to her.
"Hheeeeeeyyy there pwetty lady. How 'bout you and I go somewhere warm?" Though she didn't need to know they was drunk based on their body language, the smell was more adamant. It wafted off the both of them like waves making even herself nauseous from just being near.
"No, thank you. I'm waiting on someone."
"Awwww come on! You waitin' on one of these rich bozos? Trust me, sweetie, we can keep you much warmer than these freaks." The other slurred.
"As I said before, I am waiting on someone." At this one of them finally seemed to hate the word 'no' as he gripped her wrist, jerking her near his face. He didn't get another word out when another arm jerked his off of hers and twisted it behind his back causing him to wince and cry out. He dropped to his knees even not able to move around with his arm pinned. They were starting to attract more attention with this when she realized Bruce was the one pinning him with only one hand.
"She said no." Bruce said coldly. He paid no attention to the one he had a hold of. He kept his attention on the other one who started to back away.
"Hey man-"
"Bruce!" She separated them, forcing Bruce to let the man go. She placed one hand on his chest while pushing the other man away from them.
"They aren't worth it." She whispered low enough for him to hear, but he only stared harder at them. His other arm forcing her into his chest.
"What the heck man?!" The one that was frightened helped his friend up off the ground, but the friend seemed more angry than frightened. Which was his of his many mistakes in this moment.
"I suggest, gentleman, you leave. This is your last warning." She knew she could be terrifying when she needed be, this was one of those moments. The moment the men's eyes caught hers finally they seemed to be sober enough to get the idea. Bruce's grip tightened around her. She didn't need to look at his face to know a greater shadow was casted over him to put the fear of God in their souls. They left just after, stumbling along the way and she didn't take her eyes off them till they were out of sight.
"I shouldn't have left you alone." Bruce uttered, regret seemed to fill his voice instead of the venom he used just earlier.
"I'm fine. You know most men, their barks are worse than their bite."
"Am I most men?"
"No," she smirked, "You don't have a bark, you're all bite. I think I just saved those men's life if anything." She motioned for him to put his coat on and he followed suit just as their car then rolled to a stop near them. The valet handed the keys over to Bruce bidding them goodnight. Bruce then opened the door helping her inside before getting in himself. As soon as the drive began, she then noticed the white substance that traced the arm the man from before had grabbed.
"What is that?" Bruce asked as soon as he seen her examining it.
"I don't know. Its right where that man grabbed me though." She gave it a brief sniff, nothing, "There's no smell." But as soon as the words left her mouth she began to feel woozy. Her head spinning as the street lights blurred together. She could hear Bruce speaking, but he sounded so far away. It only got worse as her body felt numb running from her wrist to the rest of her. They drugged her, it had to be some sort of skin contact roofie. She tried to speak with no use. No words formed as she felt her body relax against the seat, vision turning black.
Bruce's POV
They drugged her. He wasn't sure what the powder was, but he would find out. Once she was safe.
Her body went limp in the seat as he speed through Gotham. He called Alfred, telling him to prep the analyzer and told him what happened quickly before hanging up. Once he was back, he grabbed her gently in his arms rushing to the elevator where Alfred waited. As they rode the elevator, Alfred checked her over in his arms. He gripped her tighter as Alfred scanned her over. Once they were within his home he put her in the closest room he could find to make her comfortable. It was his. Once he laid her down Alfred handed him a sample kit.
He gentle scrapped some of the powder off of her then handed it to Alfred.
"She seems alright, Master Bruce. Nothing to worry about. She'll be out for a few hours at most. She showing no other signs of injury or concern. I'll let you know what I find on the powder as soon as I finish." He brushed a piece of hair out of her face as she slept, she showed no signs of pain thankfully.
"I'm going out." He whispered. He paced past Alfred, he only heard him briefly before he made his way to the basement.
"Those poor men."
Those poor men indeed. It didn't take him long to find them. His contacts ID them quickly and he found one of their most frequented bars. He managed to find them bar hopping trying the same trick on other girls, not succeeding at getting close, thankfully. Once they left their last bar, he tracked them through an alley. Once they entered far enough he made his descent behind them.
