Jul 11, 2024
Top AO3 Batfamily Ships Bracket: Round 6
Dick Grayson/Bruce Wayne vs Jonathan Kent/Damian Wayne
Dick Grayson/Bruce Wayne
Jonathan Kent/Damian Wayne
Voting ended onJul 18, 2024
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Top AO3 Batfamily Ships Bracket: Round 6
Dick Grayson/Bruce Wayne vs Jonathan Kent/Damian Wayne
Dick Grayson/Bruce Wayne
Jonathan Kent/Damian Wayne
Could you please write the reasons why Robins love Bruce, in your opinion?
oh wow, i just noticed this... months later lol
Im sorry anon. Life ain't been nice.
Anywho, here's some takes i have. I'll try to articulate them as best as I can but... Eh
Also I write these in general but to a degree they apply to my au as well;
Dick Grayson
I always just love how unhinged and possessive Dick is of Bruce. This is a man who literally hated Jason at first because he felt replaced (partly because of Robin being what his parents gift him but I digress)
I can't remember what was the context or exact words, but I remember a panel where Dick was basically saying 'don't lecture me unless you've loved him as long as me' (paraphasing but yeah)
So I feel like a part of Dick feels like he deserves Bruce? Like a twisted blessing or destiny almost; both lost their parents and found each other. Both were partners and trusted each other. Both have known each other so long, known each other so well and have fought and loved each other through it all
So of course he's the one who knows Bruce most right? The one who loves him most? Deserves him, is fated to be with him?
Bruce may not be a deity, but Dick worships him all the same. Even if he receives silence, even through the misunderstanding, the fights, the pain—Dick will return to the altar to kneel, to rage, to cry. Only one name on his lips
Jason Todd
I always like and dislike Jason being a brat lol. But I also like the friction/ the push & pull (but a part of me loves fluff/ sweetness)
But also, I remember a post mentioning how Brudick often ends up in arguments yet Bruce more or less let's Jason be lol
So I think Jason is a sort of masochist;
He thinks Dick is the fav, the golden child. Thinks Tim is his replacement, proof Bruce never really loved him. Thinks Damian has a slight 'upperhand' as the only bio son
Thinks Bruce can't possibly love him. He came back wrong, he tried to kill them, he uses a gun, etc etc.
Yet part of him still wants to prove himself. Wants to show that he is better—or can be better—and that he deserves Bruce's love
It's like his cigarettes in a way I suppose; he knows logically they are dangerous, they are bad for him
Yet he still smokes, he can't stop
Similarly Bruce is like a drug, a poison so sweet he can't stop yearning for, even as it hurts him
He's already died once—what's a lil more pain going to do?
Tim Drake
Hmm, Tim strikes me as a more analytical or genuine hero worship
He knew Batman first, the one who inspired him. And then decided to save Bruce to save Batman
In a way, I think he'd be like Dick; thinks he deserves Bruce
Afterall, he was there at his lowest, brought Bruce out, reminded him of what mattered when even Dick couldn't
(Also might be a sort of savior complex? Like just the desire to be the one who's there for Bruce, to 'fix' him)
And like all projects, he slowly began to get attached. Slowly falling in love with the person rather than just the symbol
Every smile was because of him, every laugh was because of him, every time Bruce chose to live another day is because of him
Isn't it lovely to be the reason someone chooses to live?
Bonus: Damian Wayne (feel free to assume romantic or platonic)
Now for Damian, it definitely didn't start out genuine; he loved Bruce for the stories his mother told, for his strength, for the symbol
Perhaps even thought it was obligation to love him
But just like the rest, he grew to care and adore Bruce
No big show, no particular moment, no deep conversation—it just grew steadily
Unlike the other three who loved Bruce and felt like he belonged with them, Damian feels like he belongs to Bruce, that Bruce gave him so much
It's a selfless devotion that borders on zealous
Like a knight sworn to a king. Not to duty, not to the crown, but the man himself
Yet said man doesn't see merely the armour or sword, but the boy beneath. Bruce sees Damian as his
How can he not fall in love? Even if his king's heart is for another, to feel his father's gaze, to have his attention, even a mere whisper of his affections?
That is enough—it has to be
Prompts announced for BruRobin Week 2023!
