⋆ 𝙫𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙤𝙤 𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙡 ⋆

𝙎𝙝𝙚/𝙃𝙚𝙧 ⋆ 23 ⋆ 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙩 ⋆ 𝘽𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙮𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 & 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙠𝙞𝙙𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙞𝙩 ⋆ 𝘽𝙍𝙐𝘾𝙀 𝙒𝙊𝙐𝙇𝘿 𝙋𝙍𝙀𝙁𝙀𝙍 𝙉𝙊𝙉𝙀 𝙊𝙁 𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝘾𝙃𝙄𝙇𝘿𝙍𝙀𝙉 𝘽𝙀 𝙑𝙄𝙂𝙄𝙇𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙎 ⋆ #1 𝘽𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙮𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 ◡̈

[bruce-wayne-enjoyer]

De-aged batkids scenario where, during an ill-done mission, Dick tanks a hit from some malignant entity into turning into his early Robin self. An age where the family of some off 8 people was still just a family of 2 — just Bruce and Dick.

The kids are all shuffling back to the Batcave, determined that Bruce will know what to do.

And in any case, they just hoped seeing a familiar face will get young!Dick to calm down. The kid has tried to escape them 5 times, each one resulting on someone getting tazed/bitten/punched.

And another 4 times counted of young!Dick sobbing uncontrollably because these mean, bad people who took him from patrol early all have either his Robin symbol or his Tati's Batman symbol despite "not being cool enough for it"

"Just wait until my dad gets to you all 😠 You're gonna be so sorry!"

"Yeah yeah kid, shut your trap"

They get to the Batcave, and expect Dick to be ecstatic at the sight of Bruce.

Except... Dick starts crying in fear, refusing to believe that Bruce is actually his Bruce, his Batman, his Dad.

Dick immediately runs to a confused Alfred instead, who tries to calm the terrified kid and ask him what he meant by That's not Bruce!

"Master Dick, I can assure you, that is still your father. He is just some odd 20 years older since you last saw him in this form."

"No! No Alfie! That's not Bruce! Bruce doesn't look like... like a MONSTER!"

Dick is, eventually, ushered away by a very worried Alfred. Bruce is stunned, surrounded by the rest of his kids who also don't know what Dick was saying, except what did it matter? His eldest son, his baby, had just called him a monster.

He's so heartbroken that he also flees the scene, determined not to frighten more of his kids.

Oracle buzzes in and they explain what happened. She flushes and tries to bring clarity to the situation by pulling up photos of the version of Bruce that Dick grew up with, and the version of Bruce now.

Less scars. Smiles wider. Doesn't look as chronically exhausted. Glows with hope.

And when you look at his eyes, there's not even a hint of rage or grief in them.

They understood then, why Dick would find Bruce comparable to a monster. When you grew up with a version of a man that seems so angelic, it's hard to imagine him being anything but.

[v00do-d0ll]

Oh.. oKaY

[mnemosyne-nyx]

🗣️ Bruce Wayne Headcanons that haunt me but I refuse to elaborate on even if they're utterly wrong Pt. 4.🗣️

Cue my egotistical ramblings that only please me.

superman's eyes Vs Batman's eyes. So!!! Both have blue eyes but different. We know this. BUT - superman's eyes are like a deep, deep, vibrant blue. They have so much depth they look almost indigo. They're low-key alien in colour (I wonder why). They're comforting, soothing, velvety. Bruce's eyes however are STRIKING. such as in a Gregory House way (look up Gregory house eyes you'll get it yes sir). Superman's blue is inviting, comforting. Batman's blue seeks you out, is intimidating.

Carrying on from the above - I saw a headcanon I literally can't stop thinking about on here and I've absorbed it. That is Bruce's eyes are so expressive. The cowl hides those hurt, investigative, aggressive 🔵orbs🔵. Bruce must be conscious and restrictive of such a quality. Especially with cowl off and being in heated, professional discussion.

During his years abroad training prior Batman, he trained at a ballet school HOWEVER I'm thinking classic Black Widow, John Wick type-way. HEAR ME OUT! he learns INSANE BODY CONTROL, flexibility, his muscle memory and ability to learn choreography/moves by watching improves tenfold. Can you imagine him one day in the Batcave or League training area just whipping out a crazy QUADRUPLE Pirouette (I thinks that's the right terminology) with (almost) impeccable form.

He knows how to use a gun, how to fire a gun, how to dismantle a gun and gun solely so he knows how to remove them as a threat + to help with detective work. This man deffo believes in exposure therapy and desensitizing himself to his worst trauma ever by trying to overcome and master it (the psychological ramifications could be a wonderful ted-talk.) He knows what bullets make what holes, how far said bullet can be fired, what decade they come from -- ALL in the name of "forensic work" (but maybe also a lil bit of repetition of trauma etc etc). Imagine Bruce snatching one of Jason's pistols in an arguement dismantling it in a flash before his eyes.