"S-t! Its Batman!" One shouted. The one that had gripped (Y/n) whipped around, unsheathing a knife from his side. It was over the moment it began. Kicking the knife, he had a hold of him by his throat kicking out the other's knee. He felt it break under his foot. His grip on the man's throat tightened feeling every pump from his heart to his veins as he slowly closed off his supply. They were too drunk to fight him, he knew that. But it didn't lessen the pain he would inflict upon them.
When he was finished, he hung them from the fire escape leaving them broken and beaten.
"This is your only warning. I won't be so merciless the next time." Calling Gordon, he wasn't surprised about the new roofie drug, told him they've been seeing more cases of it. Said he'd send someone out to grab them. The men shouted for help, but he taped their mouths shut as he walked away. Every fiber in him wanted to beat them until they couldn't remember their own names, but that would make the papers and she would see it. He didn't want that. But next time, he wouldn't care. If it meant they wouldn't ever have another chance of going near her, he ensure it stayed that way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Y/n)'s POV
Her vision was coming back as warmth spread all over her body. She could feel nausea warp her brain when she tried to sit up. Part of her felt numb yet completely aware of every part of her body. What happened? The last thing she remembered was being in Bruce's car then nothing.
She sat up for a bit before deciding to try and move, but noticed her clothes had changed. Only thing that was left was the pearls. They hadn't been taken off of her. But the last thing she remembered they were leaving the gala, so how had she changed into pajamas? The blankets wrapped around her were different. They weren't the ones she always slept under nor the canopy over the bed, or even the room. The fireplace crackled to life, lighting up the room with a warm glow as she moved off the bed. Taking a blanket with her. Snugged close she went for the door though it opened for her as a shadow stepped through.
Bruce.
His eyes were wide as saucers, but before she could speak she was lifted off the ground. Snugged close now to Bruce instead of the blanket she had. She could feel how tight he held her in his arms. He placed her back in the bed as he knelt before her.
"You shouldn't be moving around right now."
"What happened? I only remember being in the car with you, then-"
"You were laced with a skin contact roofie."
"The men-"
"Arrested and in custody by Lieutenant Gordon from GPD." A breath of relief washed over her. At least now they couldn't harm anyone else. She was lucky Bruce was there with her. Though she hoped she was able to put up a fight before that drug set in. The fire crackled casting moving shadows across Bruce's face, but those shadows didn't compare to the ones under his eyes. He had fear in his eyes.
"Bruce?" His hand was close, so she took a leap and held it. Squeezing as hard as she could. When he came back from wherever in his mind he was, he returned the gesture wrapping his other over hers. Encasing it tightly. His knuckles had fresh cuts and redness.
"I'm safe." That seemed to bring him back down. His shoulders released tension when he placed his head on the bed, exhausted.
"I'm sorry this happened to you. Gordon's running interviews to see if it was a random attack or if you were targeted. It wouldn't be the first time someone close to me was targeted to get to me...to know you were nearly taken...it'd be my fault." His voice was so low she barely heard him. But she heard enough to use her free hand to lift his face to see it again. The black makeup ran around his eyes again causing his eyes to stand out. When she place her hand on his cheek he was warm. So warm to her cold hands.
"Don't. This would not be your fault, you saved me Bruce. I can put up a fight, but if you didn't get there when you did I wouldn't be here." She moved the hair out of his eyes studying his appearance, he was an absolute mess. Though she looked no different after coming to from a drug.
"Thank you." Her mouth curled as her hand squeezed his face only a bit. Forcing him to look at her.
"Always." He buried his face into the bed a moment later. His breathing coming to a slow and steady rhythm.
"By the way....who changed me out of my clothes?" In all but a second the tension came rushing back to his shoulders as a laugh escaped her lips.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Days passed after the gala's night. The pearls was placed back in their velvet bed and stayed on her vanity. After she woke, it wasn't long before she was back on her feet again. Though she kept a shadow that watched every step. Any slight stumble or accident sent Bruce on edge, he was afraid the drug had other effects. No matter the amount of times her and Alfred told him she was fine, he wouldn't relent until a doctor came by at his request.
When she was checked over, the doctor said there were no signs of anything left in her system. When the doctor had left something else came up as well. A particular painting that attracted her eye during the Gala. They had finished hanging it up in the library when Bruce walked in after seeing the doctor out.
"Bruce..." Alfred and her both were staring hard into him with massive grins on their faces. She seen him curl in as he crossed his arms.
"Did you buy a painting from the Gala?" Alfred pushed.
"Charity."
