more “had to be held back by multiple people to avoid a fight” in the JL except it’s a mess of powerscaling and awkwardness so when they do lose it, J’onn is holding Hal back by thinking really hard about yellow, Batman took Superman down to the floor one time and Superman let him because he was terrified of accidentally ripping Batman’s arm off, 4 separate League members tried to hold Diana back once from decking an asshole planetary ambassador and it only worked because Aquaman wedged his trident around her chest and it reacted strangely with her lasso. the speedsters just hold each others’ pinkies. no one is brave enough to try and hold Batman back except Superman and that always ends with him flying Batman somewhere high up so he can’t wiggle out and hurt himself. Etc etc
in the dc universe if you dare to say you want to be more like hal jordan, bruce immediately locks onto your location and hauls you to an intervention. it happened to my buddy arthur
summary: when identities get revealed, of course everyone wants to meet up. bruce is forced to host the weirdest brunch he’s ever been to.
pairings: husband!bruce wayne x wife!reader. members of the batfamily, and other members of the justice league.
warnings: brief mention of bondage. probably ooc (especially at the end lmao. but we all know that canon batfamily rarely ever actually TALK to each other so we deal with it through fanon). also i think it’s sorta rushed but i need to be free from these demons.
dividers by: @saradika-graphics and @cafekitsune
a/n: YALL IM SORRY IT TOOK ME SO LONG. writers block is my biggest opp. thank you sm for 400+ followers!!
taglist (i feel so professional now lmao): @koreluvsspring @theoraekenslover @my-loved-figure-skates @iluvoaldmen @himikoquack @moongirl27 @justheretoreadmydear and @kiki4554 but for some reason i can’t tag you (?)
- MASTERLIST
- part 1, part 2:
Bruce likes to keep the main two aspects of his life very seperate.
At home, he has his family. You, dick, jason, tim, cass, damian, duke, and alfred. Stephanie and barbara too. It can be loud and chaotic, but it’s what he looks forward to when he’s at the office.
And yes, his family and the vigilante life overlap sometimes. he doesn’t mind that.
However, the justice league and his civilian life have been very far apart. And now, as he looks at each different person sitting at the garden table outside, he wonders how he was convinced to do all this.
Bruce didn’t want to, and had no plan of revealing identities anytime soon. It was months before anything happened.
And during those months, he noticed everything.
He noticed how there always seemed to be at least one pair of League eyes on him. It was quite irritating, actually. He got through his nightly patrols through Gotham fine, but whenever there was a special mission there was always at least three hands shooting up to join him.
He stopped attending those missions as Batman all together, instead giving instructions to whoever had taken the mission as their own. Instead, he observed as Bruce Wayne.
For instance, there was one time where Green Lantern and Wonder Woman volunteered for something to do with Gotham Racing (pretend that gotham has something similar to F1 pls guys), and you and Bruce were in the audience.
You had your arm linked with Bruce’s when you encountered the pair.
Diana first checked that you were both okay, before she remembered. She gave Hal a side glance, a silent question. Hal’s mind was already working, but his mouth just didn’t match.
“Batman isn’t here,” He had to work Batman into the conversation somehow! “He’s, uh . . . he has other business. That he’s taking care of.”
They both look at your face to see if your expression changes in any way at all. It doesn’t. You just nod a little, seemingly unconcerned. Bruce says, “yes, I can imagine that he works quite hard.”
“You like him, then?” Diana asks. “The Batman?”
Neither Diana nor Hal knows what exactly they’re trying to get out of this conversation. More information, maybe? Or perhaps just some gossip for later.
“Well, he works hard,” Bruce replies. He adds on, “I have great respect for heroes.”
They inwardly groan. It’d be easier if Bruce hated Batman. Instead he has respect for him. Hal wonders how much respect he’d have if he knew how Batman looked at his wife.
Diana looks at you, trying not to make it too obvious.
“Yes, I agree.” You say. “Batman makes an effort to keep Gotham safe. It’s admirable.”
They glance at each other, before saying their goodbyes and departing. Neither of them notice the way that Bruce’s fingers curled around your dress a little tighter.
They don’t hear Bruce murmur, “admirable, hm?”. They don’t see you smile before saying, “well, he can brood a little too intensely at times, but I don’t mind.”
The next meeting Bruce stared particularly hard at Wonder Woman and Green Lantern, as they avoided his eye.
Yes, Bruce noticed those. What he didn’t notice, or didn’t piece together, was Oliver Queen. Bruce doesn’t know Oliver has anything to do with Green Arrow, so he doesn’t know that Oliver knew anything about the little situation.
So, while he found it slightly odd that Oliver started talking about Batman during the charity event, he didn’t link it with anything to do with the League.
“Have you two ever met him?” Oliver asks. “Personally?”
Bruce nods. “I’ve met him a few times. Very brief, though. He likes to keep to himself.”
You add on, “yes, me too. Most times after a crime scene. Oliver, you remember when he fought Scarecrow?”
Oliver nods, “Yeah, I do.” He swallows his pride for the sake of gossip investigating. “Batman’s a good fighter. Very . . . stealthy.”
He looks to Bruce from you. Neither of you provide anything reaction that would cause suspicion. Oliver continues.
“He seems to sneak around at night, have you noticed?”
Bruce chuckles. “Gotham Gazette does tend to call him ‘The Dark Knight’.”
You laugh too, “I think he just likes the dark.”
Oliver hums. He’s trying to gauge something out of this. He doesn’t expect a full blown confession in public, but he wants something to report back to the common room. “I suppose he’s a very private person.”
“Perhaps he’s just smart.” Bruce quips, a tad too quickly. He takes a drink. Oliver sees you give Bruce a small grin before you looked at him.
“I imagine he doesn’t want to give out information about himself.” You say smoothly. “With villains like Gotham, it wouldn’t be smart to show vulnerability.”
Oliver nods. “Of course.” He drops the topic.
One time, Flash was called to save Bruce Wayne from his latest kidnapping. It isn’t exactly a rare occurrence, given his status. So, Flash takes the mission without a second thought.
It’s only when he actually returns Bruce to his manor that he’s reminded of his teammates crush on the man’s wife. But it’s too late now because you’re at the door, and now you’re getting closer-
Flash watched as you practically grabbed Bruce. Your fingers dug into his shirt, your eyes anxiously scanning him for injuries. Bruce getting kidnapped is a happens-more-often-than-any-of-us-would-prefer, but it doesn’t mean that you get less worried each time.
Bruce calms you with words of assurance, showing you that he’s alright. You still don’t let go of him, even when you thank Flash multiple times.
Flash sees first hand how much you both care about another, and chews the inside of his cheek when he thinks about Batman.
And then Nightwing was questioned. He was with Superman, helping with surveillance. The older man was sitting next to Dick, pausing for a second before speaking.
“So, you and Batman are quite close.”
Dick grinned a little. “He trained me for seven years, so I guess.” Dick gave Clark a questioning look. “Are you trying to figure out what to get him for his birthday again, even though you don’t actually know when it is?”