Weapons. Bro knows how to use soooo many. Maybe not perfectly ... but each time he sees a new one he goes "I HAVE to learn what that is and how to use it" hence why he's had sparring lessons with Hawkman/Hawkgirl to learn how to use the mace, Diana for A LOT of ancient or magical weaponry, cyborg for a few alien ones. I want an occasion where in a fight Bruce has to fire arrows from Ollie's bow.

You know he's exhausted, knackered, tired, frazzled when he just.... zones out. Like eyes glaze over. Seeing beyond the veil. Lost in thought. Almost completely still. The batfam + a few JL members know this and judging by how many times he does it during conversation you can tell how tired he REALLY is.

Bruce cannot have powers. He cannot have magic. He cannot have anything "meta" in terms of power because he will *ALWAYS Tweak. The fuck. Out.* He knows this too. The core of Bruce's character is that he is deeply flawed. The crazy self-control, the no killing, the need to improve and rise above human limitations, to pursue knowledge - it's all to smother and keep dominance over his rage, his grief and his trauma. That is why Dick Grayson is his legacy: Despite his initial trauma like Bruce's, he has emerged a better human and hero despite it. That's why when Dick gets powers, he remains a good person and does not get corrupted by them. I think that's one of Bruce's greatest tragedies is that he is the launchpad for kinder people as he himself can never truly overcome his damaged core.

ANYWAY he gets a red lantern ring one time he genuinely goes on a rampage and Hal Jordan has to get his ass and stop him.

ANYWAY when he learns of magic with Zatanna and Zatara, Zatara is like FUCK NO you'll go NUTS. Bruce says "pfffff no", proceeds to go nuts, the two Zs have to save his ass and then he goes "okay maybe no magic for me actually."

(I think the above is partially canon tbh but I don't think it's talked about enough as it's such a good route to understand Bruce's character LOL)

his face card is INSANE. like it's INSANE. like that Jennifer Hudson tiktok audio from sing 🎶🗣️ "ONCE THERE WAS A WAYYYYYYY----" plays when he takes off the cowl. But this is nuanced, see? Good for Brucie disguise ✅ Bad for blending in when trying to lay low❌ Can be intimidating ✅ Can also be distracting ❌ Can help him look more trustworthy when gaining info ✅ Got him unwanted and scary advances + attention when younger and in with "elite society" ❌❌❌. Knowing how our current age makes edits and memes and fanpages of hot famous people would all apply to Bruce.

Lastly. Bruce has a sense of humour but it's just really, really, really dry. He's witty and quick when he wants to be. We also know he (canonically) has a bit of sass to him.

[occasionalauthoring]

I seen the ask about your thoughts on reverse batfamily and your feelings about Dick being considered Damians dad came up. Which reminded me you don't like it much at the perfect time. I made this post earlier today and want to ask if you can write a post about it yourself? Only if you want and have time though!

https://www.tumblr.com/ughtyrell/818330838409297920/a-scenario-where-everyone-expects-damian-to-side?source=share

Post -- also

"We're leaving the manor for a while, B. We can't keep doing this."

The words ring in Damian's ears. He'd frozen, heart pounding, realising his siblings were leaving him. They'd promised they were family, and now they were leaving him. And then there was a hand on his shoulder, Richard was guiding him out, and his blood ran cold. They weren't leaving him. They intended to make him leave.

And he'd numbly followed, the revelation making his footsteps drag, until they'd stopped in the foyer, next to a pile of suitcases, and Damian had choked, seeing his own among them. The presumptions, the expectations, the demands, they made a fury build in Damian, growing, roiling, hissing, until it finally clawed its way out of him as they negotiated where they would all be staying.

That Timothy would reside with Todd as a temporary measure while his own home was under repairs, though neither of them seemed particularly enthused. That Cassandra would move to live with Barbara. That:

"Damian'll come with me, course."

Damian carefully, deliberately, took a step back, forcing Richard's hand to slip off his shoulder. "No," he says, coldly. "I will not."

They all frown at him. "Where you planning on sleeping then, pipsqueak?"

He doesn't scowl at Todd, but the force of his glare does make his 'brother' do a double take. "In my room. In my home. I am staying with Father."

Richard turns to face him properly, disbelief colouring his face. "Damian—"

"You are not my father, Richard."

More reactions. Raised brows, parted lips. Richard chuckles, and smiles. "I know, Dami. But—"

"Do you? I am no fool, I know you have all made presumptions based on the six months Father was lost in time, but I will take care to remember it is he who I call by that title, not you. He is the one with the right to dictate my life without consulting me, though he would not, unlike you, who did not even inform me you were planning to take me from my home."

The foyer is silent. Damian walks to the pile, and extracts his suitcases. He hears steps before the voice comes, cracking slightly:

"Damian, please do—"

"No, Richard!" He whips around, loosening the reins on his mounting rage. "Your reasons for leaving Father are superficial. They do not show his tedium, they show your weakness! Too weak to love someone because it isn't easy."

Richard falters. Seemingly so do the rest of his siblings. Damian continues, his tongue a sharpened knife, his words barbed.