November 6th — Truth Pollen | Robin Initiation | Daddy Kink
November 7th — Omegaverse | Somnophilia | Collars
November 8th — Undercover as Married | "I knew you wanted me" | Sex Pollen
November 9th — Semi-Public Sex | Stuck in a Wall | Fuck or Die
November 10th — Possessiveness | "Who did this to you?" | Incest Kink
November 11th — Costume Kink | Inappropriate Use of the Batmobile | Spanking
November 12th — Identity Porn | Fake Relationship (Gone Wrong) | Jealousy
Don't forget to check our our inspiration tag to get those creative juices flowing. We'll see you in November!
Top AO3 Batfamily Ships Bracket: Finale
Dick Grayson/Bruce Wayne vs Joker/Bruce Wayne
Dick Grayson/Bruce Wayne
Joker/Bruce Wayne
Top AO3 Batfamily Ships Bracket: Round 4
Dick Grayson/Bruce Wayne vs Barbara Gordon/Dick Grayson
Dick Grayson/Bruce Wayne
Barbara Gordon/Dick Grayson
I see some stuff for Dick and Jason—how about some love for Tim or Damian?
huh, you're right. I've written quite a few pieces for Dick and Jason but not much for the other two. That's my bad 😔
Thus here's some lil snippets/ hcs for them
Tim Drake
I think I mentioned before but due to his serpentine tendencies (aka being cold blooded) he frequently likes to submerge or lurk in pools. Either the one in the cave or the one in the mansion garden
Since he can't regulate his body temperature now, he relies on external devices/ solutions. Curls up in front of a fireplace, wearing a dozen layers of clothes in winter; takes ice baths and even goes shirtless during summer
His laptop is waterproofed so he can still continue his work even when he is soaking—they even have their own mini floatie (courtesy of Dick)
He's the most neutral when it comes to his demon form. He takes pride in it, will even allocate time to smooth or arrange his scales but he's not flaunting them every chance he gets. Certainly doesn't think of them badly—they are a part of him just like the rest of his body
He can unhinge his jaw. Jason has called it creepy whenever Tim yawns
He becomes irritated if he hasn't soaked for a while. His skin grows itchy and uncomfortable
Once ate a live mouse just to test a hypothesis. Will do so again
Just like actual snakes, his tail is predominantly muscle. He loves it when Bruce squeezes or grips him firmly
Also the one most calm when Bruce does a romantic gesture, simply smiling and a quiet thanks
Has slit pupils. Will intentionally let that part of his form show for a brief moment just to watch the confusion and disbelief in others
Still has a coffee addiction (he thanks whatever deity is listening his snake body did not mean he had to relinquish it)
The only one of the batbros who can 'turn off' his deal, so to speak. His own mind is messy enough but to share it with Batman of all people? Yeah, that's a migraine about to happen (literally. Hence why he learnt to shut off the mind link for reprieve)
However this leaves him feeling... sort of numb and disassociated. Even a sense of dreadful emptiness
So he usually only does it when he really, really needs the break. Or if he's already with Bruce. The proximity with his mate helps ease the discomfort
Damian Wayne
Damian has several habits that he inherit from his brothers, though a tad different
Like Dick, he is proud of his demon form and will flaunt it. Unlike the older man tho, Damian's is more of a display rather than a dance. Nightwing struts and performs, theatrical and occasionally sensual while Damian prefers to stalk, moving with measured and intense steps—but the purpose is the same, to show off for their mate
Like Jason, he also craves Bruce's affection yet is destabilised/ doesn't know what to do when they actually recieve it. Unlike Jason, Damian doesn't backtrack though. Both will wish and hope and pray to recieve even a moment of their love's attention—the difference is one will look away or close his eyes because he can't bare it while the other either stares right back or looks down in reverence and gratitude
Like Tim, he doesn't feel particularly threaten or the need to constantly reaffirm their bond with Bruce or so they believe. Unlike Tim, his ease comes from the fact he is satisfied with even the bare minimum. One wants to be the reason, the purpose, the light of Bruce's life—the other is happy to even be able to share it
Just like his love of animals, his draconic state led him to a love of shiny objects—yes, he's a hoarder. Even has an actual treasure chest filled with all sorts of things he's kept. Some have value—a necklace someone gave him as a joke, a so-called lucky coin, etc—but there's also a few that's worth lies more in their memories/ symbolism
A batarang his father gave him after the first time he won a spar, a button that came loose from one of Bruce's favourite suits, etc
He even has some items he got from his brothers—a feather, a bullet and a scale—though he'll never admit it
Whenever Bruce enter a space Damian was in first, the boy would immediately get to his feet and walk over
Unfortunately, he can not breathe fire
Has drawn several pieces where he is a knight and Bruce his king. (Many of them ending in heartbreak or unrequited/ unspoken love)
Has co-written and/ or beta read some of Jason's writing as well
Quiet Moments (pt.2)
Part 1 here
Jason wasn't particularly good at... displaying affection. For that matter, neither was he good at conveying emotions. Having sold his heart certainly didn't help.
