(new) vigilant!Reader, Batman, 1k words , gender neutral reader, non romantic relationship
Frustration: Can you really be help?
Or: reader just stepped up as a new vigilant. Batman's not too content with that. It doesn't fly well for either of you.
There's a new vigilant in town, you, and this is your first official meeting with Batman. Except, well, he's wary. That makes you almost angry, definitely frustrated. Here's how it goes:
tremors' masterlist
You can't contain them. Relaxing your muscles is not working. If you were to get into a car crash right this moment, you'd burst apart just like the windows of the car would. Or maybe the tension you're currently feeling would work just like electricity. Maybe that electricity, the friction, everything would lead to you catching on fire.
But you're not planning on exploding any time soon. That would only be enabling him. As you will yourself to keep holding Batman's gaze, you try your best not to give any mind to the anger coursing through your veins.
The scene's taking place in a random alley, one you had redirected yourself into as soon as you had noticed you were being followed. (that was further after you had noticed you were being observed. being aware of people's eyes on you was easy to you. sometimes, you wondered if you had a sixth sense for this. Realizing this wasn't just civilians being wary of you, however, had taken longer.)
" You fight", he had stated. He had probably been following you around, or simply heard about your doings. You do. It's a fact.
You can. It's a fact he's doubting.
You're a new variable to Gotham's night (and day) dynamics: you're unexpected, you could be unpredictable, you could be a threat. That, you'd understand. But he didn't imply anything about the danger you could be to civilians, no, nor to the already-established vigilantes.
No, he's doubting something else than your integrity.
"A weapon and a dream is not going to help. You move too slowly, too strategically. When you'll be shot at, will you be able to dodge?" The way he asks it makes it a rethorical question, and you hate it.
Your silence and the way you let your nails dig into your palms seems to be an answer for him, even if it isn't, even if you'll learn and get better from your mistakes-
" Your conviction's impressive. But it's not going to help: your capabilities will.", he says. Still doubting you, or at least, that's what it sounds like to you.
It goes like this:
there's a child that's gazing up at the moon, plush in hand. alarms blazes against the walls of the street. the stars are twinkling. a scream clatter across the street . the child curls up, curling up below the blanket. this is not when, but its how an odd sort of desesperation-fueled determination starts to sprout
It feels like you're not being listened to: like he's not seeing into your actions. Words, apparently, are going to be necessary, oddly enough.
He's been observing you, you know that: there's only so many times one can catch a glimpse of Batman in places he's normally never in before becoming suspicious. This scene is your first official meeting. It's the first time he's standing 'face to face' with you.
He didn't listen to what your actions expressed : or, perhaps, he wasn't convinced. You don't want to have to convince him, really.
"If your capabilities aren't enough, you won't be useful. You'll just be a splatter of blood on the ground."
Anyone could become blood on concrete while just going on about their life.
"What would that change? If that happens, then at least before that others wouldn't have. That's... "You don't finish your sentence.
You're not about to go into the depth of your mindset to a man sporting a eared.. cowl. (If that is what's hidding his face. Yours count as one, given that it's definitely a large and loose hood, but his? You're doubting it does.)
"Don't mistake "heroic actions" for foolishness." he goes " Unless you have a death wish."
You really don't want to have to convince him.
But some part of your mind, the one that wants to be just as it wants others to live in peace, acknowledge that you need to. You need to, at least, make sure he won't keep you from doing your things, because you know you realistically won't be able to beat The Batman.
nobody had capitalized on him yet: yet children have started including him in their drawings, and if there were to be toys of him, children would probably want them. He's quickly became an allegory for strength, in gothamites' minds. For heroism, too. That specific child, the one who doesn't yet hold too much of resentment in their heart despite not being able to fall asleep at night even with his existence and actions, is no exception. One day, though, they start to wonder. They start to think about what hasn't been done yet, about what he has done that isn't enough. Because, well, it's not. they can't sleep, even when cuddling their favourite plush.
"You are not going to keep me from doing this. This city is not yours, or at least, this city is as much yours to protect than it is mine. You're not going to allow me to do this either. I'm not going to take your- your hierarchy. I'm just, gonna do what i think's right and i'm not going to stay there and take your suspicion or your doubt."
It's his turn to be silent, this time. He just stands here, looking edgy as can be (read: edgy as fuck) and looking imperiously in your direction as you take a deep but, you hope, silent breath to contain yourself.
"I'm just gonna go, and you'll let me", you allow yourself to glare at him underneath the mask that hides your identity. Your frustration is still showing through your trembles. The beat of silence continue , like he's contemplating what you said.
"Another wouldn't. Prove you could still go." And then I might really let you, he doesn't say. ( Prove you can fend for yourself. Prove you're capable.)
He doesn't have to. You're not as much of an oblivious fool as he seems to fear you could be. You understand very well what he's challenging you to do.
The first time you had to run in a way that mattered, you were 5 and wanted to win a race against a boy your age that was annoying. The second, you were running away from people who wanted your cash.
You're still young, sure. But you're older.
Since then, you've had more practice.
Twisting your body around, you take flight instead of trying to further argue your worth.
this is a small part of the city where you've been one of the only few to take action in.
You know these streets like the back of your hand, and you know your capacities. You know you'll get away.
previous part, tremors' masterlist , next part
(i haven't made all the posts yet so i can't tag themm)
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Omg, I struggled so much for this one. Just the banner was such a struggle, but I'm so happy with ittt
As usual, I'm open to requests (but do keep in mind that for this serie, the prompt will have to include a form of trembling, that's the whole concept! you can also just suggest a character you'd like to read about too) or tips! I have soo much ideas for this serie, so expect more
also: special thanks to @deadrobinthoughts who helped me with bruce's lines, characterization will always be something i'll struggle with i fear: hers is very much awesome, do check her work if that's something you're looking for!