"Ah. Yes. I'm glad you did. The painting is lovely, gives this room a little more ambience, I believe. I'll bring around some tea for us all to admire it." When he left she went to follow behind to help but before she passed she stopped beside Bruce.
"Its a lovely painting. You have a good eye." He only nodded, but his cheeks had flushed after being teamed up on. He followed her out still as her little shadow. Even with the doctors sign off, he stilled seemed to worry. Even while she worked throughout the day he appeared in every room she was in. Though they both found themselves in the library where the painting was hung up. They didn't talk a lot, but the silence was comforting. When he was gone, it wasn't until she went to bed.
It gave her the opportunity to see just how routine his nightly antics were. The eye makeup, the cuts, the bruises, the knuckles. She had a feeling something was up, but it was none of her business unless he told her himself. But whatever he does at night, she only hoped he came back in one piece every time he went out.
One of those nights was tonight, but she had left before him this time. Just before the sun set she realized she had forgotten to get more flowers for the portrait and it felt wrong to let another day go by without them. She let Alfred know where she was going, though he warned against it, when she showed her conceal, he felt a little more at ease. Though she always hoped she never has to use it.
The florist expected her and was glad to see her again. Once she got the flowers bundled up for her the florist began to wave her off without paying. Though she insisted on paying, the florist insisted. As she left the sun disappeared from the sky allowing the city light to illuminate her way now. The city truly waking since the day began. The bundle of flowers where crushed against her chest as one hand tightened them and the other close to the holster hiding under her coat.
Every sound and yell sent her on edge. She picked up her pace but calmed when she saw Wayne tower in sight. It wasn't the only thing in sight either.
As she passed an alley way she heard a group of men. They all were laughing waving something around. When she risked a look she saw that it was guns while others were stocking bags with packages. She nearly sprinted then before a low whistle sounded off in her ear. Her legs sprinted. She couldn't let them know where she lived if they decided to stalk her so she ran in varying directions. Confusing them as she heard them catching up. Once she ducked down another alley. Before the end she was cut-off. Backing up to the way she came in when the other half blocked it as well. There was no escape.
"Look now, little lady. I think we need to have a chat." She's got 8 shots including one in the chamber. She wouldn't have a chance to defend herself the moment they decided to get rid of her. She was outnumbered, 1 to 6. Another dark covered alley just behind her, but if she made any moves she was dead.
"I think, I was on my way home. Not seeing anything."
"Except for us." They moved in around her. When her back hit the wall she felt another chill go down her spine when it moved. She heard the men curse under their breath as something moved in on her from behind.
A wave of bullets came at her until she saw the sky and a pointed mask. Her body was covered by the shadow as he blocked the assault with his body. He pulled something out from his hip. Once he released it behind him smoke filled the area covering them. She reached herself for the conceal now, getting a good grip and flicking the safety off.
"No guns." The deep voice over her warned. His jaw set tight.
"I shoot to wound. Now move!" She grabbed the front of his armor and pulled him to the side as two men moved in on them. Two shots to each. One to the shoulder, the other to the knee. She heard one of them move around behind them before she saw his silhouette move in.
She forced the Bat off her switching places. In quick succession two more shots, another shoulder another knee. The smoke covered them for now, but the others would be moving in any second.
"Bat, you good?" She tapped him on the chest with a free hand never taking her eyes off the smoke around her. He only grunted in response when she grabbed his arm helping him up.
"Back to back." He commanded, she moved in on him, feet shuffled around his cloak as she kept her gun close and up. She couldn't see anything that wasn't three feet in front of her.
"Move on my mark." She heard clicking from his arms, "Now." He moved forward with her on his rear. Stayed close before they were hit with another array of bullets. They took cover behind separate dumpsters. She braced her head tight to her chest. She chanced a look at the Bat and he was furious. He motioned something on his hand, it was military hand signals. He asked how many more shots she had.
Two.
Shield, move in, on me, my mark. Loud and clear. On his count they moved. He took the front, she moved in behind. Taking out one on the far right before her gun clicked empty. Bat moved right she moved left. She took the magazine out throwing it at the other man along with the main body of the gun. Disorienting him as she sent a left and right hooks. He swung the gun on her, blocking and twisting forcing him to drop it. But he rushed her then slamming her into the wall nearby.