It's like seeing a mess of bundles string, each out just another shade of grey. No mater how careful he tries to unravel it, it just slips between his fingers, like smoke that refuses to be held.
Of course, like many things, there's one exception. A single bright red string that he knows instinctively, wrapped tightly around him and Bruce. The red string of fate. Call it cliche, call it sappy—but it's theirs
Even when Bruce's heart beats for others, when it seemed to hum and brighten, Jason clings to the hope that it does the same for him.
Dickhead has always said his body is more truthful than his words—especially in his own demon form.
Unlike them though, there's nothing beautiful about Jason.
Dick has those fuckass wings, dark feathers that gleam with light. Wings that blanket him and Bruce in a hug, ones Bruce gently helps preen and care for. Even Tim has his snake tail, each scale glittering with his every movement. Scales that Bruce so reverently runs a hand through, massaging the muscle almost absently. Compared to them? Jason is plain, boring—nothing
What does he have; two horns and a tail. His horns are big and look like rough bark, while Dick's are short yet well cared for. And his tail is so uninteresting, just a bare little thing then a small puff of fur at the end, not like Tim's jewel-like scales at all.
His brothers always say that he looks fine, that with some maintenance his features can be just as attractive. Hard to believe that whenever he looks at himself, he see nothing but a stain, a phantom that refused to leave.
But...
Bruce must like that too right? The old man would gently pull at his horns when the other was being stubborn. They aren't sensitive, yet the way he holds them so firmly makes Jason shudder. Even when his tail whips against the other's leg, Bruce never scolds him. Just laughs lightly before patting his head.
So there must be something of worth right?
It's why he can't stop himself from pulling the man closer, grip tightening when others watch too closely. Can't help but to remember every detail and every sin, neither swaying his love. Can't help but to stay close to him even when the light burns him—the burn is just as holy as the light afterall
...thoughts like these aren't uncommon. In fact, Jason has lost count of how many times he's wished things were different, thought he didn't deserve what he has yet equally savouring it. A blessing and blashemy in the same indulgence.
And when it all gets too heavy, he seeks out the one he gave his heart to. Sometimes Bruce is in the cave, sometimes in the study. Today he's in the library.
He senses the man before he sees them. Bruce is inclines on the coach, leg atop the other as his eyes scanned a book with little urgency. An open window lets sunlight and wind graze him, painting him in a warm glow as his black hair softly sways.
Truly, it should be illegal how utterly stunning the man is.
Jason swallows, unsure. Part of him wants to bask in the light, part of him is afraid of tainting it.
But then Bruce looks up, blue against his green eyes, and the older man smiles warmly, inclining his head in a silent invitation. And who was Jason to deny his love?
Awkwardly, he heads over to sit beside Bruce, a noticeable distance between them. Bruce shakes his head, amused more than anything.
He reaches out a hand and suddenly their heads are gently touching, inside each other's bubble. Despite his new bulk, Bruce was still just a little taller so Jason's head firmly lands on the other's shoulders.
The other takes a shocked inhale, before quickly biting his lip. Not trusting himself to speak.
"Breakfast was lovely by the way," Bruce whispers, eyes still trained on his book. Jason exhales shakily, closing his eyes.
"Yeah yeah—Alfred said those were your favourites and since I saw we had extra ingredients..."
Despite his words, he begins to melt into the other's touch, leaning more heavily on the older man. Eventually, his head is laying on warm thick thighs, looking up to the face he both adores and hates. Bruce meanwhile has his gaze on the book, one hand idly running through Jason's hair.
"I see," he hums. Simple, short, not pushing.
'At least look at me damn it.'
