#battison x reader

[ghostfacesvalentine]

Someone said they need a man that’s submissive to them like a knight is to a princess they’re sworn to protect and honestly they’re valid af.

New fics coming soon.

[avyenol]

superbat x reader (superman x reader x batman)

summary. moments with your boyfriends who act like they hate each other (bruce) but are really soft with you and each other (clark) or moments with cute and broody

a/n. yeah i'm sooooooooo back to writing, don't be afraid to send asks either! i only have very little things that I don't write :), can be read as fem/gn/male reader !!

c/w. none, just fluff and love

enjoyy :)

i. come on superman (say your stupid line)

The batcave is quiet. Way too quiet.

You're curled up on the sleek leather couch, wrapped in a blanket that Clark inisists is "Kyrptonian-grade warmth" and Bruce insists is "hideous".

Bruce is at the console, typing furiously. Clark is hovering nearby, arms crossed, watching Bruce like he's waiting for him to combust. Honestly by the looks of it- he just might.

You sigh. Loudly.

"Clark, say your stupid line."

Clark blinks. "Which one?"

"The one you always say when Bruce is being extra broody."

Bruce doesn't look up. "I'm not brooding." He says in that same deep, gravelly voice that sounds exactly like "brooding".

"You're literally in a cave, Bruce." Clark floats closer, smirking, "You know for someone so smart, you sure spend a lot of time sulking in the dark, in black eyeliner too."

Bruce finally turns, eyes narrowing. "And for someone so vulnerable, you sure whine a lot when I don't answer comms or text back."

You snort into your blanket. "Can you two stop flirting and come sit with me?"

They both freeze.

Clark's face softens instantly. Bruce's jaw unclenches.

Without a word, Clark lands beside you, pulling you into his lap like you weigh nothing. Bruce follows, sitting stiffly at first, then relaxing as you lean against his shoulder.

"You two are exhausting...lucky I like you guys." You murmur.

Bruce kisses your temple, letting out a contended sigh. Clark wraps his arms around both of you, with his body relaxing.

"We know," they both say in unison.

ii. soft moments in the chaos

Later, in the kitchen of Wayne Manor, Clark is trying to make pancakes. Bruce is criticizing his technique like Gordon Ramsay with a vendetta.

"You're burning them."

"They're golden brown."

"They're a disgrace."

You walk in, still sleepy, and both men immediately stop.

Clark offers you the least-burnt pancake. Bruce hands you coffee- perfectly brewed. of course.

They don't speak, but the way Bruce adjusts your mug so it doesn't burn your fingers and the way Clark brushes your hair behind your ears says everything.

They love you. And, despite their constant bickering, they love each other too.

iii. the night they finally admit it

It's raining that night in Gotham.

You're curled between them in bed, listening to the storm.

Bruce is tracing patterns on your back. Clark is humming something soft and foreign; soothing.

"Maybe I... don't hate him," Bruce says suddenly.

Clark chuckles. "I know."

You smile into the pillow.

"Say it," you whisper.

Bruce sighs. "I love him."

Clark kisses your shoulder. "I love you both."

You fall asleep to the sound of rain, wrapped in warmth of two men who once thought they were too different to love.

What a match.

[0eye0]

Batman 2022

Superman 2025

someone pls make a fanfic with this two

superman x reader x batman

[smellingbats]

1. let it happen

⏾  professor! bruce wayne x student! reader 

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⏾ cw: 18+ (MINORS DNI), opposites attract, eventual smut, you can’t tell me this man isn’t ocd, your professor is hot 🥵

⏾ content: Your professor calls you out in front of the entire class. Your world comes to a screeching halt. 

⏾Hi! I haven’t written a fanfiction in a really long time so I’m sorry if this is not the greatest piece of work. I’m going to probably turn this into a series as well so stick around if you’d like! Thank you so much to @ellesthots for inspiring me to write this and being so encouraging and so dang sweet!

