I am the night

If you kill a killer the number of killers in the world remains the same.

[bxtmcn-blog]

zeearataz:

The cascade of water down Bruce’s cape made her laugh, and his small smile brightened her own. Sometimes, especially now with everything going on, a smile from him- genuine, with no persona put on- was like seeing a unicorn, so she enjoyed the sight while she could. She ran a hand through her curls, catching some stray droplets of water before answering, “It’s nice here. Bright, shiny, good restaurants. If I stay any longer I’ll have to stop wasting money on a hotel room, though.” There was always Shadowcrest, her father’s magic mansion that could appear wherever she wished, but the thought of staying alone in the desolate place was not inviting, “And you? I suppose you haven’t had much time to enjoy the sights, but it couldn’t hurt to slow down and look around.”

“If accommodation is a problem, I have several locations in the city that could serve as appropriate living space for you.” She might have been joking. She might not. Either way, it felt polite to offer. “I wouldn’t say I’ve had no time to see the sights. Maybe i haven’t seen them in as relaxing circumstances as I would prefer, but I’ve managed to make my way through all of Metropolis’s landmarks. But you’re right, it is nice, on a night like this, to just take it easy.”

[bxtmcn-blog]

purrsuaded:

         &&. — “WE ONLY COLLIDE WHEN I PLAN TO,” SHE WAS FAR TOO GRACEFUL for anything else, “but no, I you never truly call me. It’s against your rules.” Selina on the other hand hardly had any rules at all and cavorting with her ‘enemy’ was definitely fair game. But she looked at him with curiosity as she waited to hear what he called her there for, considering that was unprecedented. “Tell me more…”

“Well, how should I put this...” There was no delicate way of saying it. “I want you to help me break into a house.” Bruce pulled up a holographic display of a large country estate, projecting from his gauntlet. “The target in question recently purchased, at auction, one of the worlds largest emeralds. The emerald is, in fact, a large piece of kryptonite, and i don’t want it in irresponsible hands. I want you to help me take it back. And it may be of some interest to know that the target has foreclosed on three orphanages in Gotham in the last five years, including the one you grew up in. What do you say? The car’s ready to go.”

[bxtmcn-blog]

gwendolyned:

         ☆*. “OH I DON’T THINK I COUNT YOU IN THAT, YOU’RE ALREADY A LOT KINDER than any of the others I’ve met,” she hummed as they rounded a corner and he looked over at her. “True enough, I’m sure my dad will be pushing it a lot more now soon, considering the weather change and everything else. I’m sure he’s already looking for somewhere else for us all to live.”

“Maybe I’m kind. Maybe I just needed something to pass the time the during the day.” Bruce smiled thinly. “I hate to say it, but he’s probably right. It’s a strange world we live in, some travel might be a good experience for someone your age. I know it did wonders for me.”

[arsenalxroyharper]

When Roy received the text from Bruce, both of his brows rose high. What on Earth did Bruce want? Sure, Roy was currently crashing at Jason and Koriand’r’s loft, so he expected Bruce to talk about his former sidekick with Roy. However, he decide to slid into his red leather suit, just in case the man didn’t want to talk but fight. Plus, it was a better to come over armed, he never knew what could cross that broody man. Batman was a mentor, just like Green Arrow, and Roy knew they could go kind of crazy sometimes - Oliver shot Roy’s leg on purpose to train him, he was still not over it after all this time. Roy stepped out of the darkness slowly, chin up. He nodded, his eyes looking around. “No problem. What’s going on?” The tone of Batman’s voice couldn’t foresee anything good.

[bxtmcn-blog]

Bruce shifted uncomfortably. Even before Roy had split off from Oliver, Bruce had never really talked to him about anything that wasn’t business. “I’m afraid I have to ask you a favour. I know you’re running with Jason now, and the Tamaranean princess.” He took a step towards Roy. “Look, I know that Jason has had his problems, and god knows it’s caused no small amount of arguments between us. But there’s something I need to know. You and Oliver always played too... rough for my liking, and I’ve heard that Starfire is a law unto herself. Jason swears he’s holding back now, but it’s my duty to ask. Are the three of you using lethal methods in my city?”

[sclsticed]

The rain was pouring down, causing Kiran’s hair to plaster to her face. Perhaps her outfit wasn’t the proper attire to be wearing in this weather, but there was a constant heat on her skin that ensured she never felt cold.  ❝ You wanted to see me? ❞ she stated, sounding less like a question. Besides the bat-light, Kiran was the only light that could be found on this roof.  ❝ Yes? Did something happen? ❞

[bxtmcn-blog]

Bruce was blunt and straightforward, as he was with everyone that he did not know intimately. “Solstice.” He said, without emotion. “Real name Kiran Singh, from Delhi. I’ve met your parents. Your dossier crossed my table when Red Robin was recruiting for the Titans. Your powers are.... interesting. I’ve not seen anything like them. So I hope you don’t mind that I’m doing my due diligence if you’re going to be working with my partner, and if you’re serious about entering our world, I need to make sure that you’re not going to be a liability. Have you been trained at all?” Bruce knew he was being cruel, and regretted it. But this life was a cruel one, and the young hero needed preparing.