“No, not that.” Clark shook his head. “I’m just wondering if he has any . . .” he cleared his throat, trying to push down the incredible awkwardness he felt. “. . . infatuations with anybody.”
Dick blinked and was silent for a second before his face softened. “Oh, Supes, that’s really sweet but I don’t think Batmans into guys-“
“No!” Clark exclaimed, flushing. “That’s not why I’m asking! I’m not- I don’t-“
“I mean, I can ask him-“
“No!” Clark groans. He racks his brain for an excuse. “Im just wondering if any other heroes know anything about, you know, being in a relationship. Just . . . it can be hard when you’re a hero.”
“Oh.” Dick thinks. He thinks of Bruce and you, and the challenges of a hero being married to a civilian. The inevitable arguments it sparks up. He really does have empathy for Superman, especially if he’s trying to navigate the same thing. But then he shakes his head. “Batman doesn’t really do relationships.”
Clark nodded. “I see.” Batman isn’t with anybody, and Clark thinks it’s because he’s seemingly loyal to Bruce Wayne’s wife. A woman he has no chance with.
Dick gives him a nudge. “But I can tell you all about me and-“
“That’s quite alright, Nightwing.”
And so that goes on for a while. Bruce learns to live with the unspoken suspicion and subtle questioning. He doesn’t find himself complaining about it, as it’s more entertaining than anything. And he gets to come home to you every evening anyway, so why should he care?
Every night he slides into bed with you, making sure that you both have your arms wrapped around each other. If you’re already asleep, he takes extra care to not wake you, but he will slowly lift your arms to fall around his shoulders.
Every morning he pushes his face into your shoulder, mumbling “five more minutes.” Even if he has to be in a meeting in half an hour, or if there’s already a kid at the door, demanding something or another.
But so far, the League thinks there’s absolutely no chance of anything really happening. Batman is doomed to have a pining for a married woman who simply cares too much about her husband to do that to him. They think there’s no chance that Batman and you could ever be a thing, because, well, you’re much better than that.
That’s until a night in winter.
A message came in through the watchtower. The Riddler had you in his clutches, wanting to play another sick game. When their eyes landed on your name, each pair of eyes landed on Batman, where they noticed he had his fists clenched.
Before anyone could say anything, Batman had already stood and began moving quickly out of the Watchtower.
Under normal, nobody-has-a-crush-on-anyone’s-wife circumstances, the other members would’ve let Batman go. He’s handled the Riddler plenty of times before, and could probably take him down with a simple plan.
But now it was different. Green Arrow and Flash also stood, following him. Oliver had slipped into the Batmobile with a smirk sent towards Batmans grumblings about how it’s “getting ridiculous now,” while Barry ran alongside them.
Batman tracked down where Riddler was keeping you, and they found a dim room where a sound of … shuffling could be heard?
Oliver grabbed a flashlight out of Batmans utility belt, shining on the room before Batman could say anything. They found you, tied to a chair. You had been moving yourself across the room to get closer to the door slowly. With every shuffle of the chair, you had been trying to move your wrists out of the ropes, your skin rubbed raw.
Barry moved towards you before Batman could even take a step. He untied you, already speaking assuring words.
“Yes, yes,” you said, nodding. “Thank you three.”
The two blondes beamed at you, but Batman stayed stoic. However, as Barry swiftly offered to bring you outside, they missed the tiny smile you sent Bruce’s way after catching his eye.
And they missed the way his eyes relaxed under the mask, changing from their narrowed shape to something softer.
After the whole fight with Riddler, the jokes from Barry, the remarks from Oliver, and the steely silence from Batman, the three man began working outside again.
“Huh,” Barry said to Oliver, while Batman walked ahead, he had already rounded the corner while the other two men were at the end of the street. “He didn’t react to her once.”
“Maybe he’s gotten over her.” Oliver said calmly. “I definitely hope so, because it’d be better for all of us.”
“Yeah.” Barry agreed. “I’m actually quite proud of him. It can be really hard to move-“
And that’s when they heard it. Your voice from around the corner, speaking to someone. Someone who they prayed it wasn’t who they thought was.
“You think so?” You said with a grin they could practically hear. “I tried using the self defence you taught me when he grabbed me, but he bound me almost straight away.”
“But you still kept trying, I saw it.” Dammit. The familiar deep voice of their batty coworker met their ears, making the two of them exchange glances of horror.
“Maybe Alfred can give you something for your wrists.” Alfred? The Wayne butler? I’m sorry, is Batman seriously speaking about this woman’s husband’s butler while having an affair with her? Is he officially gone mad?
“Not the first time my wrists have been hurt from bondage.” You replied in a flirty manner, making Oliver almost hurl up his dinner. But it isn’t as bad as the next thing that assaults their ears.
“Quiet.” He mumbles, before the unmistakable sound of lips meeting makes the two other men scramble to actually need to see it with their own eyes.
And lo and behold, against every single odd, there you two are. Mrs Wayne and Batman kissing in a dark Gotham corner. The other two rip back around, practically tripping over each other to return to the Watchtower without being seen.
“So,” Oliver mutters. “Not completely over her.”
Barry groans. “Why can’t he use that stupid self-restraint he’s always going on about? Where is that now when we would it like it most?”
And when Batman returns to his Batmobile a while later, he briefly wonders where his two teammates disappeared to, but decides they probably made their own way home.
Besides, why would he spend his night looking for two perfectly capable men when the promise of you waits at the Manor?
And now he’s confused again when the previously worried and pitying looks he was receiving from his teammates have changed into looks of disappointment, disapproval, and sometimes disgust.
The whole identities ordeal had been gradual. There was no dramatic scene where everyone ripped off their masks. People found out at different times.
Barry and Hal knew each others before anyone else. Bruce, Clark, and Diana knew each others. Oliver and Arthur found out each others. J’onn knew everyone’s the whole time.
but eventually, everyone knew everyone.
When Clark had discovered Batmans identity, his mind went back to the certain meeting about Bruce Wayne’s- er, Batmans wife, he offered an apology to his friend. Diana smirked, focusing on the amusement from the whole situation.
But nobody went as red as Hal did when identities were revealed. The man froze for a second, before stammering an apology out in the most unlike-Hal way. Bruce just hummed, raising a brow.
Oliver just laughed when he realised that Batman, the man that spiked fear in hearts of criminals, and could stare down the whole Justice League, was the same man who always had a hand on his wife’s waist and the other on the scruff of one of his children.
and then Bruce made the horrible mistake of telling you. He told you about how the League knew identities, and you immediately suggested a get-together. Bruce made a few excuses like “we’re really more work colleagues than friends,” but you were already buying ingredients for finger sandwiches.
Oh yeah, he reminded himself. That’s how you got here. She asked you.
It had been bit of an awkward proposal. Bruce had decided to mention it at the end of another meeting.
“I would like you all to attend a lunch at my house.” He had said, as relaxed as he could. Diana raised a brow.
“You?”