“Y/N L/N. See me after class today, and yes, I see you pretending not to see me.” Professor Wayne’s  voice abruptly interrupts your thoughts, snapping you out of the dissociative episode you were in. 

You can’t help but scowl at his callout. You did not appreciate being called out in front of your fellow classmates. Especially after the ever so slight smirk on his face upon seeing you scowl. Only for a split second of course. Almost immediately, he returns to lecturing as if nothing had happened. His face and body language was perfectly composed, it seemed like everything he did was deliberate, no matter how small the action. Somehow, he always remained in complete control of the room. Which wasn’t hard because not only is he a genius on multiple subjects, but he also happens to be incredibly attractive. 

‘What is his deal?’ You think to yourself, internally cursing yourself for letting him catch you off guard like that. 

You sigh softly, knowing exactly what his deal was. Not only were you incredibly late for almost two weeks straight, but you had a handful of unexcused absences. Missing five of his classes was bound to get you dropped at one point or another, you just wished you had communicated more. Perhaps then you wouldn’t be in the predicament you were in right now. 

The rest of class is spent with an insurmountable amount of anxiety about the meeting with Professor Wayne  after class. Your mind was racing with possible scenarios of how it would go; in one he absolutely shits on the entirety of your submitted work, and in another he just sits and stares while you cry and beg him to not drop you (he drops you). 

Finally, he excuses everyone and you find yourself practically sprinting out of his class to get the meeting over with. Of course, by the time you get to his office he is already there. Perfectly composed at his desk, presumably looking over your school profile on his computer. You wonder if he is secretly the shadows or something. You go to knock politely, but he speaks before your hand reaches the door. 

“Come in Y/N.” His voice was smooth and low; unreadable as always. 

You nervously walk in, not saying a word. Professor Wayne was always unnerving to you. How could someone be so passionate about what they teach while being one of the most intimidating people you had ever met? Not because of who he was or how much he was worth. But mainly because of the way that he seemed to see through others so clearly while remaining incredibly aloof. You have never really been able to get a read on him, so you had no clue how he felt about you, or anyone else for that matter. 

He points to the chair directly across his desk and simply states, “Sit.” 

You adjust yourself uncomfortably in the small chair across from him, internally cursing yourself for choosing to wear a skirt today. You stare at him awkwardly, noticing his piercing blue eyes for the first time. You watch him type something and then meet your gaze, making you blush ever so slightly. 

“I’ve noticed you’ve missed several lectures now.” He fully turns towards you, placing his now folded hands neatly on his desk. His tone is sharp, but not harsh. Just straightforward. You expect him to ask why, so you open your mouth to finally speak, but he continues. “Is everything alright?” 

You swallow softly and nod, slightly shocked at the question, but then shake your head. “It’s been…a really tough few weeks. Just some family stuff.” You say, trying your hardest to not unravel in front of him and embarrass yourself by crying. “I know that that’s no excuse Professor, I know that I’m falling behind. I just didn’t want to give up so easily…especially because I’ve really enjoyed being in your class.” You look down at your hands ashamedly, 100% certain that he’d fail you. 

Bruce looks at you, his expression unreadable. “You’re not one to give up so easily.” 

You look up at him. Was that a… compliment? “You think so?”

“If I didn’t, then I wouldn’t have told you to come in today.”

You stare at him, unsure what to say. You didn’t realize that he was actually paying attention to you or the assignments you submitted. 

“I’m offering you a chance to earn your grade back through extra credit. A research paper.” He stares through you, leaning back in his chair slightly. “A research paper on the psychological and social effects of constant exposure to violent content, specifically on social media.”

You look at him with an intrigued gaze, “So. Desensitization?” 