His hands found her throat closing off her air. Her vision blurred quickly as she tried to relieve her throat of pain and fight him off. But as quick as he was on her, he was off as the Bat slung him off. The man was on the ground and knocked out in an instance. When she managed to pull herself off the ground he turned to her. But as he was looking him over, the last one, the one he thought he dealt with was getting up slowly pointing a gun at him.
Instinct took over as her legs filled with adrenaline.
"Bat! Down!" He didn't look he didn't hesitate. He ducked as quick as she vaulted over kicking the gun, but not before it went off. As it clattered she kicked out his knee bringing him low then popping a knee in his chin. Then one final punch down across his face till he fell limp on the ground.
"That all of 'em?" She was heaving every breath, she hadn't done something like that since training days...since her father.
"I counted six. Six are down."
"Good. That's good." Now that the immediate danger was over, she could feel where that bullet went now. When she gripped her side, her sweaty hand now came back with red. She crumbled in an instance. Something hard caught her before her head could smack the concrete. His hand applied heavy pressure. The sting made her body curl away from him, but his other arm trapped her against him.
"It grazed, but it went deep. I have something to seal it for now, but you need to be still." She only managed a nod before he pulled out a small aerosol can. When he sprayed it over her wound it was ice cold hitting her skin. Whatever it was, numbed the area and sealed the opening before she could bleed anymore.
"Thanks. Magic stuff there." He didn't respond, instead he already had a phone to his ear talking over quickly to a Gordon. The name was familiar. After that he set her against the wall while he tied all the men up. The longer he took the more time she had to study him. After the fight his suit had scratches in and dents in it. The cape fluttered behind him as he moved swiftly. As he moved he looked over each guy slowly until he found what he wanted. When he finished that's when the cops rolled in and took control of the area quickly.
A man walked swiftly to the Bat talking to him seriously. This must Gordon, the Lieutenant Gordon now that she saw his face. The infamous cop that had the trust of the Bat himself. No one else wanted to approach. They walked like they were on eggshells around him. They talked swiftly before they both headed her way. An EMT had already found her and started to properly stitch up her graze.
"Miss, glad to see you're okay, but I'll need to get your statement before we can run someone back home."
"Understood, sir. Wish we met though under better circumstances." As he questioned her, Bat never went too far. He stayed just behind Gordon, watching everyone that went by but she knew he was listening to every word.
"Thank you. We'll take over from here, but I'll leave my card with you in case you need to contact me. We'll find you if you have anymore questions. Now, we'll have a cruiser take you-"
"I'll take her." That was the first he spoke since Gordon started questioning her.
"You don't need to. You have a whole city to look for other people like me." She said, but he had already moved to help her up.
"We don't know if one of them made a call out before the fight finished or if we were being watched. Need to make sure you won't be followed, not a future target."
"No negotiating on that, is there?" The small glare her way only answered her question. He helped her into his vehicle before getting in himself. Once they pulled out of the alley, she felt that vehicle hit Mach 1 as they got on the road. He managed to miss every car she thought they were about to hit. Though with that speed they arrived at the Wayne tower in no time to spare. He parked in a dark corner just far enough away from the entrance he could watch everyone approach. She tried opening the door and once she did he was on her side in no time giving her his hand out.
A gentleman even in a suit of bullet-proof armor. Once she took his hand it took her a moment to catch her breath. The stitches pulled against her causing a sharp intake of breath.
"Good?" His voice was so close it caused her to take another breath.
"Yeah. Good. Fresh stitching is all. Thanks for getting me back safe." Looking up at the tower filled her relief. Alfred will have many questions for her. But she'll have some of her own as well.
"Can I ask you one quick question?" The Bat looked down at her now giving her his full attention.
"What time will you be home?" His eyes widened like that night in the library when he first saw her curled up with a book. A kid caught sneaking around. Tension in his shoulders with no idea how to relieve it.
"What?"
"You heard me. What time will you be home, Bruce?" As far as tension goes, she couldn't think of a moment where he's been this tense before now. He got caught and he doesn't know what to do. She got him by surprise.
"How did you-"
"We can have as long of a discussion as you want, but you need to answer my question first."
"Early morning. 4 or 5."
"Understood, I will see you then." She made her way for the door before he called out to her.