"I know Father does not love 'right'. I know he expresses himself incorrectly, and that it hurts sometimes, to love him, but what does that matter, when I know how much he loves me?" Damian blinks back tears. "When I heard Pennyworth express how blessed we are that I did not inherit his condition, and Father thanked a God that left him forsaken at eight for the same thing?"

Timothy pales some, and Damian swallows.

"It is not easy, but it is not Herculean. It is not Sisyphean. I thought that you were capable of seeing past his pecularities, to his core, that you could see the intention behind his flawed means of expressing it?" Forcing eye contact with Cassandra makes her bite her lip, breaking it to look away from his penetrating gaze.

"Do not penalise me because you do not care to put in extra effort. Do not puppet me because you only care to pick fights, but don't bother to spend time with Father, and wonder why your relationship has collapsed? Do not make me your mouthpiece because you don't accept the ways he reaches out to you as valid methods of trying to initiate a relationship, and always assume the worst of him."

None of them say anything.

"You are my family. I love you all." The words slip from his tongue with a surprising ease, this once. It is in that regard he did indeed take after his father. It is rare such sentiments come easy to his lips, he prefers showcasing them through his actions. "But I will not abandon Father for you. Certainly not until he actually does something that merits such an abandonment."

This time, no one tries to stop him as he retrieves his luggage and walks back down the hall.

He goes upstairs first, and returns them to his room. Not quite stripped bare, but certainly stripped back. He seethes at the audacious behaviour.

Moving through the hallway, he finds other doors ajar, and sees his siblings' rooms similarly barren.

Looking into Richard's room is when he feels a palm slip over his shoulder. He doesn't turn, but doesn't shove off the touch either. "Forgiveness will be earned. Forgetting will not."

"I understand," Cassandra whispers. "I've...been struggling. Frustrated. I should not have agreed with brothers. Dad deserves more."

"No one deserves anything. But I dare say Father has done his best to earn it, no?"

Neither of them say anything more, but he waits for Cassandra to return her own bags, and when she kneels, arms open to him, he allows himself to eek out a small number of tears on her shoulder.

They go downstairs together, and take the longer way to avoid the empty foyer. When Cassandra opens the door, Damian clenches his fists seeing Father kneeling where they left him standing, and he dare say bawling may be the most apt descriptor for what he sees.

Cass' breath hitches, and she runs across the room, dropping to her knees by his side. Father startles, moving away, but she lunges after, pulling him into a hug before he can resist, and two large arms come around her, squeezing her likely to the point of pain, but she doesn't make a sound as apologies are sobbed into the hug, promises to do better that Damian does not bother contradicting, not now, as he taps Father's arm and is welcomed in too. Wet lips shakily press to his head, then to his sister's hair, and Father gasps for air between their heads.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he whispers to himself, or to them, Damian isn't sure, but he hushes them anyway, and the three of them end up in a miserable silence punctuated only by tears from all three of them.

He's not sure how long they remain there, only that his knees hurt, when a hand smooths over his shoulder, running over his back to make its way over to Bruce's arm wrapped around him.

"Mum's taking the car to the garage, we're gonna stay for a little while, B," Duke says, lowering himself to kneel next to them. Damian is seized by an immense gratefulness for him too, even if he isn't sure how he came to know of today's fiasco.

They'll figure it out, Damian decides. Between the four of them, he's sure they will find a way to keep the household afloat.

[v00do-d0ll]

Now this is the angst I like to see

[bread-and-bats]

“I just want to be alone right now, please get out”

“Chum, I just-“

“I said GET OUT”

There was a long moment of quiet followed by a sad sigh. The floorboards creaking as Bruce walked out.

Regret burned in his gut. Please don’t leave me alone.

Dick waited with bated breath for the click of the closing door. A signal that he could let out the brewing sob.

But it never came. Bruce’s sturdy presence could be felt through the cracked door. Refusing to give up and let him grieve alone.

Don’t leave.

“I know you’re still out there,” the bravado Dick tried projecting was cancelled out by nasally sniffles.

Silence.

“It’s just- you shouldn’t have to deal with me. My anger and hurt, I know it’s not healthy, but. . . But it’s all I have left of them.”

The admission hung in the air. A vulnerable, unifying truth.

“I won’t tell you to let those feelings go, lord knows I still haven’t.”

A quiet voice wafted in. Full of sincerity.

Dick was fully crying now, curled up in a Superman blanket and hugging his pillow.

There was a sharp inhale from outside the door. Was Bruce. . . crying too?

There was some more creaking floors as Bruce stood up and hovered in the doorway. Not hiding his tears.

“But sharing it can make it easier to carry”

Silence. Not inviting, but not pushing away. A start.

Tentatively, Bruce sat on the edge of the bed. Testing the waters.

A sniffle.

Slipping off his shoes, Bruce sat on the bed fully. His broad shoulder nearly touching Dick’s smaller one.

There was no pressure, no prying. A patient understanding.

And just like that, a wall collapsed..

Dick closed the gap, burying his head in Bruce’s chest as he began to sob.

“Oh Chum, I’ll always be here for you. You’re not alone.”

He hugged the small sobbing frame. A warm embrace of shared pain and love for the child who allowed him the privilege of letting him into his life.