“That is one part, yes.” He grabs a thick file next to him and places it in front of you. “The most important part though, is how this desensitization is affecting our ability to sympathize with others. Specifically when it comes to self proclaimed victims. The ones caught in the middle.” He pushes the file towards you and continues. “Especially when these ‘victims’ are committing acts of violence openly in the name of ‘real change’. Think of how the public reacted in the past year to Edward Norton. Some were angry, yes, but he gained quite a large following within a very short amount of time from the first video he broadcasted. Do you remember how people mainly reacted to his videos and livestreams?” You look at him with slight shock, impressed at how well versed he was on a subject so fresh. You open the file and look at him again. “With anger?” You could barely remember the last year, especially with the terrorist attack committed by the ‘Riddler’ and his followers. Everyone in Gotham was heavily impacted by his ‘real change’. He had made thousands homeless, killed hundreds, and forced everyone to start over. 

“Close.” He says with a slightly amused look in his eye. “Amusement. People like to say that they’re empathetic, but if you give them a phone screen to hide behind and one person's confession? Then it becomes entertainment.” 

“Thats…heavy.” You say.

“That’s exactly the point.” He pauses before continuing. “I expect your work to be 100% your own. No regurgitating my lectures, and no citations that are already in this file. I don’t want to read about something I have already researched myself. ” You look at him, feeling defeated. The file was huge! How could you ever find evidence that he hadn’t? 

He ignores your look of defeat and continues on. “Not only will your work be 100% your own research, but you will also meet with me weekly. If I’m going to invest my time into this then I expect you to show me that you’re fully committed to this. We’ll meet for progress check-ins, research reliability, and any other needs that arise.” Professor Wayne stares through you expectantly, awaiting your response. 

“I’ll do it.” You say quietly, not wanting to come off as ungrateful. “I’ll work hard and I won’t let you down sir. Thank you. Really.” 

For the first time maybe ever, you see his expression soften ever so slightly. “Good. I look forward to seeing what you find. This is going to take more than a little bit of effort to redeem your grade.” 

As you left, you could feel your knees buckle as you turned slightly to look at him again. He was still looking at you. With the same damn smirk from earlier. Maybe he wasn’t just talking about grades.

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⏾ Next chapter ⏾ 

[sherberrt]

Light in the Dark || Bruce Wayne x F! Reader

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

[luminousscythedesolation]

I've been writing a few things and I was thinking about making a fanfic giving my beloved and beautiful Bruce Wayne a relationship with someone with Eve vibrations from the superman movie.

What do you think?

Yes

No

Voting ended onOct 5, 2025

[adoringvigilantes]

DON'T TELL ME...

PAIRING: virgin!bruce wayne x catwoman!reader

SUMMARY: you make a new discovery about the batman himself.

CONTEXT: in this au, reader/catwoman knows bruce is batman.

WORD COUNT: 4.4k

WARNINGS: smut + oral (fem rec.) + fingering + kind of sub!bruce + penetration + spanking + creampie

NOTES: i mean,, come on how could i not write this. also first dc writing!

––☽––

You weren't a hero. Although your sometimes-partner-in-crime (crime used loosely here), didn't necessarily view himself as a hero either, it was clear that your methods differed here and there, on both ends of the spectrum. You had different goals, most of the time. But every now and then, once in a blue moon, your paths aligned and you came to work together. Like tonight.

He happened to show up on the same rooftop as you, as you looked out over the dark city of Gotham, as usual, appearing out of thin air, or rather, darkness.

You didn't have a solid plan tonight, no big bust you were hoping to carry out––you had ideas of course, but no concrete agenda. As soon as you heard that familiar whip of air behind you, you knew that would change.

You smiled to yourself, still facing forward. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Brucey?"

There was a beat of silence before a few slow but purposeful footsteps found their way closer to you. Your heart rate picked up slightly, the adrenaline and suspense you only felt around Bruce coursing through your veins as you felt his chest barely press against your back.

He breathed in once, then twice, his gaze undeniably stuck on you as you had yet to look him in the eye.

"It doesn't seem like you have anything better to do." He took a step back. "I could use the company." And with that, he grappled onto the next building over, most definitely certain you would follow him. And so you did.

After your unexpectedly busy night with the bat, you found yourself at Wayne Manor, paying no mind to Alfred's cheeky, knowing stare bouncing between you and Bruce, but of course answering his polite greeting, and declining his offer to get you anything.