From his new position, Jason stares openly at the other. At every exposed skin, marked by battle, hardship and pain—some he left himself. Stares unblinking as Bruce flashes flutter and his lips quirk and his shining blue—oh, he was looking at him now.
Jason quickly turns his head away, lips a thin line as he fights back a blush.
Bruce doesn't question it, yet he can feel the older man's heart thrum, a melody that he recognises even if he becomes deaf, one so ingrained into his very being. His own heart thuds embarrassingly loud.
And yet, in this awkward silence, they both unwind. Bruce reading as he pets the other, while Jason simply breathed in the moment. Enjoys it for however long the world lets them.
Quiet Moments (pt. 1)
Dick has always been confident (or shameless as certian people would put it). Always unafraid to be in the spotlight, unashamedly himself. His circus years also probably influenced that. Afterall, this is the same boy who fought crime in basically green panties.
Sure he's dressed slightly less revealing now, but that charm and showmanship never quite went away—from doing unnecessary flips and tricks just to get from building to building or moonwalking into the kitchen just cause he can, Dick has very little reservations.
And his 'hybrid form' is no less of a sight.
In fact, he prides himself in his demonic features; his nails and talons are kept well manicured and deadly, his horns subtle but polished to a shine that you can't miss.
But most of all, he's proud of his feathers; a gorgeous deep blue, downright black, that slowly fades into his signature colour. Each feather is razor sharp yet soft to the touch, shining temptingly in the moonlight. Aside from his back, he has a few growing on his neck too. 'Baby feathers' Tim had dubbed them, small and soft and almost embarrassingly sensitive.
Dick is diligent when it comes to them, taking time to properly preen and smooth his wings out. You'd rarely see any out of place—well you'd rarely seem them at all, but the point stands. Jason often teases him about it, but it's unfair for him to say, he doesn't have neither feather or scales growing on his body.
It's probably also why Tim though confused at Dick's insistance of it, ultimately understands the need to fix his features, make himself presentable.
Besides, the eldest is always brazenly puffing and posing, feathers on display for their love. Sometimes when instincts run higher than shame, he even circles Bruce, each step both a challange and invitation. (A small part of him thinks he probably looks goofy but if it makes his mate smile, then it's totally worth it)
Bruce always seems confused, though with a generous dash of amusement, by Dick's dancing, which is better than outright rejection at least. Then again, all three of them have different ways they... attract their mate. None of them even remotely normal.
All this to say, his feathers are a major concern and point of pride thus preening is a very sacred and intimate moment.
Which is why vigilante Nightwing is flushed red as he lays across his lover's lap, the older man tenderly running his hands over the other's wings. Bruce's hands are calloused and have seen more violence than pretty much any of them, yet his touch is so very light, smoothing out the feathers with calming gentleness and massaging the base of the wings.
Dick's pretty much melted, sighing and trying to bury himself even further into the man's lap, trilling and cooing quietly. He bites back an almost moan when the older man's finger brush against his throat, willing himself not to react too keenly.
It had been almost a week since Dick had preened his feathers. Villains from both Blüdhaven and Gotham seemed to have decided to go on a crime spree, running the Batfamily and other heroes thin with their antics. Dick tried his best to help out with both, never more grateful for his wings, and he succeeded—at the cost of sleep and messy wings.
He's certain he shed a ton from how stressed he was, too haggard and tired to care, which is really saying something.
So once the weekend finally arrives, a small reprieve from all the chaos and world saving, the boy just passes out on a coach, ruffled wings drapped over the furniture. Bruce noticed, of course he did. He quietly strides to the younger man, gently patting his head, concern evident in his voice as he questions him. Dick merely huffs and pouts, but leans into the touch with something close to a purr. Bruce chuckles quietly.
Eventually, the Dark Knight somehow managed to gently maneuver the other to lay across his legs, hands running down Dick's back and shoulder, kneeding the tense muscles. And the younger hero groans and sighs, feeling himself uncoil and unfurl. His wings curled around the other, basically blanketting them both.
Other batkids pass by the room, then silently and quickly left, keenly aware of the intimate scene before them. Jason and Tim happen to see the duo too, making both a little jealous that the eldest was getting so much attention. But ultimately, leaving them be.
This was a serene moment between the very first Dynamic Duo, Batman and Robin. Even if the latter no longer held that title. Let them have their moment.