"What gave it away?" She didn't turn at first. She thought of all the nights she found him, of the sleepless nights, the recluse behavior, the wounds, then the way he held himself. But it wasn't until tonight that it pieced together because of one little detail. She turned briefly to look at him. When she gestured to her eyes, part of the tension released from his shoulders. By the time she got to the door and the security rushed her in, he was gone.
Once Alfred found her he was worried sick. He wouldn't stop sputtering over her, telling her what she did was stupid and that next time to just be more patient. He checked her over, giving her some tea to calm her down.
"Alfred...I think we need to talk."
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Bruce's POV
Once he was back in the cave his stress level hadn't reached its peak till then. The night started replaying in his head. The moment he spotted her from the florist he had followed her all the way till those guys started chasing her. She was fast and caused a lot of confusion until they trapped her in that alley.
That's when her military training kicked in, father's work no doubt. Every shot found its mark. She shot to clip not to kill and it worked in their favor. Every man brought alive for interrogations with Gordon. But when he saw her bleeding his heart had dropped to his stomach.
When the EMT cleared her he hadn't felt that kind of relief since Alfred woke up in the hospital. He had that same fear build in him when she crumbled into his arms and when she was drugged. Then when she called him by his name, he couldn't think of anything else that night until he got back. After he took all his armor off by putting it away in the case is when he finally heard the elevator ding. When it opened he saw her step out.
"Hi." He couldn't say anything. He couldn't find the words. She was dressed the same he found her in the library the first night he found her. Lacking the blanket that was replaced with tea instead in her hands. Some snacks too. This must be why she asked when he'd being getting home.
"Hope you didn't get into anymore trouble after saving me...again." She sat the tray down on the table. She moved around him as if she done it thousands of times down here. She was handling this must easier than he was.
"I think you have a lot of questions for me. Safe to ask them now."
"When did you first suspect?"
"When you came home with a stab wound. When I first stitched you up. Only grew from there when you did it more often. Didn't have any proof of anything, but hoped whatever you were doing, you were being smart about it."
"What else?"
"The late nights, the recluse behavior, the black eyeliner. That was a big one. You should probably invest in makeup wipes or Vaseline, both are good at removing that stuff." She couldn't contain her laughter, it infected him as he grinned low.
"But what really gave it away was your eyes. I've lived with you long enough to see them, I saw them up close at the gala. Then tonight when you used your body to shield mine, I got an up close look at the Batman. His eyes belonged to the same man I work for...it couldn't be anyone else." He shouldn't have gotten so close to her. Shouldn't had continued letting her help stitch him back together. He shouldn't had let her continued caring for him or getting closer everyday. To allow himself to be near her as much as he thought he was only ensuring her safety.
But God. When he saw her that day in the interviews he was drawn to her. Then when she was placing flowers at a portrait of people she didn't know. Then the library, the countless times he found her there awake or bundled asleep with a book on her face or in her lap.
But the gala...the gala he knew he had done himself in. He didn't realize what he got himself into when he had Alfred ask her on his behalf. The pearls paired so well with her dress and her. She seemed to step out of the night sky, a sky he hunted under every night. That entire night he felt a peace he hadn't felt in a long time. Just being with her felt like he could hope for himself again. Yet her light never shined on just him, it shined on everyone she met. Part of him was jealous wanting it all for himself.
"I hope this doesn't put make things weird. I can keep a secret and if you want me gone I can do that...but I hope you'd reconsider if you accept my help."
"Help?"
"Let me help you when you go out."
"No." He moved away from her, he couldn't look at it. Maybe it would be best if she left the city. He wouldn't need to worry about her, not be so distracted. When she gripped his arm is when his thoughts stopped.
"Bruce. If you don't want me in the field, fine, but maybe I can help here. Be behind the scenes. I see what you're doing here. I know its good. This is what you do, this is who you are. I want to help. All I ever wanted to do when you first hired me." She turned him, forcing him to look at her though he would do it willingly if it meant he could for eternity.
"Please. This is your legacy. Let me help, I'm sure Alfred will be over the moon that someone other than him will be looking over you." She moved and cupped his face like she did the night she patched him together for the first time. She didn't have a clue how she undid every fiber of him. How she managed to find all the right words. How she managed to do this to him. He shouldn't. But he couldn't stop himself.
His hands found her face and when his lips met hers he felt true bliss. She didn't pull away, no she leaned in. From that alone he felt he would lose it. He pulled her body closer trapping her between the table and him. The longer he kissed her the more he wanted. When he was forced to stop because of the lack of air he managed to take her in again.