Once you got to his bedroom, you watched Bruce undress, starting with his mask, then his cape. He put them aside before wordlessly making his way into his closet for a change of clothes. The job had gotten messy tonight, and you couldn't help but wonder if the suit needed to be hand-washed or hosed down, but you knew Alfred was probably the one who had the answer, anyway.

By the time he'd returned, not long after, you'd set your mask aside and unzipped your suit just a bit. Just to breathe a little better. Bruce, on the other hand, was now in sweatpants, no shirt, and a wet cloth in his hands as he wiped the black from around his eyes.

His stare was burning your face as he was clearly fighting his impulse to admire your newly exposed skin. "I uh––can lend you some clothes if you'd like."

You smirked and walked towards him slowly, "Maybe later." He paused as you stopped, inches away from him and reached your hands up, letting you take the cloth from his hands. Your free hand rested on his cheek softly as you leaned up to wipe away the smudges. His eyes were trailing all over your face as you focused, his hands limp by his sides, fingers twitching awkwardly, aching to touch you.

When you were done, you threw the dirty cloth aside on his nightstand, taking your time as you turned back to him, to drag your eyes up his body, from his sweats, along his torso, and up to his eyes to find him still watching you.

"You know," your voice was no louder than a whisper. "I think I deserve a reward for being such a big help tonight." You blinked up at him with faux innocence, "Don't you?"

His breathing stuttered for a moment, but you didn't give him a chance to respond, or rather, stare longingly, instead choosing to place your hands on either sides of his face and pull him down to meet your lips with his own.

The kiss started out slow but intense, as you breathed him in, molding your body to his, sliding one leg slowly up his side, pressing yourself further into him, chest pressed up against his.

Soon, you both were breathing hard, your tongue quickly finding its way into his mouth as he practically gasped for air, his hands finally gripping your body as a reaction, one on your thigh, the other splayed across your back, holding you close.

You moaned into his mouth and he groaned back quietly, the hand on your back sliding down your ass to rest just under it and boost you up into his arms, both your legs now wrapped around his waist. You'd shared a few kisses here and there before, sure. But nothing like this.

You wrapped your arms around his neck and tilted your head, toying with his tongue and sucking it into your mouth teasingly, smirking when he moaned involuntarily, letting you do whatever you pleased, fully letting you take the reins.

Pulling his bottom lip between your teeth, you pulled back, a newfound hunger in your eyes as he subconsciously tried to chase your lips, his eyes still closed. When he opened them, he looked dazed, desperate, depraved.

You leaned in again and swerved at the last second, reeling in the quiet gasp he let out as you bit his earlobe gently. "Why don't you take me to the bed?" It was more a suggestion or open-ended demand if you will, than a question.

He tensed underneath you and you paused, leaning back to get a good look at him. You slid a hand into his unruly hair, scratching his scalp lightly which he clearly enjoyed given the flutter of his eyes and the hitch in his breath.

"Hmm?" You cooed. "What do you say?"

Your other hand found its way to his jaw, your eyes flittering over to it when you felt him clench his jaw under it. "You know you don't have to–" You made a move to get off him but he tightened his hold, eyes choosing to focus off to the side.

His lips parted almost reluctantly. "...I want to. I just..."

You looked at him expectantly. "You just...?"

He swallowed. "I just...haven't."

Your brows furrowed. "You haven't what?" If you put two and two together there was a clear answer, but that just wasn't adding up in your mind. It couldn't be.

After a brief moment, you spoke up. "Don't tell me the big bad bat hasn't slept with anyone yet...?" You stared at him with a piqued interest and a slightly amused gaze, tilting your head as you analyze him. His body language, his hesitancy to look you in the eye.

He's not lying.

You weren't judging him and he could tell, but he still felt embarrassed, awkward. Hands gripping you almost to anchor himself.