“My wife.” Bruce corrected. “She would like to meet you all . . . properly.”
Barry turned to Hal with a look of amusement, silently reminding him about their last joint encounter with Bruce Wayne’s wife. Hal gave him a look that told him to shut up before he said anything.
Bruce continued. “She also invited you all to bring your own families.”
There was a small pause before Clark clapped his hands together. “Brilliant idea!” He exclaimed.
J’onn arrived first. He expressed the value of bring early to events to not be rude, and you simply nodded. He seemed to be similar to Bruce in a way that he had a very stoic demeanour about him, but held empathy underneath. You also noticed he was very intelligent. He also had a fond for Choco cookies, discovered when Alfred offered him some.
Clark and his family arrived second. Jon practically burst through the door, with Conner after him. The two boys quickly went to their respective bat after saying a polite greeting to you and Bruce. Lois came in with a lasagne dish. You took it from her, thanking her, but she said “thank Clark. I’m a hopeless cook.”
You and her got on pretty quickly. She’s sharp-minded, and not much escapes her eyes. Conversation with her is so genuine, but she always has a look that she’s storing the pieces of information that she collects.
Diana and Steve were third. Diana had greeted you with a strong hug before beaming at you. You smiled back, it’s impossible not to. She pressed a bouquet of flowers into your hands, thanking you for your hospitality. Alfred put them in a vase to set on the table.
Steve seemed to linger behind Diana a little, a little awkward while taking in the grand manor. He held his hand out for Bruce to shake, and it seemed like a gesture he had put a great deal of thought into. However, after you all talked, he seemed to become a lot more comfortable. He pulled out a chair for Diana, making you and her exchange a look of simple understanding.
Arthur and his wife arrived precisely on time. He greeted you with a small bow, and offered a “heartfelt greeting”, which you returned. Mera, who once thought that humans were nothing more than barbaric, seemed to relax a little when surrounded by luxury. She entertained you by making small whirlpool in the water in your glass. Nobody can deny the royal presence of the two.
Hal arrived on his own, his entrance quite loud. He grinned at Bruce, exclaiming “nice place, Spooky!”. Bruce didn’t return the enthusiasm, but that didn’t seem to deter him. Now that Hal had gotten over the previous mortification of accusing Batman of being in love with another man’s wife, he was back to his usual self around him.
Hal greeted you by pressing his lips to your knuckles, saying “well, I wasn’t aware anyone as beautiful as you would fall for someone like Bats,” before joining the others outside.
Bruce grumbled beside you about “tactless humour.” You turned to him, a look of slight confusion on your face, “but you always kiss my hand on date nights.”
He knows that you knew what he actually meant, but he still says, “and only I’m allowed to do it,” making you smile before rubbing his arm soothingly.
Oliver, Dinah, and Roy were next. Bruce was positive that they were a little late on purpose. “Oliver’s idea of being ‘fashionably late’,” he murmurs to you. Roy gives you a nod and a “Hiya, mrs (name),” before hurrying off to find Jason.
Dinah shakes her head a little at him before grinning at you. You’ve met before, at more formal events than this. However, Dinah remains unapologetically herself, although that could just be because she’s too stubborn to change.
Barry, and Iris are last. Wally had decided to come along too. He is as jittery as usual, pushing past his aunts legs to say hello to you and Bruce, before walking off in his search of his best friend. Iris apologises for being late.
“Honestly,” she says, “I’m surrounded by the fastest people on the planet and yet we’re late everywhere.”
And now Bruce is sitting outside, watching his civilian life and vigilante life mix. Duke was beside him, talking with Clark about the sun or light. Ace was resting his head on Bruce’s knee, because Bruce kept slipping him little pieces of ham that was spread on the table.
At first, the League members had made their own circle while their partners made another.
You, Lois, Dinah, Mera, and Iris had shared similar experiences with having husbands that like to put themselves in danger, and then talked about your own lives. Steve had drifted from Diana’s side, to the women talking. He stayed by the side for a minute or two, before being invited into the conversation. He had related to being worried about partners, and felt glad that he now had a group to talk about it with.
The children were either running around the garden, or simply talking.
Dick was trying to show Wally a new trick that involved a backflip, but Wally was busy stacking bread rolls in his arms.
Jason was attempting to bring a ladybug closer to him by spreading little crumbs around while Roy talked in his ear.
Cass, Tim, and Conner were sitting at the table, likely complaining about protective parents and the usual teenage problems.
Damian and Jon were crafting their own games, although Damian often claimed that imaginative games were too “simple” for him. Alfred The Cat stayed by the two boys’ ankles. Every so often, Damian would come over beside you to eat a bite or take a drink while Jon did the same beside Lois.
After a while, people mixed a little more and Bruce had drifted away from the League to sit next to you.
Bruce is introverted, but has years of practise to hide it. He’s good at putting on a face for hours. But when he’s around those few select people he’s comfortable with, he’s able to be quiet.
So, he doesn’t notice how he doesn’t feel the need to be the life and soul of this event. His presence is noted, of course. Clark is one of his closest friends, along with other members. There’s also seven kids here that appear at his side every so often to sit and eat before running off again.
He doesn’t feel the need to make any exaggerated statements. Everyone here has seen him as Batman, stoic and untouchable. He can comfortably listen and talk when he wants to. He decided not to confront the fact that he feels comfortable enough around these people to do so.
With Bruce being a few feet away, Hal leaned forward.
“So, when are we all going to address the fact that Bats managed to get married?”
Barry gave Hal a look. “Can you stop calling him that? You know his name now.”
“Never.” Hal said shortly before continuing. “I need information. How did he get her to stay with him?”
Iris raised her eyebrows. “He’s Bruce Wayne, Hal. That’s how.”
Barry turned his head to her. “What does that mean?”
“Nothing, Bar.”
Hal spoke again before Barry could open his mouth. “Yeah, I get that he’s Bruce Wayne, but eventually she found out about Batman. What could he have possibly said so she didn’t turn and run? I mean, it’s Spooky. I didn’t know he could feel positive emotions.”
Iris shrugged. “You’d be surprised what women are into.”
Barry looked alarmed for the second time in the short conversation. “What women are-“ He spluttered, giving Iris a questioning look. “Are you into- . . . is this a general thing?”
“Barry, listen to me.” Hal pressed, “are we sure she isn’t under some voodoo magic?”
Iris sighed. “Why are you confused by their marriage?”
“It’s Batman, Iris.” Hal said, as if that was answer enough. “I know it’s Bruce Wayne too, but it’s Batman. Who has the patience?”
“Her, obviously.”
“How do you think their wedding went?” Barry grinned, before putting two of his fingers behind his head to mimic Batmans ears. He continued in a much deeper voice than his own, “I, Batman, promise to love you in sickness and in health, in justice and in vengeance.”
Instead of laughing, the three sitting with Barry went silent. Hal was looking over Barry’s head at something behind him, and Iris just smirked at Barry as if she knew something he didn’t.