— — - — — - — — - — — - — —

Nightwing was still, listening intently from where he was perched outside the open window.

He couldn’t get into a position to view the people inside without giving himself away.

Though he had no need to. Hearing was enough.

There was gentle and deep tone, an older voice . There was small, young voice. Someone who’d seen too much.

Another soul forced to grow up too soon.

His stomach churned at the familiarity.

He told himself it was disgust, anger at Bruce.

Deep down he knew that wasn’t true.

“You should have just let me be, I was doing fine on my own-“

Defensive and fiercely independent. The sound of angry tears hiding deep gratitude and desperation.

There was a rustling, a shifting of position as Bruce sat next to the new kid.

“Jason”

So that’s my replacements name.

“You amaze me, you are so brave and capable.”

A sniff.

“Yeah I know”

A tissue box being opened and handed to the child, Jason.

“I know you’re hurting Jaylad. . .but sharing it can make it easier to carry”

Dick’s heart stuttered, nearly falling off the ledge he was perched on.

He did not just say that.

Those words, full of love and sincerity. Spoken to him. That brought comfort to him. By a father that belonged to him.

Stealth be damned, Nightwing risked a glance through the window.

Bruce was hugging the child. The blue-eyed, black-haired child that looked too much like him for comfort.

Their estrangement had been taking a toll on Bruce. In passing moments when he’d spotted him the man had looked tired, older.

But in that moment, he looked. . . Content. Saddened at whatever tragedy this child had endured, but more whole.

A fire burned within him.

Hurt morphing into the ugly creature that was jealousy.

Fantasies of their reconciliation fixing everything, of having Bruce hug him like that again-

Somebody, that kid, had taken that from him.

It was a shameful ugly feeling. It wasn’t Jason’s fault, not really.

But the burning put inside him didn’t care for logic.

— — - — — - — — - — — - — —

“Hey Dad I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by. . .?”

The kitchen and living room were empty. The sound of Bruce’s voice vaguely reached Dick’s ears from wherever he was upstairs.

It stopped him dead in his tracks. Nearly dropping the bag of Chinese takeout he was going to surprise him with.

That tone, gentle and sincere, was very familiar to him.

He couldn’t quite make out the words, but their soft cadence could be heard despite the painful sobs coming from the same room.

Without making a sound, he crept to the door. A childhood of practice at avoiding the manor’s creaky floorboards coming in handy.

“Oh god. I- I still can’t believe it, I-”

A fresh wave of sobs.

Dick had heard Tim cry before. But this was different. Something had changed, something terrible had happened.

His heart ached for Tim. He had an idea of what kind of tragedy may had befallen.

The kind of loss that killed the child you used to be.

The kind of loss that brought you into Bruce’s arms.

The kind of loss that brought out that gentle, kind tone. A patient understanding and a needed reminder that you weren’t alone.

A familiar fire flickered to life inside Dick, despite his best efforts.

“It hurts so much- oh god oh god”

The sounds of movements and a knowing embrace.

“I can’t take your pain away Tim…”

A voice crack. Bruce was crying now too.

“But sharing it can make it easier to carry”

Those words. Those goddamned words.

Jealousy burned in his gut. Angry at the words that were once special to him. Angry at yet another hurt child taking his place.

Angry at himself for feeling this way.

[Got some jealous Dick here for ya @ilovemybruciewayne >:) - but make it angst because I’m evil lol]

[ughtyrell]

A scenario where everyone expects Damian to side with Dick. To choose and follow him because of course he would. He's Dicks Robin. Everyone knows Damian is practically Dicks son. Except did anyone ever ask if that's how Damian felt?

"I'm staying with father."

That makes everyone pause. Not expecting Damian to protest or say anything because the choice was obvious. Of course he'd go with Dick right?

"Damian come o-""You're not my father Richard."

"What? Dami, of course not, I wasn't saying-" "But you believe it. You all believe it. It is why you are all assuming I would be going with you and leave father behind."

Aka they never asked Damian how he felt about the parental role Dick has taken on towards him. Have never thought to confirm this status they've assigned Dick and Damian with Damian. And he finally shuts it down when attempting to take him away from his real father. His only father.

I imagine Damian didn't realize what role everyone assumed him and Dick were making until way later. Or didn't question it because he barely had a chance to create a father and son bond with Bruce. Neither did he get the chance to have a brother before so he assumes this is it with Dick. If he heard someone teasing Dick over being dad-like, he's assured that they're only poking fun.

When he does get to know and bond with Bruce it isn't like with Dick so he knows the difference now better. So he does get sick and tired of the jokes but lets it go because Bruce doesn't say anything. Until this scene happens and Damian puts his foot down. Dick is not his father and he wants everyone to know that he won't leave with him and choose him over Bruce. Damian loves his dad and it's not Dick.

[v00do-d0ll]

I need more of this in my life!