"I'm just surprised, really. I mean I think you could get anyone you wanted. In fact I thought you already had, multiple times." After a beat of silence, you went on. "Well I'm honored to be your first," your thumb caressed his cheek, "if you'll let me."

With that, his eyes finally met yours again and he took a deep breath. "I'd like that."

You leaned back in yet again, letting your lips graze his before barely pulling back, cheekily. "Then take me to bed, handsome."

He stepped forward until he reached the king sized bed, getting on it without letting you go, hovering over you with one hand holding him up, the other on your waist.

You pulled him down to kiss you and he grunted, eagerly matching your enthusiasm as you bucked your hips into his. You swept his hair back with one hand, pushing it out of the both of your eyes'.

His hand slowly slithered its way up your body, fingertips lightly trailing along your torso, up to your neck where it rested for a bit, settling with a nice hold on your throat. But you didn't want nice. You brought a hand down and squeezed around his own, making him choke you harder, smiling into the kiss. "Just like that."

He practically growled, kissing you with more force for a good minute, letting his hips rut into yours. But he knew that he wouldn't last long with the noises you were making and the feeling of your body underneath his. So he let his hand unwrap from around your throat and slide down your chest, fingers grazing down your skin before he grabbed the zipper of your suit with his thumb and pointer.

He paused and pulled away from you for the first time tonight to look into your eyes, silently asking permission. When you nodded, he let out a breath and slowly unzipped your bodysuit, eyes flickering between each inch of new skin and the eager look in your eye.

When it reached your hips, he bit his lip and sat up, brining you along with him as he practically straddled you. His hands reached up and slid under the fabric at your shoulders before slowly pushing it off, gaze lingering on your chest, adorned by a pretty black bra.

You arched your back, pushing your chest closer to him, nearly making him breathless as he helped you wiggle your arms out of the material. It wasn't exactly smooth, but neither of you minded.

He got off the bed and stood in front of you, looking down at your body as you looked up at him hungrily. You leaned back on your two hands, again pushing your chest out, lifting your hips so he could take the suit off you. He did so, eyes focusing on your smooth legs, a few bruises here and there that he traced ever so lightly with his fingers, the ones closest to him he kissed softly.

He was too distracted to take notice of what you were up to. But when he finally dropped your suit to the floor and looked up, he froze at the sight of you now braless, your hands squeezing at your breasts and teasing your nipples.

He was in awe, unsure of what to do but grateful to even be watching. You propped your foot up on his shoulder and pulled him close before letting your leg dangle over his back, and he was quick to push the side of his face into your thigh, nuzzling into your warmth, his hand gripping the outside of your leg, the other lifting your other leg to properly close him in. His lips were parted, breaths heavy as he watched you, occasionally turning his head to kiss and bite your thighs, eyes never leaving you.

You brought one leg down, and though he was quick to miss the warmth, he let you. You reached for your panties and he got out of the way, after a quick last kiss and squeeze to your thigh, hands reaching for yours. "Let me."

Smiling, you lied back down and raised your hips, letting him pull the fabric from under you, down your legs. Slowly, you propped one leg up on the bed, then the other, spreading them wide as you squeezed your breasts.

"Want a taste?" You bit your lip, grinning at the absolute feral look in his eyes.

Without another word, he moved in, sliding his arms under the bend of your legs and wrapping his hands around your upper thighs. He met your gaze and leaned in, letting his breath tease you. "Tell me what feels good."

His voice had lowered in pitch, taking a much more gravelly tone and that alone had your heart racing. But that paired with the look of lust and determination in his eyes? You knew you were done for.

His tongue licked through your folds torturously slow, almost as a taste test, the tip catching on your clit for the longest before he let out a breathless moan and buried his face into you, his eyes fluttering shut. He pressed a wet, sloppy kiss to your pussy, his tongue exploring every part of you as you gasped and reached a hand down to grab his hair. He moaned louder, pushing himself further into you, his grip getting tighter.

He switched up the pace of his licks, alternating between slow and exploratory and fast with purpose. It was clear that he wasn't just eating you out to prep you, he wanted this, wanted to savor you and make you cum on his tongue.