[magicmistrcss]

Special calls from other heroes for magic matters were nothing new, but when Bruce was involved Zatanna could never be too sure about what would happen next. She’d teleported with a spell up to the rooftop, then took a moment to gather herself before walking towards his imposing figure. Teleporting was always a little disorienting, and the rain didn’t help. Not wanting to get wet, she spoke a quiet spell to keep the rain off of the both of them. He probably didn’t need it- probably preferred the rain for the ambiance it gave- but if she was going to shield herself it would be impolite to not cover him too ”Allerbmu. And of course, anytime.”

[bxtmcn-blog]

Noticing the change in the weather around him, Bruce rolled his shoulders, sending a shower of rainwater cascading down his back. He allowed himself a brief smile: he had always appreciated how Zatanna remembered the small courtesies over the course of their long friendship.He nodded in greeting. “Zatanna. You look well, does the city agree with you?” He knew he should get straight to the issue and avoid small talk; but the last few weeks had been rough, and a moment of human interaction was exactly what he needed.

[purrsuaded-blog]

         &&. — HIS REQUEST WAS FAR FROM EXPECTED, LET ALONE LIKE THIS, BUT she knew if he leaned on her, then it must be his last resort. After all, he’d wanted her to lie low before, be careful so her safety wasn’t his, as though she couldn’t care for herself and keep herself safe – maybe he would prefer her incarcerate than on the streets, but that wasn’t what he was going to get. A building away, she ran and vaulted herself across the space only to flip and land upon her feet with grace and silence before walking toward him and his shadow. “Only time you call me. Isn’t it, Bat?”

[bxtmcn-blog]

“Have I previously called you? Or do we just run into each other? Collide, even.” He shifted uncomfortably, aware that what he was about to ask would give her a hold on him for the foreseeable future. “Nevertheless, that’s why I asked you to meet with me. I have a situation in which your..... less than lawful talents may be of some use to me, if you’re interested.”

[prevgwendolyned-blog]

         ☆*. “YOU’RE RIGHT,” SHE SMILED, ALREADY APPRECIATING HIS PHILOSOPHY, at least with that, in life. “Oh no, it’s fine, I’ll just have to remember to drive my car more. It’s weird, I didn’t used to have the chance, since being younger than sixteen and all,” she chuckled. “Definitely. You don’t get to do that every day. I mean millionaires are so passe,” Gwen joked. “I see at least three of those every day.”

[bxtmcn-blog]

“Well that can’t be very exciting, we tend to be a tedious bunch.” He looked her up and down, sizing her up. “The city can be pretty dangerous for someone your age, now more than ever. Taking a car might be the safest thing to do, especially at night.”

[bxtmcn-blog]

It felt good to be in uniform. Since coming to Metropolis, opportunities for his nightly activities had become few and far between. Feeling the rain on his face, he reflected on how, with all the scrutiny on Bruce Wayne, the masquerade had become that much more dangerous. But that was not what he had to focus on. Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned, his face indecipherable. “Thank you for coming.” His voice was level, without a hint of emotion. “There’s something we need to discuss.”

[prevgwendolyned-blog]

         ☆*. “OH YEAH, FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE AND MY DAD WAS OUT OF THERE, it’s such a shame that had to happen, it was a good memorial and a lovely party. I don’t see why anyone felt the need to ruin it,” she breathed, suddenly sorry she brought it up for the moment, she bounced back easily, though, like a rubberband. “Well, thank you. I know there’s people here who aren’t so keen to help, so it means a lot. Keeps me from sending them flying or falling on my face which is good,” she joked. “Probably should have drove here, though. Would have made this easier.”

[bxtmcn-blog]

“Ha, maybe, but no use thinking about what could have been. Besides, next time I can send Alfred with the car, if you like.” He chuckled, imagining Alfred’s reaction if Bruce lent him out as a chauffeur for hire. “At least this way you got some fresh air, exercise, and met a billionaire.”

[prevgwendolyned-blog]

         ☆*. SHE HATED TO INTERRUPT SOMEONE’S DAY, BUT SHE ALSO HOPED there was some kindness in the world and she would get a yes. She should have realized who it was when she asked, but now she did when he spoke to her and was grateful he said yes, even going as far as laughing when he teased her. “Oh no, I’m sure you’ll be fine,” the blonde grinned. “Gwen. And you are… Bruce Wayne. I was at your event until my dad smuggled me away. He’s very protective, comes with the ex NYPD territory. It’s just a couple blocks. I hope I’m not keeping you from anything,” she added as she started leading him. “I’d hate to do that, but thank you.”

[bxtmcn-blog]

Bruce’s smile briefly dipped. “The event? Well, I certainly hope you were out of there before the.... unpleasantness. That’s not something for someone your age to see.” He adjusted his grip on the books and began to follow her. “But no, you’re not keeping me from anything. I always have time to lend a hand.”