[noodles-and-tea]

Some Bruce sketches

[v00do-d0ll]

He’s so FUCKING BEAUTIFUL 😭

[papayafromtv]

fed up with Bruce tracking them/invading their privacy in the name of safety, i like to think the batkids pull an uno reverse and microchip Bruce while he’s passed out after a bad patrol injury. they start tracking his phone activity and texting him about wherever he is. bringing up things they know he’s searched for one his phone/people he’s been talking to, showing up at wherever he is during the day and interrupting him just to prove they always know where he is; just overall trying to annoy him the best they can.

issue is, Bruce is just so happy to see and talk to his kids at any point that he doesn’t even notice the breach of privacy, and the kids just end up feeling really awkward about how happy their dad is to see them.

Jason will bring up something in conversation with Bruce that was only privately relayed through texts between Bruce and a colleague, smirking because he knows Bruce is gonna be really paranoid about who’s watching his texts, except Bruce just smiles and happily chats with him for thirty minutes and he’s in a good mood all day because Jason willingly had a casual conversation with him, and when the JL ask why Batman’s in such a good mood at a meeting later that day Jason just goes bright red and doesn’t know what to say because he didn’t realise how much Bruce genuinely craves just catching up with him every now and then.

Dick will stalk him for weeks and wait until Bruce has a really tough busy day at work, specifically so he can wait for the evening where Bruce finally has a single moment to himself in a bar somewhere to relax, and then he busts in loudly sitting down next to Bruce and talking non-stop while ordering a drink, thinking that Bruce is going to be mad because this was his one peaceful moment and Dick ruined it by constantly tracking him. but instead the second Bruce realises Dick’s there all his exhaustion disappears. he gets a really wide genuinely pleased look on his face and happily offers to buy Dick a drink because ‘it’s so rare that they get to hang out!’ and Dick is left floundering because he was trying to be an asshole but now he just feels bad that he doesn’t spend time with Bruce outside of patrol business.

Tim keeps watching him through security cameras and updating him through text on his location in an attempt to make him tired of the constant supervision, but every time he texts Bruce like ‘you just walked into starbucks for the second time today.’ Bruce will just openly smile at his phone and respond like ‘would you like me to get you a drink? i can drop it off at your office if you’d like :)’ and Tim has to give up almost immediately.

essentially i like the idea of the batkids trying to annoy Bruce with themselves, forgetting that Bruce is just a dad who really loves his kids and can’t ever be annoyed by them.

[moonyandmore]

Clark hugs Bruce after a dangerous fight and Bruce hugs him back with shaking hands and Clark thinks it’s because they barely survived but in reality Bruce has never ever been touched like this and is scared to death

[v00do-d0ll]

God I LOOOOVE touch starved Bruce! It’s just 🤌🏽💋 chefs kiss!! If anyone has any fics like this plz let me know ♡

[iamlituhrallybatman]

Bruce has a stalker.

He's sure of it. No one else may belive him but he feels eyes on him when he's supposedly alone, and he knows someone is watching him.

He can't, for the life of him, find his stalker. No amount of trackers or security or his kids trying to help reveal who it is, and eventually, every one thinks Bruce is hallucinating.

Clark Kent has an undeniable obsession with Bruce Wayne to concerning degrees. He knows it's wrong and he feels guilty after, but for a moment, he'd stretch his vision to see Bruce in Gotham. At galas, at dates, with his kids. Just a peek he swears, nothing more.

When he finds out Batman might have a security risk, he secretly keeps an eye out for him.

That how he finds out Bruce Wayne is Batman. And that HE is Bruce's stalker.

[v00do-d0ll]

Omf this is an amazing premise for a fic!!

[imsorrybruce]

Superbat alien sex shenanigans But its Krypton lives au and it's Kal being the scientist and prodding at Bruce like "what's that? what does that do? How does this feel? And if I do this, then what? Uhuh. Uhuh. Lay still. So, can you get pregnant? Do you want to? I think we can arrange that."

[honted0]

Them <3

[v00do-d0ll]

How I love them so much 😭 also it’s just canon in my head that Bruce has the bat symbol as a scar on his back. Please he’s so hot 🥵

[occasionalauthoring]

bruce wayne needs physical touch. not only is it his love language, it's an longing so deeply rooted in his soul that lacking it feels like missing a limb.

the problem? he hates it.

other people's touches feel like acid on his skin. the false kisses on his cheeks during galas, the handshakes during board meetings, the claps on the back after a successful JL mission – bruce can't stand any of it. he's not entirely sure when that hate developed; maybe it was throughout the 10 years alone in the manor with nothing but a butler insisting on keeping everything professionally, or maybe when touches kept following him when he started going public to honor the family name. either way, physical touch has become something he loathes.

and that's the tragedy. bruce constantly feels an ache to be held, hugged, touched, so strong it nearly drives him mad. but when he actually gets it, he can't find any comfort in it at all.

– anon of melons

It took Dick a year to realise. Drowning in grief, in vengeance, moving from the circus to a detention centre to a mansion, hunting down his parents killer, being benched for twelve months of training minimum, being homeschooled, dealing with nightmares and grief trying to swallow him whole, figuring out how to be someone else's ward with his guardian trying to figure out his role too.