You laughed breathlessly as you started panting, your hips bucking into his face on their own accord. "You know, I'd like to say it's surprising that you're so good at this, but that would be a lie."

His lips curve into a foreign, smug smirk against you and you feel your body react unwillingly, sending a jolt of muted pleasure through you.

He takes that as incentive to go even harder, groaning into you to show you how much he enjoys this, hands holding you close in a tight, pleading grip.

He opened his eyes and locked onto yours when you pulled at his roots, gasping. “Yeah…” Your body rolled into him, your mouth agape in pleasure. “Keep going like that, right on my—Yes.”

He sucked the bundle of nerves into his mouth, tongue lapping over it salaciously, eyes never leaving yours. Shaking his head from side to side and growling into you like an animal, he picked up the pace, quickly dragging you to the edge.

As your back arched, eyes rolling to the back of your head as your thigh squeezed around his head, he could feel himself throbbing in his sweats, committing the beautifully sinful image to memory—your head thrown back in ecstasy, one hand tugging at your nipple, your mouth agape.

His tongue and mouth kept at it, obscene wet sucking noises heard between your legs as you smiled, sated, a warm buzz settling through your body. When your body settled back down comfortably, he slowed his pace, still licking you carefully, almost as if to soothe you.

The hand in his hair loosened its grip, your fingers running along his scalp lightly, almost in praise. “You know, you really are good at that.”

His eyes closed immediately, seemingly to calm himself, lips coming together to kiss the mess between your legs and your eyes narrowed. Interesting. He seemed right at home down there, but he had yet to come up for air.

“Hey.” He looked up at you and your gaze softened, though still lustful. “Come here.”

He gave you one last long lick and a peck to your clit before standing up, crawling over you and pushing you further up the bed all in one movement, one arm wrapped under your waist.

His lips and chin were covered in you, but you could tell he didn’t mind by the way licked his lips, fingers coming up to swipe the wetness and find their way into his mouth.

But before he could do so, you grabbed his wrist and made a show of bringing his fingers to your lips, kissing them softly before swirling your tongue around them and sliding them in your mouth, sucking them nice and slow.

He groaned as he watched you, his lips parted in awe. “Fuck.”

You bobbed your head forward, taking him deeper until his fingers were slick before popping off with a cheeky smirk. “Need to get ‘em nice and wet so you can spread me open.”

His jaw went slack, his fingers lingering on your lips as he licked his own almost as a reflex, before dragging his hand down between your legs that were already wide open for him.

You stared him down as he slid his fingers between your folds, up and down, making sure he saw the hitch in your breath, the need in your eyes from his touch alone.

He pressed his lips against yours, swallowing the moan you let out as he slid a finger inside you, taking initiative to add his tongue into the mix. He pumped his finger a few times experimentally, carefully. “Is this okay?”

You nodded, “Add another finger, I’ll need a lot more prep to take you.” You added cheekily. You moved a hand down to rub at your clit and make it easier, though there wasn’t that much of a strain. He was quick to stop you though, taking your hand and pinning it by your head. “Let me.”

Ever observant, he knew what you were aiming to do, instead pressing his thumb against the bundle of nerves, smearing your mess all over, the pressure making a flaming heat spread through you as he slid a second finger in.

You breathed in, your thighs twitching around him at the stretch. “Now, curl them upwards like—“ You bit your lip, “Just like that.” You sighed, your voice taking a breathier tone, “a little slower, build up to it.”

He pushed all the way in, his long fingers filling you up nice as he pressed his palm against your clit, his pace gradually increasing as your breaths came out in short pants. His eyes were mesmerized, conflicted between whether or not they should focus on the pleasure twisted on your face or the taunting pull of your pussy as you took his fingers.

There was a long pull at your core, aching to snap the more he touched you. He could see it in your face, in your body, the way it twisted sensually underneath him.

His hand was covered in your slick and he used that to slide another finger in you, smiling when you gasped out a curse at the stretch.