[bxtmcn-blog]

Hey everyone, just wanna say sorry for not being very active recently, I’ve had to do some holiday cover at other departments at work which has sometimes meant working overnight until 7am, and I’ve just been exhausted. But I’m back now, hoping to get more involved, will start replying to stuff more often :)

[prevgwendolyned-blog]

         ☆*. SEVERAL BOOKS WERE IN HER HANDS, PILED AND RESTING AGAINST her chest and abdomen. It was a precarious balance and she definitely held more than she should, but she was trying considering she hadn’t drove to the library, and she had a block or two back home to walk. It wasn’t the best and she realized that as they nearly fell when she bounced down the steps and onto the sidewalk before clearing her throat to talk to the nearest person. “Pardon? Would you… Mind helping me carry these home? Seems I am carrying too many… Please?”

[bxtmcn-blog]

Bruce paused has he was getting into his car, checking his watch. Yeah, he had time. He instructed Alfred to circle the block, before turning to the young woman behind him. “I suppose I could take a few.” Taking them in his hands, he feigned a look of exhaustion. “At least I won’t have to go to the gym today! Shall I follow you, Miss....?”

[lethxlscngbird]

“Could it not be perhaps, he doesn’t want the game to change? Whether he believe you to be Bruce Wayne or not, he didn’t want anyone but him to uncover the fact?” She asked taking a long sip of her coffee watching him over her mug thoughtfully. “You are the most mysterious man I know, even after all these years it is indeed troubling that there is someone who escapes you so…”

[bxtmcn-blog]

Bruce was quiet. He had, of course, considered that possibility. The Joker’s whims changed on a coin flip, it was entirely possible that his obsession with Batman would lead to a desire to uncover that final secret before anyone else. Hearing Diana voice the theory lent it considerable credibility, as it reassured Bruce that he wasn’t always the overly-paranoid shut in that some of the League considered him to be. Although he did find the idea of being mysterious slightly amusing. “On the contrary, I’ve never made any great attempts at mystique. I’ve always been honest about myself to you and the League, and allowed myself my secrets, as we’re all entitled. And that night proved one thing: that the Joker will never escape me. Be it me, or.... another, he’ll always face justice for what he’s done.” Bruce swivelled on his chair to face her. “And that’s our most important outcome.This... other Batman won’t escape either. Whatever his intentions may be.” 

[lethxlscngbird]

“We were in a room full of heroes, some less concerned with secret identities than others, it might have gotten a bit messier but we’d have been fine. What I’m concerned with is why the Joker would attack in the first place, and how there was another man in your suit there so conveniently if you had nothing to do with it. Do you think that was Joker’s plan altogether to clear your name? Because from where I was standing he didn’t put up too much of a fight.”

[bxtmcn-blog]

“I don’t know. The Joker has never shown any interest in knowing Batman’s civilian identity before. For him, it would ruin the game if he could get to me that easily. Perhaps he was hoping Batman would show up and stop him. I’m sorry, but even after all these years I can never be entirely sure of his motives. It’s why he’s always been so dangerous. If you don’t know someone’s motives, you can’t predict their moves.” By the end, Bruce wasn’t necessarily talking exclusively about the Joker.

[purrsuaded-blog]

         &&. — “YEAH, YEAH. I GET IT,” SHE FROWNED AND SHOOK HER HEAD. “You’d think a man who can get through the night undetected would be able to make it somewhere like a downtown apartment on the wrong side of the tracks without being caught, but it’s not worth trying.” Her eyes were no longer on them because they couldn’t be. “So you just going to leave now or?” Or should she leave first so she doesn’t have to watch him go? That would hurt less. But oh well.

[bxtmcn-blog]

Bruce was quiet for a long time. There was nothing to say. There always was, and always would be, too much unsaid. That was just the way his life had turned out. For a moment he opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Somewhat weakly, he cupped her cheek in one hand for a single moment. Then, silently, as always, he turned and disappeared into the black night.

[purrsuaded-blog]

         &&. — “I PUT MYSELF INTO DANGER THAT I KNOW I CAN HANDLE, HOW DO you think I always get away with it? It’s not always you letting me go or you interfering,” she felt her lips purse and let out a soft sigh. “I don’t drag you into anything, you just have a knack for finding me and not stepping back,” her lips curled then and she shook her head. “I know you can’t.” Selina swallowed and looked out toward the skyline. He was good, so good, and she resigned before looking back and seeing his sullen face, but his honest eyes. “You know I get bored when there’s no trouble for me to be in,” she stepped closer. “I can’t make any promises, but I can buy you a drink… Or serve you one at my place.”

[bxtmcn-blog]

She tested him, as always. Of all his battles, keeping this part of his life separate was always the hardest. “You know we can’t be seen together. If anyone knew that we were... associates, that puts you in danger, and I can’t have that on my conscience. You know that.” He briefly revealed a slight, sad smile. “As always, in another life, perhaps.”