It takes a year, but eventually things calm down. The grief doesn't go away, but it does ebb, just like Bruce said it would. He starts to see through the haze, and there's a lot about Bruce to notice.

One thing sticks out.

Touching.

He hates it. Which doesn't make any sense, because Dick sees him be jealous when he doesn't get a hug, or Dick curls up in Clark's lap not his.

So Dick stops. It's hard, because he'd got used to Bruce being an option for so long that he became the option, and now it's been taken away. He makes it three weeks before Bruce awkwardly enters his bedroom, guilt etched into his face, to ask what he did, if he can fix it.

Dick sighs and says it's fine. He doesn't look convinced, so Dick pats his knee, only for him to still show that flicker of discomfort beneath the relief that he didn't mess up like he thought.

Dick tries a lot, over the next few months, but nothing seems to fix Bruce's miserable response to being touched.

Then he has one final idea.

He comes down one morning, and stands next to Bruce's chair at the dining table. "Bruce."

"Dick." His lip quirks up, but his eyes scan Dick, trying to anticipate whatever comes next.

"Would it be alright if I hugged you?" He watches as Bruce's eyes brighten, and he nods, pulling Dick up and into his lap. Dick watches carefully. There's that initial spark of discomfort, but then it melts away, and Dick celebrates internally.

They finish a case, and he holds up his hand subtly. Batman's lips quirk up and he puts up his hand for a high five. Dick leaps up to smack their palms together, and there is no ripple of discomfort through Bruce.

He finds Wally carefully threading beads onto string, and is invited to join. He makes himself one in Robin colours, then an idea strikes, and he makes two more.

Bruce looks at him in confusion when he skips up and ties a green bracelet around his wrist. The next morning, after he stayed out late at a gala, Dick sees Bruce brace himself when he enters the dining room, and rather than offer their morning hug, or sit on his knee and giggle as Alfred helps a double serving onto one plate, he takes the red bracelet out of his pocket and unclasps the green one, replacing it. Bruce watches him, brow furrowed, but says nothing as he goes and sits down in the next chair.

It takes Bruce longer to figure out than Dick thought. But after a time, Bruce is lifting his wrist for him to change the bracelets, and eventually Dick just leaves them on his bedside table to make the decision himself.

Of course, there are exceptions. Like the times when Dick's mask let in some fear toxin because he didn't realise there was a hole, and Dick stared at the red bracelet as Bruce bundled him up in a blanket and pulled him into his arms, holding him all night.

Or the time Bruce lay in hospital after Uncle Harvey stopped being nice, and Dick stared at the red bracelet in the bag of Bruce's clothes, but he was pulled up and invited into the hospital bed too, so Bruce could wipe away his tears and promise he was okay, lying that it was just a scratch.

But mostly, they obey the bracelets.

Uncle Clark takes him flying, like he does once a month, and as Dick sits on his chest, asks what they mean. Dick sees the suspicion, the worry, and explains. Uncle Clark is a bit embarassed that he didn't notice B's 'touch aversion', but nods and promises Dick he'll listen to the bracelets too.

Uncle Clark is Superman. Everyone pays attention to Superman.

Bruce starts coming back from meetings a lot less stressed. He returns from missions and doesn't head right to the showers to scrub his skin red and raw.

He still asks. Not everything is always okay. Sometimes Bruce is green, but that means Dick can hold his hand, but not climb up and sit on his hip.

But Dick is proud of himself, cause he figured it out. And he kind of fixed it. And he knows Bruce is proud of him too, because he never tries to be quiet when he says it to Alfred, which makes it feel even better.

[bruce-wayne-enjoyer]

Silly headcanon but I like imagining that the batkids like doing the shirt thing with Bruce

You know the kind. Little kids hopping onto their parents and crawling into their shirts, then almost always fall asleep because the mama/dad's skin is so warm and soft and safe and homely

.

I can picture that it started with Cass disappearing from the room she's in with her siblings, and finding Bruce in some lounging seetee, then immediately start coming into his shirt, acting more on instinct than sense because of a general need to be rid of the discomfort

He's so taken aback. Bruce is used to his kids crawling on his lap or climbing into his arms, but under the shirt is a new tactic. He takes it in stride though because his baby girl looks upset and the questions can wait until she settles into position.

"Cass? Is everything alright, princess?"

Cass nuzzles into his collarbone, "It's loud with brothers, with everyone. Hot with so many bodies. You're a nice quiet. You're a nice warm. I'll stay here... okay...? 😴"

When the rest of the family notes Cass' disappearance from the sibling peanut gallery, they start looking around for her. They find her in the same lounging room as Bruce, her entire body encased in his shirt. She's drooling on his shoulder and fast asleep. Bruce looks like he's about to cry. The shirt is tearing from the side.

.

That's the start of Bruce buying (and often getting customized) shirts that can stretch or at least is loose enough to accommodate his gremlin children, who all decided they want to try this at least once.

It's to no one's surprise that it's Damian who enjoys it the most next to Cass. He's already a very tactile person, and he enjoys being able to monopolize his dad's affections because deep down, Damian is a very clingy kid.