Barry blinked and lowered his hand. “At least give me a pity chuckle.”
Hal shook his head a little. Barry paused for a second before realising.
“Who was that meant to be? I only caught the last words.” A familiar deep voice came from behind him. Barry turned, mustering up the best expression of relaxation that he could manage. His eyes followed Bruce as he sat down beside him.
“Um. You know . . . I was doing an impression of Megatron getting married.” Barry got out, while Iris tried not to laugh beside him. “ . . . From Transformers. Because he has a deep voice.”
“I know who Megatron is.” Bruce said with classy ease. “Jason used to love the series. Tim enjoys the films.”
“Ah.” Barry leaned back a little, scratching his neck. He avoided Hal’s eye. “Well. There you go.”
Across the table, Lois was talking to you about a similar thing.
“I knew about you and Bruce since it was announced years ago, but I always thought it was you and Bruce.” She said. “Not Batman.”
You grin. “That is what most people think.”
Lois leaned forward, her hand underneath her chin. “You know what I’m going to ask, right?”
“How is Bruce and Batman so different?” You guessed. But Lois shook her head.
“I’m well aware that most famous people have different personalities. Although Bruce’s is quite a step further.” She slightly teased. “I’m sorta wondering how the dating thing went. I mean, Batman is very . . . distant from practically everything. But you obviously changed something in him.”
You smile.
Bruce was sitting across from you, dressed in a very fancy suit that you probably couldn’t afford if you worked for ten years straight. The low lights from the fancy restaurant lit up his face in a way that made him look almost angelic.
He was doing his best to look at ease, but inside his head he was wondering what he should do. ‘Should I hold her hand? Or is that too forward? Would she like that? Is she expecting it? You’ve been on enough dates to know this, Bruce, how don’t you know this???’
You cleared your throat, making Bruce’s eyes flicker to yours and his racing mind stops. He isn’t panicking over how his hair looks or what his next move should be, and instead he waits for your next words.
“I’ve never been here before,” you say, glancing around.
Bruce responds, “I’ve only been here once. A dinner party a year or two ago.”
“Ah.”
Bruce analyses everything about you. Your fingers are playing with a loose thread on your clothes, as if you’re trying to half-hide it. Your posture is more fixed than usual. Your eyes dart around every so often to other people in the restaurant. Men in suits and ties, women in designer clothes and real gold jewellery. Your feet shuffle every few seconds underneath the table, as if you are far too conscious of them and you aren’t sure where they should be. You haven’t made much conversation with him as usual, and when you do speak, your voice isn’t as strong.
He comes to a conclusion. You aren’t comfortable.
He reassures himself that you aren’t uncomfortable because of him. He knows you, you wouldn’t have accepted a date with him if you didn’t like him. He knows you aren’t comfortable because this is uncharted territory for you.
Bruce gives you a smile and leans forward. “You don’t like it here.”
Your eyes widen a little at his words, looking at him with surprise. “No!” You claim quickly, before lowering your voice. “No, that isn’t- I mean, I haven’t even tried the food yet.”
“The food isn’t the reason you don’t like it.” He raises his eyebrows a little. He isn’t accusing you of anything, or making you out to be ungrateful. He’s just stating a fact.
“I do like it here.” You say, as if that finalised the matter. Your eyes scan the menu, and you catch sight of some dishes you’ve never heard of before. “It’s very nice. A . . . um, great selection of food.”
Bruce made a small humming noise, pretending to look over the menu.
When the waiter came over to take your orders, he noticed how you ordered one of the cheapest things on the menu. He wasn’t sure if it was intentional, since all the choices were quite lavish so it wasn’t like you were depriving yourself of anything. But it made him wonder. Everything you do always does.
You two ate your appetisers while making conversation. Stories from childhood was exchanged (although Bruce was a little more cagey with his), and embarrassing incidents from teenage years were laughed over.
But when the plates were clear and taken away, you were silent again. Nervous, judging by the small tapping of your fingers against each other. You grew conscious of yourself.
“I don’t really like it here.”
You look up, giving Bruce a puzzled look. “You finished your plate.”
He shrugged. “Yeah, but I didn’t enjoy it much.” He looked around, leaning back and sighing a little. “Do you know any place better?”
You raised your eyebrows. “Any place better than . . . this? No Bruce, I don’t know a place better than a restaurant with a chandelier in every room.”
Bruce’s face fell, expressing great disappointment. “That’s a shame. I sort of want to go somewhere else.”
And whatever Bruce Wayne wants, he gets.
So, after claiming that it was “far too stuffy”, he paid the bill and took your hand outside the restaurant.
He didn’t call a driver, or a cab, which would’ve been the safe option in Gotham. Yes, Bruce wanted to keep you safe, but he also really wanted to walk with you. He purposely slowed down when walking past food sellers to see if your eyes lingered on anything. A few minutes later, you were telling him a story that happened in one of the small diners in the quieter part of Gotham. Bruce immediately suggested going there.
“You don’t want to go there,” you shook your head a little. “You’re wearing a suit and-“
“And I want to go there.” He can get a bit cheeky with you sometimes.
And now you watched him slowly eat a slice of pizza, his chewing careful as ever. One would say that you both look a little ridiculous, sitting in a rundown diner with a suit and dress. You look at Bruce.
“Why did you want to leave to come to this place?” You ask.
Bruce stayed calm. “I already told you, I didn’t like the food at the other place.”
You raised an eyebrow. “You know I don’t believe that.”
Bruce paused for a second before setting his pizza down. He’s able to put on a mask for hundreds of people. He can lie easily through his teeth to people he cares about. He’s able to track down the most hidden secretive of Gotham. But he can’t figure out how you see through him everytime.
“I just thought that it was a bit awkward there.” He said slowly. “I was a bit too conscious of myself, I think. Just because of the . . . atmosphere there.”
You think for a moment before nodding. “I think I felt the same.” You smile a little.
Bruce grins back at you.
“That’s actually quite sweet.” Lois said, quickly bringing you back to the present. “Very thoughtful.”
“Surprised?” You said.
“He’s a man, (Name),” she said without missing a beat. “You get surprised when any one of them is thoughtful.”
You laughed, looking down.
A minute later, Clark slid into a chair beside Bruce. “She’s lovely.” He said, his head giving a small nod towards you. “Lois always managed to get interviews with her before I had the chance, and I can see why she was so eager to meet again.”
Bruce nodded. It doesn’t matter who spoke praise for you, Bruce would agree. The Joker himself could compliment you and Bruce would be compelled to take a moment to agree and bask in you.
“I remember the first time you two appeared at a gala together.” Clark smiled. “And now married with six kids!”
Bruce had an easy expression in his face that only comes when he thinks about his family. His memory brings him back to the first gala Clark mentioned.
“Bruce!” You called from your en-suite bathroom on your shared bedroom. “Do these earrings look nice? I don’t know if they go with my makeup or not.”
Bruce appeared in the doorway, taking a look at you before moving to put his arm around your waist.