“You close?”

You nodded, pulling his head down with your free hand to kiss him passionately. “Make me come again, baby.”

He moaned and gave into you. The hand pinning your wrist slid up and interlaced its fingers with yours, holding you down as he pounded you with his fingers. The sounds were loud and obscene but you could barely hear them as the pressure inside you finally snapped, your heartbeat roaring in your ears as you gripped his hair, panting into his mouth when it became too much to kiss him back.

He trailed his lips across your check and along your jaw, and down your neck, nipping and sucking here and there to see what made your breathing stutter, and your grip tightened in his hair.

Your legs trembled around him, your head falling and pushing back into the sheets as you let out a long airy moan. It felt as though your body were vibrating, your body twitching from the aftershocks as Bruce slipped his fingers out and rubbed all over your pussy with his hand.

You squeezed his hand and let go, placing yours on the side of his face, smiling when he leaned into your touch. “Good boy.”

His body shuddered as he swallowed audibly, your eyes gaining a hungry glint as you watched him. Without warning, you flipped him over so you were now straddling him, your hands sliding down his chest to grab his waistband. You raised a brow, “You’re a little overdressed, handsome.”

When you ground your hips into his, he bucked up immediately, eyes threatening to close yet again. Gathering himself, he flipped you over again, standing up to slip off his sweats and underwear.

You licked your lips as he finally came into view in all his glory, his thick member standing tall. His hand was still covered in you, and you watched as he wrapped it around his cock, stroking himself and getting it nice and wet as he watched you.

He had a carnal desire for you in the pit of his core, a restless energy that only you could satisfy. He felt like he was going to explode.

You crooked a finger, calling him back over to his rightful place. He went to hover over you again, but you slid your hands up his arms before flipping him over once more and settling in his lap, his cock in front of you, the sight of it in front of your stomach making you clench.

You looked down at it then back up to him, slowly, your mouth quirking up when he twitched against you. You trailed a finger up the base of his cock, to the tip, twirling it around to spread his precum, wrapping your hand around him and swiping your thumb under the head, making him hiss. His hands shot out to grab your thighs and you could tell he was itching to turn you back over.

“I think you’ve done enough work tonight.” He went to object but you pressed a finger to his lips, hushing him with a smirk.

“You’re stubborn aren’t you.” It wasn’t a question and he knew that. He practically huffed and you rolled your eyes, despite the smile on your face, willing to relent. “You can help in a minute, baby. But right now, I just want you to feel good, okay?”

When he didn't respond, you grabbed his cock and slid forward, letting it rub between your wet folds. He cursed and dug his fingers further into the plush of your thighs, panting already. "Okay?"

He nodded, eyes entranced by the sensual movements of your hips, the feeling of your wetness coating him, your hand holding his member against you. "Okay." He looked up at you and you could tell he'd given in. He wasn't that hard to convince, apparently. Not with a little incentive.

"I've been dying to get you in my mouth, angel. But I can almost feel you vibrating underneath me." You tilted your head. "You want me real bad, don't you? Wanna be inside me?"

He swallowed, nodding almost immediately. "Need you."

You grinned almost villainously, "Okay baby, I'll give you what you want."

You stroked him a few more times, squeezing your fist around the tip before lining yourself up and sliding him in. "Shit––even with all that prep you're still big." You inched your way down, whimpering when he slid a hand up to rub at your clit. He wanted to help, sure, but you could tell that he also just wanted to make you feel good. You could see the desire, the intention in his eyes that were locked in on the way you were taking him.

When you reached the bottom, fully sat on top of him, you both took deep breaths. You smiled down at him, slowly grinding your hips. "You know, I don't expect you to last very long, but that's okay." You leaned down so your lips were mere centimeters away from his. "I won't either." You licked his bottom lip before sucking it into your mouth teasingly. "Not with how well you're filling me up."