"Father, I require cuddles."

"Of course, come here baby."

Damian starts crawling into his shirt. He is so small that it barely stretches. Bruce's heart swells. His baby boy, his youngest child, is all but the size of a grape. He is love-shaped.

Bruce starts walking around doing work while carrying his son, who is happy to just get dragged around like an actual infant. Damian would eventually hop off for some reason or another, but Bruce enjoys simulating the years lost to him where Damian can only be held this way.

.

Sometimes, the kids don't do it for themselves. Imagine Bruce waking up randomly on a no-patrol day, bandages still on. The sun has barely peaked, the bedroom still chilly, and there's a giant lump under his blanket that wasn't there before.

He checks and lo and behold, Dick is current under his shirt, snoring on his stomach and hands curled on the hem of it. He's still in his Nightwing suit. His weapons are at the foot of the bed. His eyes are swollen because he was scared because his dad is injured enough to be benched and he didn't know until patrol came and Batman wasn't there.

Bruce kisses his forehead and tucks his eldest baby closer.

.

Tim is the weird one because he always does it from the back. He prefers essentially big spooning Bruce because (a) back-to-back has all the benefits of cuddle time while he can still use his phones, and (b) he's always been a piggyback ride sort of kid

It's come to a lot of hilarity. Sometimes Damian would come for his regular cuddles and then he'd realize that Bruce's shirt is stretched from the back.... Tim is there, one hand on Bruce's tummy and the other holding his phone, watching a youtube movie or something

"Um 🤨 do you mind?"

"Yes I do mind Timothy 😠 Get out of my Baba's shirt 🤬 It's MY turn. You've been here since morning!

"Oh it's just YOUR Baba, is it? 😤"

And then they start arguing. Bruce, meanwhile, is resigned to figuring out how to tell his personal dressmakers to give him a set of shirts that can fit 2 angry, chaotic gremlin children

.

Naturally, Jason is skeptical of this. He makes quips about it when it's brought up.

"If it's just the skin-to-skin you guys like, just ask the old man to get his shirt off like they do to dads in the hospital 🙄"

The kids would give some intelligent or passionate reason why the shirt cavern is a staple to the experience, and Jason would keep ragebaiting them. Meanwhile, Bruce can see through his second son.

Jason only has a problem for it because he can't do it. Jason is much more bulky and tall, even more than Bruce these days. His leaner and shorter siblings can easily shimmy to enjoy "shirt time" (patent pending) with their dad. He's bitter and jealous and Bruce has a little giggle any time he thinks about it.

Bruce solves this by getting one of those oversized sweater things. His shirts are already custom, but this one is the custom — specifically just to fit his behemoth 6"5 danger baby of a child.

He wears it or changes into it when he knows Jason is coming over and is in a particular mood. Jason catches up with it and pretends to be offended. But sooner than later, he's found cuddling with his dad, head peaking out from Bruce's collar, and slowly falling asleep.

.

Alfred has a problem with it every laundry day. "Master Bruce, we cannot keep doing this! I am very sure that half your wealth is just going to replacing your shirts every month!"

Bruce would look up and go "But Alfred 🥺 my babies need skin-to-skin contact"

Alfred would always give him a deadpan look and shift his eyes downwards, because in a comical act of fate, there'd always be a kid down there fast asleep when he has this conversation with this grown ass man

"Your babies are highly-trained operatives who have fought god at least twice"

"But look at them 🥹 they're so cute. Oh Alfred, they love having skin-to-skin because they feel warm and safe when they do it! They're so precious. Silly, even. Aren't they so precious and silly."

And then the child would peak out from the collar of the shirt like "🥺"

Alfred would just sigh and get the damn sewing kit because there is truly no point in arguing on the few things the family can agree on

[occasionalauthoring]

Hey occa,

I’ve been thinking a lot about Dick’s and Bruce’s relationship. Especially about Dick’s possessiveness over Bruce.

Feel free to ignore this though if you don’t feel like answering this.

What about a Dick that gets de-aged or even better a Dick that gets switched with his past self. No matter how it happens just-started-out-as-Nightwing Dick is now in the present. He is currently on his rough patch with Bruce and is suddenly dropped into a future where he has to share his Dad’s Bruce’s attention with others.

A 17yo Dick who thinks of Bruce as to overbearing is suddenly with a Bruce that barely has any time for him. At least in comparison to what Dick is used to.

After getting past the initial shock he thinks it’s great and that he now has his peace from Bruce. Only to notice how Bruce is laughing with the other kids and how their friends come over and also hang out with Bruce.

Because none of them were only told bad things about Bruce by him. God Dick is so stupid he could have had this. Why is he so goddam selfish

And suddenly Dick is seething with jealousy. It practically drips from his body. That is HIS Bruce.

But when he tries to start doing an activity with Bruce the man brushes. Him. Off.