“You look beautiful, darling.” He said quietly, pressing a kiss to your neck. He’d prefer to kiss your cheek or lips, but he knew you’d fuss if he smudged your makeup. “You always do.”
“Thank you,” you said, grinning for a moment before your face was serious again. “But seriously, do the earrings look okay?”
“Yes,” He replied. “They look as gorgeous as the woman wearing them.”
You bit back a laugh as you tutted. “Always with the flirting.”
“Not flirting if I’m simply telling the truth.”
It was safe to say you were nervous. It was the first time you would be surrounded by people in a completely different class to you. You don’t want to seem like the clueless girl who didn’t know her way around a room, and hoped that Bruce would at least give you some advice on how to act. But when you asked him, he just replied with, “I usually just pretend to listen and then I smile and nod. Sometimes you can sneak a few minutes of sleep if they’re particularly too wrapped up in themselves.”
But you didn’t want to fall asleep while talking to someone. You wanted to be refined, and, well . . . fit in.
So when you arrived at the gala, you smiled for the cameras beside Bruce, while he walked with you with a hand around your waist. Bruce never lingered too long outside these events, instead preferring to get inside as soon as he could. But you decided to turn at the last second to blow a kiss to the reporters, making the flashes of light increase significantly.
Bruce tugged you in with the tired grin, as if he already half-expected you to make a little show.
“First night in public with me and you’re already sucking up to the cameras.” He said.
“Have to make an impression.” You shrugged.
And after, when you two walked out of the event back to the car, reporters were already scribbling down different article titles about the lipstick marks on Bruce Wayne’s neck.
You and Bruce went through all the different phases of marriage. The newlywed stage (which makes your cheeks heat up whenever you recall the honeymoon), the familiarisation stage, the adopting-every-child-you-find-on-the-street stage (which you’re almost sure that not every couple goes through), and now here.
It’s not a traditional family, in a sense. It’s certainly not normal or average. But nobody’s life in this family has been even close to normal. And yes, arguments happen. Ranging from teasing bickering to real shouting matches, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is the fact that you get past it. You work on it. Together.
And Bruce Wayne is further in his life than he ever thought he would be.
{Aka, Danny on vacation causes some (a lot of) panic.}
{Inspired by Leviathan Danny and Eldritch Danny fics, though it'll probably go off its own way in the future if I decide to keep posting my writing. But for right now, this is just build up. Maybe in the future I'll post more of my wips or oneshots. There wont be any beta reading for this so it might be all over the place.}
{Likely wont be any real dialogue since I don't think I'd give them any justice}
After the incident, the Fenton household became all too much sometimes. Having to constantly pretend that, no, he wasn't a dead preteen, and no, his parents' negligence didn't kill him. He needed a place to go to just escape from the stress. The fear. Even if he insisted that he wasn't scared of his parents, there was that fear in the back of his head of if he was caught or if his parents ended up not taking him being half dead well.
Danny didn't know where he'd go in the beginning, following wherever his core took him. He followed it as if he already knew where he was going cause his core was confident in its own instincts.
Plenty of times, this led him to leaving out his window in the middle of the night only to return at the break of dawn or not at all. But while neither of his parents seemed to notice his escapades, Jazz definitely did. She didn't push, not much, considering when he came back, he seemed lighter than when he left. Once she confirmed it wasn't anything too illegal or dangerous, she let him have this.
Despite staying up most nights, his core was kept fed and it was enough to keep him up. But even that could only get him so far.
Since they were kids, Jazz was always the one to take care of Danny. Their parents tended to get so caught up in their own obsessions that they forgot all of their other responsibilities. Sure, it was worrying that Danny barely slept outside of mid class naps. But he was still eating and looked pretty healthy if not more so than before. She could only hope that Danny wasn't getting into trouble. Jazz knew hovering over his shoulders wouldn't help him, but she would be there for when he needed her.
Between his school life and hero life, Danny found himself wandering more. Finding himself on roofs or in the park, just staring up at what stars he could see. For now, it was plenty enough for him to satisfy his obsession. He had his books and star maps, and a well loved telescope, but there was something missing. It wouldn't be till his first time in the Ghost Zone that he would find what it was.
That weightless feeling. Sure he felt weightless when flying or floating just above the ground, but in the zone, somewhere as infinite as space, the experience felt new all over again. He was pretty sure that all the emotions in the realms were affecting him more than he thought. But it wasn't like he was complaining. Not when it came to space.
It turns out, even outside of the Infinite Realms there were ways of recreating the feeling of being untethered to the world around him.
The first time after the portal incident that the Fentons went on a vacation to the beach, he felt that familiar pull of his core. It wasn't often Maddie and Jack put down their current project for family bonding, but at the request (guilt tripping) of Jazz they agreed it wouldn't hurt to take time off for the summer.
So the odd family found themselves on a long awkward road trip. Despite their promises, there were a few gadgets and gizmos in their luggage, but it could've been worse. Not everything went as planned- awful traffic, running out of gas, getting a flat tire- it ended up being a long two day drive.
In the end it was worth it.
The whole idea of a vacation started to look up when they found themselves in Maine looking over the horizon of the coastline. It had been a few months since Danny half died. By now he came to accept that fact. He had mourned his short life despite somewhat being alive still. He had better control over his ghost form and the powers that came with it.
He enjoyed the time off. Both during the day and night. But at night, there was much less light pollution here than in Amity Park. He could see more stars in the sky than he had ever in his life. The view was enough to reignite his obsession with space. And at night, when he went out back to the beach to stare into the abyss, Danny found himself floating once more. Drifting not too far from shore. Staring at the stars above for hours till it was like he too was floating aimlessly with the stars and planets themselves.
The following morning, Maddie woke up to find Danny already out on the beach. It wasn't horribly early when she got up, so she just assumed he hadn't been out for long. And that was good enough for her. Though, she did seem to be happy with how much Danny was enjoying himself.
Maddie swore she hadn't seen him this happy for what felt like forever. He was as happy as the night Danny got his telescope, stars in his eyes and all. Perhaps this was what the family needed. It brought back the look of child like wonder that she loved. One she wished she had been the cause of, though seeing it again all but made up for that. Maddie was just happy to have found something they could bond over.
Watching Jack pick Danny up over his head and toss him in the water only to be followed by the laughter of both her kids and her husband was enough to make this part of their norm. Yeah, she loved every bit of her work life, but she loved her family more. No matter how many things she forgot to do or how many responsibilities she neglected in the process. In the end, she loved her family more than anything.
The sentiment was shared with Jack, who beamed at getting to have this much fun with his family. He was a little disappointed that neither Jazz nor Danny was this happy when it came to ghosts, oh but look at them! Even if Jack wasn't the most (emotionally) intelligent person ever, he could tell Danny had been down in the dumps for a bit. But look at him now, he was so happy!
Both Jack and Maddie had the same thought, "maybe they should do this more often."
On the second night of the oddly relaxing get away, Danny ventured a bit father than the night prior. relaxing to the point he felt one with the waves. He found himself lucky he didn't exactly need to breath anymore.