Her cheeks flushed while her hands fidgeted in his hair. He felt every breath from her as her chest moved with his. His hands still squeezed her closer. He couldn't let her go, not now.
"Guess that means I'm not fired at least." Her smile grew causing him to sink his head into her neck to hide the small grin. Her laughter vibrated against him as she pulled him closer to her. She held him as he stayed still. He couldn't leave and that terrified him a little, but only a little. The rest was more terrified of her leaving him or being taken from him.
"Stay." When he finally lifted his head her eyes were already on his. He got lost again like the Gala. He was so close to kissing her then. When they had danced together, it was only them. Now truly it was only them.
"Always."
"But you stay here. No field work."
"Its your business, Wayne. I'll be the Oracle. I won't promise though not to come running if you're in trouble that's over your head."
Seems like what she told that little boy, Peter, was right. He was a light to others as Batman. But now, he finally had one of his own.
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gevb-art · 4 months
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Posting a WIP that I might never finish.
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I thought it would be fun to give battison three kids at once because why not.
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shihoerusu · 1 year
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Gala AU with batcat / Jason / Dick
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Thank you @oceanview15 for all the ideas, you are amazing 😭
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werewolf-in-sweaters · 5 months
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Bruce: Dumbest scar stories, go! Clark: I burned my tongue once drinking tea. Dick: I dropped a hair dryer on my leg once and burned it. Jason: I have a piece of graphite in my leg for accidentally stabbing myself with a pencil in the first grade. Tim: I was taking a cup of noodles out of the microwave and spilled it on my hand and I got a really bad burn. Damian: Damian: I have emotional scars.
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oceanview15 · 1 year
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Battinson desperately trying to bake a cake without help from Alfred
Bruce: Ok, beat three eggs. In what? Hand to hand combat?
Alfred watching him like a hawk from the next room: oh bloody hell
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darlingandmreames · 2 years
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I still can't get over how much I love the fact that The Batman didn't have Batman disguise his voice when in the suit. I know the choice was a practical one (and I'm glad Matt Reeves made that decision), but I also absolutely LOVE the way it aligns with this particular iteration of Bruce. This is a Bruce who is PHENOMENALLY uncomfortable in his own skin and his identity as Bruce Wayne. He's a reclusive, mentally ill, highly traumatized man who's extremely uncomfortable in every social interaction he has to endure as Bruce, and we can see that in every aspect of his presence. He's hunched, barely makes eye contact, and just generally gives the sense that he's trying his hardest to sink into the floor.
He's completely different as Batman. There's a confidence and physicality to his presence- he takes up undeniable space in an unapologetic way. Bruce is comfortable as Batman in a way that he isn't as Bruce Wayne. He's still quiet and soft-spoken, and the biggest change in his voice is that it's MAYBE a little deeper at times- otherwise it's just his regular speaking voice. It doesn't matter though because his physical presence is so vastly different as Batman compared to Bruce Wayne that he feels like a completely different person even with the same voice. Pattison's command over his physical presence in and out of the suit is masterful enough that even we as the audience get the sense that these are two different people despite KNOWING that Batman and Bruce Wayne are the same person.
More than that, I think letting Batman have the same quiet voice as Bruce actually ADDS to his physical presence. He's quiet and soft-spoken but he is goddamn THERE and his presence can't be ignored. It really highlights the comfort and confidence Bruce feels as Batman that he very painfully does NOT feel as Bruce Wayne, and I absolutely LOVE that we get to have this contrast. Props to Matt Reeves for making that decision and mega props to Robert Pattinson for being able to convey it all so well
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saint0psy · 3 months
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A lil melancholic batman to ring in the new year 🦇
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daredevil-vagabond · 5 months
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some previews for my pieces in the @gothamhorrorzine !!!! I was paired with @burins as the spot artist for their wonderful writing!!
Pre-orders are open until Nov. 17, and the charity this zine supporting is Bat Conservation International, check out preorders here
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dceuheadcanons · 3 months
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Bruce Wayne played Edward Cullen in twilight as a teen, and every time someone brings it up he seriously considers ditching the no kill rule.
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mrsong11 · 2 years
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"A wedding! A wedding!" Matt give a girl what she wants!
Do not repost!
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