His eyes shut and you smirked, getting in position to start bouncing back on him. He let out a sharp, breathless moan, his hands still on your thighs, but that wasn't good enough for you. Without stopping your movements, you grabbed one of his hands with your own, sliding it up to your ass and he responded with a cheeky grab. You could almost see the breath of relief and satisfaction leaving his body as he did it. His other hand was quick to follow without your guiding and you hummed. "That's it."

You kissed him again, hungrily, biting his lip. "You can spank me, if you'd like."

His eyes opened at that and you could see a look of determination in that, like you were daring him, and he absolutely accepted it. You felt one hand raise off your ass and you practically held your breath as he teased you, waiting to do it when it was least expected. You stared him down, amused, and incredibly turned on, refusing to speak up and act desperate. You raised a brow, tempting him, prodding as if he were too afraid, and not a second later, his hand came down, leaving a resounding smack and a light sting.

You gasped lightly and a new gleam appeared in his eyes, but you refused to back down yet. Leaning in even closer, you dragged your eyes from his parted lips, to his eyes. "Is that all you got, Batman?"

He let out a near growl, spanking you again, harder this time and you moaned, biting your lip to tame your grin, but to no avail. "More."

He hit you again, harder on the other cheek this time and you clenched around him, making him hiss. "Fuck––yes, just like that." You tried to pick up your pace, your movements getting more sloppy and he propped his feet up on the bed, bending his legs before thrusting up into you, practically bouncing you on his cock himself.

"Fuck."

Your eyes were nearly shut as you watched him underneath you, his brows furrowed, skin sweaty. "Mm, that feel good, baby?"

He hummed in affirmation, the sound of his skin slapping against yours almost drowning it out. His hands were grabbing your ass firmly, throwing you back down on his cock every time his thrusts bounced you up.

Both your mouths were hung open, grazing each others, eyes locked on each others to the best of your abilities, overwhelmed by the pleasure.

"Oh god," you moaned, "you're close aren't you Brucey?" His eyes were near rolling back into his head, grip tight and thrusts impossibly fast.

"Me too––" you placed a hand on his chest. "Cum with me baby, cum inside me."

With a few more thrusts, you were clenching around him, tight like a vice, your body pulsing and trembling on top of him as he wrapped his arms around your waist, locking you in as he pumped you full, a loud groan escaping his lips.

You were both panting, clinging onto each other as he throbbed inside of you, his cum dripping down his balls. You raised your head from where it wound up resting on his chest to meet his eyes, feeling absolutely smug inside at the dazed and utterly spent look in them.

Pressing your lips against his, you looked at him fondly. "So was that amazing or what?"

It was clear by your tone you both knew and didn't need the answer. His lip curved ever so lightly into a smile as he shook his head and closed his eyes, a small gasp escaping you when his hand came down against your ass again.

Oh you were definitely going for round two.

[habibite]

'it's rotten work.' "not to me. not if it's you.'

. . . . . ╰──╮╭──╯ . . . . . a collection of battison/reader drabbles for whenever i get the brain rot. no current warnings, but that could change. reader is consistently gender neutral; if that changes, there will be tags prior to the chapter. find it on ao3. if you have any ideas of requests, please feel free to shoot me a messge c: first installment is under the cut!!

you can see it.

he doesn’t think you can but—

you see it.

the stiff way his body moves when he first wakes up.

the new scars on his body each night.

the way his face will say what his mouth won’t:

it’s tender there. it hurts.

he hides it well, you give him that much. it flies very much under the radar of all of his business associates. if anyone notices it during the rare public appearances he makes, they’re far too polite to say anything. and the night of gotham? doesn’t give a damn, would hardly bat an eyelash if he died, would only miss their savior once it was too late.

your solace comes like an offering, infrequently, but in the form of the familiar dip of weight in the mattress you share.

your fingers dance across bruce’s back, a memorized dance of light steps to avoid the injury you always assume is there, a quick note to let him know you’re not asleep just yet, that you are still there.

he almost always pulls you into him then, the force of his embrace never painful, but always enough to remind you that he is a man that has lost many things.