After some time, he started to sink into the watery depth, feeling his core expand to match the vastness of the briny deep. He hadn't even realized he went ghost up until then. The other thing he failed to notice was just how far he had floated this time. At least being this far from shore he didn't have to worry about getting caught by ghost hunters, his parents or otherwise.
He was already out this far, he might as well explore while traveling back. So in all his new massive forms glory, he allowed himself to sink further down. To his surprise, while he was still close enough to see the the massive light house from the shore, he was also far enough to come across a small pod of whales, along with many other schools of fish.
For a brief moment it felt like he belonged there. Remoras deemed him good enough to try to stick to him while still tangible. Like he was just another whale or shark they were hitching a ride on. The smaller of the life around him startled at him movements and the push of the water around him.
After minutes? Hours? of swimming, his core tug once more. Deeming the spot he had come across the perfect spot. To take in the surrounding wild life, the small groups and schools that found their way to him once he rested. It was deep enough to where the moon illuminated the water above him, yet, where he sat remained quite dark. Though, maybe that was from his shadow. Casting over the sand and drop offs.
If he had to describe what he was feeling, it would be at peace. He may not be in space, but he felt just as weightless, save the pressure of the water. It was the closest thing he could find that felt like floating in the great beyond. Not like he actually knew what space was like, though if he had to say, it would be like this but better.
If he thought more on it, if he did get the chance to go to space, he was unsure if he'd ever come back down. Not only would he get this feeling and the view, both would be at the very least ten times better. He'd end up so entranced that he would never come back to earth or lose track of time. Knowing himself, he might forget that he's still half human and end up accidentally fully dying in space. Had to wonder how that development would turn for his ghost half, dying in the one place he dreamed of going to. The same place the became a part of him in the form of an obsession.
Case and point, time passing only registered to Danny as he watched the sun cast a brighter light over the water above. He hadn't even noticed the moon setting, let alone the sun beginning to rise. Once time made sense to him again, Danny was off back to the hotel. On the fly in the direction of the light house, he grew conscious of his new form and reverted back to his normal Phantom self. And what was left in his resting place were some few Atlanteans with bated breaths. Because What, the FUCK, was that?! A fucking Leviathan??? But it was small??? Only the size of a whale. Was it a baby. Oh gods it would get bigger! Was it dangerous? Did they have to fear the Leviathan, or would they be fine if it was left unbothered.
And it kept happening. After the first siting, the (probably baby) Leviathan came back. Always at night, the left in the morning. It barely even noticed them. It acknowledged the fish swimming around it and it was aware of how its movements sometimes made the fish shrink back and flee. To the few Atlanteans that decided it was better to understand the infant Levi than fear it right out the gates, it was almost endearing that the giant tried so hard to not disturb the ecosystem much. The thing was just so curious, even with its deep reflective eyes, they could see how taken it was with how the (in comparison) small fish reacted. And like the day before, it would "play" with the fish then grow still looking up to the surface, and at the break of dawn it would snap out of the trance and leave.
It would be twice more, making it a week, till the babe Levi didn't come back, leaving only the spot it laid. Nothing else was left behind but the imprint of it. But the few days it was watched, it painted Leviathans in a different light. It was young and curious, just as an Atlantean's young would be. Nothing from its actions painted it as a fearsome predator, nothing beside the sheer size of it. Not when it paid so much mind to the smaller life forms. It was as sentient as any other being of the sea was. Judging from its size, it was new to the world.
Danny didn't think anything of it. For the remainder of the Fenton's vacation, the family got on surprisingly well. No one was accused of being a ghost. Hell, Maddie and Jack both agreed to leave the gadgets and gear in the hotel room when they went into town for sight seeing and for meals.
The family ended up with tons of photos of their stay that Danny was sure to show off to Sam and Tucker when they went back. Speaking of which, the family were packing up preparing to go back home and back to their norms. It kinda bummed Danny out that they had to leave, but with Jazz's support of the idea, they asked if they could do this more to the delight of their parents.
This was a win for everyone. Jazz would get to enjoy more of her time as a kid, not worrying about her little brother. Danny was happier than ever, exploring during the day, spending time with his family with no mention of ghosts or getting torn apart molecule by molecule. Plus, Danny got pretty good at changing/controlling the change of his form. Jack got to have one on one time with both of his kids and his wife. And Maddie didn't drag Jack out of any trouble while also getting her baby boy back in the process. Even if it was brief due to this only being a week long trip. Point was, everyone had a blast. With the exception of the Atlanteans who had a heart attack or two when he first showed up. But he didn't even notice them.
That night, the same brave Atlanteans that observed the baby Levi waited for some time after nightfall for its arrival. Tonight would be the night they tried to get closer to nab a sample. One problem. The Levi never showed. Same with the next night and the one after that and the one after that. Soon the encounter was shrugged off as a one time thing. Was this just a thing that Leviathans did at a young age? Find a safe, secluded, place to rest then move to a new area? It was hard to tell for sure since this was the closest any of them had been to a Leviathan for an extended length of time without being in danger.
Yeah, it was disappointing that it left, but there wasn't much to be done about it. On the bright side, it was such a mellow subject. One could only wish that their young would be that calm. Pretty soon the Leviathan would once again be off the radar, the possibility of it returning was low in the opinion of the few that got near it. They had to assure that to plenty of people plenty of times. And plenty of times Aquaman had to assure the League that no harm was done.
After it's first appearance, Aquaman was understandably warry, giving a heads up to the League in case this took a turn for the worse. But worse for worse never came. From what was observed, it was an infant. Harmless to everything that came near it. He never tested whether or not that would be the same with him or his citizens since it payed no mind to any of them, choosing to not interact or it truly just didn't know they were there. Given how it was gentle to the fish-dozens of times smaller than it- he could only hope and assume it would act the same with them. Cause in the following days it was gone. Like it wasn't nesting outside of the kingdoms walls.
It remained gone for nearly a year before someone spotted it once more. Almost the same size as before, although worryingly small for it being a year older now, which raised both more questions and new found concerns. Was this poor Levi Calf not eating? Come to think of it, where had its mother been. A youngling that small should still be near its mother, but given it had barely grown since the last encounter, the possibility that it was abandoned or it's mother died was concerning. Not being taught to be a predator due to the death of its parent could explain its mellow actions and the lack of growth. But that also meant it wasn't taught to hunt nor defend itself. Poor thing.
Then that raised the concern of if there was something nearby that was big or strong enough to hunt and/or kill a full grown Leviathan. The thought was far more concerning than a harmless youngling that wandered a bit too close to the kingdom. As complicated as the subject was, for precaution sake, Aquaman had to inform the Trinity as a bare minimum. It was better for them to know to be ready to offer what help they could if needed and having their assistance might help with gaining a better understanding of the "small" Leviathan. Telling all of the JL immediately might cause a minor panic, but keeping it secret would likely be seen as withholding information.
Although he was still on the fence about spilling so soon, it was better to have the league on his side. That was the point of his appearance at the bi-weekly meeting. Arthur would have shown regardless of if he decided to tell or not. It was better to get it out of the way. Gods know how pissy Bruce would get if he wasn't aware of a giant ocean monster, more so if Bruce found out Arthur knew and didn't tell them. Man, B would tear him a new one.
Arthur, otherwise known as Aquaman, was sat around the table, mulling over how he was to tell the group. If he should run it by B first then tell the rest. Hell if he was supposed to know. Either way, his fellow heros would be made aware of the baby Levi's circumstances. He'd send his regards to that poor child who would soon be smothered with contingencies and monitoring until the heros were certain and satisfied. In the end this would prove to be the better choice. For everyone.
With the vaguest idea of a plan in mind he would inform the other members at the end of the standard meeting. If he wanted to tell Bruce first, he should have done so in advance. If he told him now, who knows, maybe Bruce would leave to do his own investigation and have Nightwing tag in for him. If not Nightwing, then one of the other members of his brood. That possibility couldn't be risked now.
All that was needed of him at the time being was to inform and assure that it would be handled accordingly. Not that he could stop Bruce's contingencies in the end. So long as the Levi remained calm and no blood was shed, he could consider it a win.
It wouldn't take much for any of the leaguers to act. Even the most sensible of them could be rash and impulsive, when it came to getting the job done and protecting their people.
Once the Zeta tube announced the last arrival, and the small talk and idle chatter was out of the way, the meeting would start. It was the basic stuff- tying off loose ends on incarcerated rogues, reports on the localized crime, how they could've done something better or worse- the usual. Only some minor setbacks in a bust, notes here and there for improvement. Then came Arthur's time to speak up, fill the rest of them in about the (potential) 'situation'. A low-stake, docile, seemingly parentless, infant Leviathan. He pulled from the reports of the last time it was spotted on the outskirts of Atlantis, time lapsed recordings of it doing nothing but resting and allowing the creatures around it to do as they pleased. On the occasion it would move, it did so slowly, seemingly conscious of its affect on the things around it. The youngling was considerate in that aspect. That was all it did, from night fall to sunrise, for a few days to a week at a time, then it left till the next summer came. What little was known about the Leviathan was that it deemed Atlantis safe enough to lower its guard to rest then migrated to a new place. The Ocean was a big place. Plenty of dark, secluded spots to hide and rest. Regardless of that, it returned for that week, then again a year later.
Finally was the consideration that no parent was spotted anywhere near the Calf at any point. When comparing the video from a year ago and the newer ones from the Levi resurfacing, it was painfully obvious it didn't grow much. If at all. They were sure it was the same one too. The chance that something killed its parent was at minimum concerning. Leviathans were always seen as aggressive predators, but this one seemed to be enough to disprove both parts of that sentiment. It wasn't aggressive and certainly no predator. If anything, at this state it was the prey to something else. Something bigger or simply more dangerous.
Nearing the end of the meeting, a live feed from where the baby Levi would sleep was playing, an Atlantean citizen was finishing putting the camera in place. It was coming up on the time it usually showed up. Once in place, the Atlantean swam off, and there was nothing for a few minutes. Then there was movement in the back. Far enough that it was just a blur. But sure enough it was the Leviathan, just something was off. It was acting sluggish, moving much slower than normal.
When it was within a few meters of it's resting place, it became clear that it was injured. Green liquid with splotches of red was pouring out of its side, mixing in with the water. The Leviathan's oddly humanoid hand was covering the injured side. Small chirp-like-gasps vibrated in the water, like it was crying out for it's mother.
Danny had come from a surprise encounter with Skulker, the latter getting the drop on him on his way out past the lighthouse. The rest of his family were already in bed when he was attacked, he was far enough that the attack wouldn't wake them either. But the league wouldn't know that. All they knew was the docile baby Leviathan was hurt bad, enough that it's blood was swirling idly in the surrounding waters. Bad enough that the baby was calling out for a parent that wouldn't show. For now though, they were operating on animal planet rules. Observe, don't interfere. But watching as something suffered was fundamentally against everything they, as heros and as protectors, stood for. They could do something, they could offer help, they could find what attacked it. But then what? Have what ever it's predator was go after them? How could they even help it when they didn't even know anything about it.
Were they really just going to let nature take it's course, yeah, Leviathans were dangerous, but everything that's dangerous doesn't deserve death. Causing danger and being dangerous weren't the same thing. It was only a baby that had done no harm.
Leaving the Levi to suffer would be no better than killing it themselves, it would sit just as heavy on their conscious if it were them killing it. Even with nothing said aloud, the decision was made. Making contact would be easy in theory, if Aquaman couldn't communicate with it with his marine telepathy then maybe Martian Manhunter could communicate telepathically or read its mind. In theory. But that only worked if it stayed calm while being approached and if their assumptions about it retaining a conscious mind was correct.
Those that could spare the time and resources returned to Atlantis with Arthur. They only had a few hours before the Leviathan, if it followed it's pattern, would leave. If it decided to do so, they had no way of stopping it. As planned, J'onn accompanied him, along with Barry and Bruce.
Equipped with flippers and oxygen masks, the three joined the Atlantean king to the Levi's resting place. It was in the same position as it had been last seen on the live feed. Curled into itself, making the same pained chirping sound. The liquid assumed to be it's blood started to settle around it's body, drifting with the movements of the group swimming closer.
Being this close, Arthur could see the Leviathan closed its eyes, lowering its guard even as it bled. In all it's time resting near Atlantis, it remained alert enough to watch the animals around it or gaze up to the surface. But it was too caught up in its own pain to keep its eyes open.
Arthur spoke to it first, alerting it of their presence. His voice reached the young spooking it at the suddenness of it. It became further startled seeing who was speaking to it. Regardless of its own agony, it jostled back away from the intimidating form.
How odd it was that something dozens of times bigger than them found the Leaguers to be intimidating. It was clear, in the reflective eyes of the Leviathan that it was scared. Perhaps that wasn't the right word. It felt unease at their presence. Something completely natural from a being that had been injured and didn't know who or what to trust. Given the sluggish movement observed earlier, it could probably barely stay conscious. But it didn't trust them. And that they couldn't blame it.
With the suggestion for Barry and Bruce to stay back for a moment while J'onn and Arthur tried to calm it, there were a few minutes of silence between the group as the latter two eased forward, lifting their hands in a surrendered motion. The moment of reasoning began with Arthur explaining that he was the king of the kingdom the infant rested by on the occasion. Then J'onn offered the explanation for them approaching making sure to specify to the baby Levi that they didn't intend to hurt or scare it.
Danny thought that being far enough away from Amity Park meant the ghost attacks wouldn't be as bad. Actually, he thought he could get a few days with no ghost business at all. Of course he had to jinx it. On the third night of their second family vacation, a year and a half after he died, Skulker had tracked him down. Still clearly dead set on completing his hunt, the fight would have been like any other if not for the new surroundings. With the stars above on full display and Danny being on the move to his new normal resting place, Danny wasn't as aware of his surroundings as he should have been.
He'd done this plenty of times. Going to the depths to float while getting lost in his obsession. Driven by the vary same obsession, he was distracted and Skulker used that to his advantage.
Skulker's attack landed, however, he didn't expect the halfa to grow in size seconds after hitting the water. This unexpected discovery would only act as fuel to the flame with Skulker's hunt. On top of being a prey that gave him meaningful fights and being half ghost-half living boy, he also held enough power to alter his physical form. Now that was a prey worth hunting.
Skulker followed Danny's trail for a few miles out till he lost him. Seemed like the Halfa could cover much more ground (or in this case sea) in a much shorter amount of time at this size. Too bad.
It took longer for Danny to reach his safe place, his adrenaline wearing out a block out from safety. Gradually his movements became sluggish like he could collapse at any moment. And he almost did once he was finally safe.
Danny found himself curling into a ball, pressing his enlarged hand against his side. This had been a closer call than any other attack made by Skulker. Way closer to a second death than he ever wanted to get.
There was movement near him, he assumed those blobs in his blurry vision were the usual life that found their way to him. Although, this time around they looked off. Bigger maybe. Moved more like people swimming. For all Danny knew, his head could have been hit during the altercation and he was seeing things as a result. Those human looking blobs were in the distance, by the top of a drop off behind some rocks and hadn't moved any farther or closer for the next fifteen minutes.
Danny wasn't actually sure how much time had passed. He was just taking a wild guess.
Those long fifteen minutes passed and in that time his eyes finally closed. He needed to heal. To focus. There wasn't any ecto near to use to heal. All he had to heal off of were his emotions: pain, panic, relief at getting away; The creatures-around-him's emotions: curiosity, hunger, but also worry and panic, which was odd, though possibly cause by him moving too fast and freaking them out; And his own obsession.
It wouldn't take long for Danny to figure out why he was feeling odd emotions from the surrounding creatures when one spoke to him. He didn't have that ability? He couldn't speak to animals, so why was one talking to him?
As his glossed over eyes opened, he was face to face with a human! No. That's not right. He was breathing under the water. He could hear it. That couldn't be a human.
Danny's eye began to focus as he saw long blonde hair flowing in the current and a yellow/green suit. He blinked once. Then twice.
Holy shit- Is that Aquaman?! This could not be happening. Oh Ancients- Did he do something? He could hear Aqua man speaking to him in a gentle tone. Okay, so he wasn't mad. Not out right. That's good.
Aquaman was introducing himself, saying he had been resting near his kingdom. That was an enough for a existential crisis by itself. Then there was a second voice and Danny's eyes couldn't widen any more, it was the Martian Manhunter. THE Martian Manhunter. Danny's all-time favorite Super Hero. Oh Ancients, he was using his telepathy on him! He could die for a second time happy now. Wait. Not the time. Did Martian Manhunter just say the Atlantean's had been keeping an eye on him since last summer?! At least the hero confirmed he wasn't in any trouble and they weren't going to hurt him. Nice to have that cleared up. Wait, if Danny was thinking this, could MM hear it?
J'onn could, in fact, hear his thoughts. And to his shock, the baby Leviathan knew what the Justice League was. Not just that, the Levi had favorites. J'onn felt slightly flattered.
The Leviathan being aware of them, enough so to have a favorite, meant it was much more sentient than initially thought. It was confusing. How could a young ocean predator know about the Justice League. Knowing about Aquaman and Atlantis would be one thing, but as it's eyes focused, it recognized each of them. It's thoughts were all over the place, it's emotions switching from excited at meeting them, concerned about having met them, and over all confusion.
It was almost worrying that the Leviathan knew about his powers. Knowing enough to worry if they were effected by it too. That displayed some intelligence. If this was just a baby, that could suggest that Leviathan as a whole weren't given enough credit. This young calf alone displayed actions similar to elephants returning to sources of food and water and taking migration routes. It being able to show favoritism was just even more fascinating, showing to be more human in the sense than that of Avian, Mammals, or any other Primates.
J'onn was getting distracted. He had to remember they were there for a reason. This first contact was important. J'onn introduced himself to the Leviathan, giving his proper name in place of his hero one seeing the calf already knew that one. He also happened to mention the uniqueness of the situation at hand, showing remorse to the calf for not having a parent. Now knowing that the calf was sentient, MM was more hesitant to go further than needed into it's mind. Therefore, until it was necessary, he would stick to using his telepathy as a means of communication.
Even in the mind, there could be mistranslations if a language didn't have a word for something in another language. The dialect of a Leviathan, however it was, was unknown to anything but a Leviathan. Contact with one was rare in and of itself, but communication was even more so. Encounters in the past had never been so bloodless. Well, this one wasn't exactly without blood either, but it wasn't from combat with the Leviathan and them.
From the quick dip in the Leviathan's mind, it was indeed young, only reaching sixteen in age. For a human, that was young, but a Leviathan, a creature that could live hundreds, if not thousands of years. This Leviathan shouldn't've been without a parent for another decade. When he took that quick look, he could hear the Leviathan telling him to stop. To get out.
The baby could feel him inside of his head. It's awareness was impressive. Yet worrying. J'onn apologized for the invasion, and with the help of the Levi's seeming favoritism, the apology was accepted.
*Notes/additional information:
-As always, little to no Proof/Beta read
-this took way longer to make since I put together the timeline using @spookyookybatdaughter-blog and @lucifer-is-a-bag-of-dicks post on the time line here
-Most of this was written between testing and the holiday madness, so bare with me here.
-as I'm writing this, there is three and a half pages of notes on how the time line lines up with the fic.
-I wasn't sure what version of the JL I was going to use, or what version of any featured characters would be used. But in the end it'll probably a trail mix of versions or a Frankenstein's monster of multiple versions.
-This never got finished but I just wanna post it since its been rotting away in drafts for so long. Feel free to add on and what not :]
So we all know that Bruce is at most 16 years older than Dick. Well if the rest of the human JL members are around Bruce's age, then that makes Dick also less than 2 decades younger than them as well. And the other half probably don't have the best grasp of what human 10-year-olds should and shouldn't be doing.
I'm imagining the JL's early years following Robin's introduction are exactly like a fraternity trying to raise one of their member's kid.
They have an idea of what kids need to properly grow up and they all have experience of being a child, so with all of them together this parenting shit should be easy.
Like the Flash is refusing to take Robin to see the new PG-14 film cause of all the implied sex, but is completely willing to take him to investigate STAR Labs' most top secret labs.
Or Arthur putting Robin in a bunch of floaties, before basically water boarding the kid because Robin's chances of drowning should be gone now.
They also take a crap ton of photos of Dick in ridiculous sleeping positions or videos of Robin just bobbing to random club songs, and they do show them off to their sidekicks and protégés. The watch tower basically has a library full of Dick's photo albums and discs.
This whole group was the reason that Dick was flying jets before he had a license for commercial cars.