“Sorry chum, but It’s the first Thursday of the month and I always have book club with Jayson then”

“I’m afraid I don’t have the time, Tim asked me to a True Crime Show Marathon”

“I apologize but today is my weekly practice in physical combat with Kidflash. He asked for a depleted training plan”

And while 17yo Dick is struggling with all of this older Dick in the past is just enjoying having all of his Dad’s attention for the first time in YEARS while the TeenTitans and his Dad are heavily confused by his antics

Aha! Found it! I didn't mean to ignore you, I swear 😶‍🌫️

"Dick? Hold out your arm for me?" Dick blinks, tuning back into the real world, and finally forces him out of the haze he'd happily settled into in Bruce's arm. On autopilot, he obeys, offering his arm, but frowns when Bruce wraps a tourniquet around it. "Thank you, chum," he mutters, filling two vials with blood. Dick watches it happen, confusion penetrating the calm that had settled over him.

"Bruce!"

Bruce lifts a hand, signalling his location, and Dick frowns harder when J'onn and Zatanna round the corner, approaching with masked caution.

"Bruce. I'm myself."

"I know, chum." He slings an arm around Dick to keep him up as he moves over to the lab, and preps a slide of his blood. "There's just some peculiarities we want to figure out."

"He is," J'onn confirms, suddenly closer.

"No spells," Zatanna adds, making to poke him. Dick knocks her hand away with a scowl.

"His consciousness is not his." Dick blanches, sending mental claxons towards J'onn. Don't tell him, let him keep pretending— "The mind currently in this form is Richard Grayson from nearly ten years in the future."

Bruce's brow dips. "Dick." Oh great. A tone. "Why not tell me?"

"Because that doesn't matter," he insists. "I'm me. And you're you. And I want to spend time with my dad."

Bruce's breath hitches. Zatanna and J'onn head out just as quickly as they came, even if snickers linger after their departure, and Dick shifts uncomfortably.

"Dick, I— Please tell me I'm not..." Bruce falters, looking crushed, and Dick shakes his head.

"No! No, B, I just. You're busy, a lot of the time, in my time. I just want to make the most of right now. Please."

Bruce watches him for a moment, then melts, and it kicks Dick in the chest the same way it did when Bruce treated him like a dream when he snuck into his room this morning (with the intention of telling him what happened, only to see him lying there, the perfect spot to lie under his arm, and realise he could do that) and cuddled him like they always used to do. Before Dick grew up. Before Bruce grew up too.

"Okay. We'll go to the den."

Hesitantly, oh so carefully, Bruce leans in, and presses his lips to Dick's head. Dick leans into the touch, pretends not to see Bruce hold back tears, and stifles his own.

He'll enjoy this, for however long it lasts. However long he gets to live in a time where he was an only child, and Bruce had no pulls to his attention except maybe the dog. When Bruce was his, and Dick was his, and even when Bruce thinks Dick is filled with hormonal rage and teen angst, still carries him around all morning for cuddles. When it was just them.

And maybe...maybe he'll pull on his old suit. Maybe the dynamic duo can fly one last time.

He'll make the most of this time in a way he didn't last time, even if he loves his siblings.

Dick hates his siblings. He's hated this entire day. And now it's dinner, and he's walked into the dining room, and watched the little one and the girl one slide into the seats on either side of the head of the table, keeping Bruce for themselves.

"Move." The girl rolls her eyes, and the little one scoffs. "Move!" He yells, and the room goes silent.

Bruce frowns at him. He shouldn't be frowning at Dick, he should be frowning at these parasites on his attention. "Dick," he admonishes.

"Make them move. I'm not doing this— I'm not putting up with this anymore. Make. Them. Move. Bruce."

The little one frowns. "Grayson—"

"Wayne," he snaps. He's lying. His name isn't Wayne, that's the name of his future self, he'd had a panic attack seeing the adoption certificate framed on the wall this morning, but now there is a monster in his chest, writhing and possessive and demanding he gets rid of the intruders, and when it supplies the name he grasps it with both hands.

"My name. Is. Wayne. You brat."

"Dick!" Bruce shouts, a hand held out to the little one, who's fallen silent, like he deserves any comfort. He stole Dick's dad Bruce. "What has gotten into you?"

"Do you love them more than me?" He gasps, and feels the mortifying heat of tears as they slide down his cheeks. Bruce startles, mouth slightly open, the rest of the room is staring, but the dam is broken and he can't stop the barrage of words. "I-I know I was rude, and contrary, and we fought, but I didn't want you to replace me! And— and you've been busy all day and you don't have time for me and all you ever do is spend time with them!"

He crying properly now, Bruce's striken face is blurry through his tears, and he's never felt more childish than when he wraps his arms around himself like a facsimile of a hug and sobs.

"You said good morning, but you didn't kiss my head, and you didn't try to hug me, and you don't cut my bacon for me anymore, and you didn't ask me if I wanted to do my homework with you while you worked on W.E. and you took him to get milkshakes after lunch not me and you didn't try to sneak cookies from Alfred with me!"

The room is deadly silent, so his wet, shuddering inhale is the loudest thing in the room.

"Is it because they call you 'Dad'?" He asks, and Bruce makes a noise like he got punched. "'Cause he calls you Father and she says Dad and he calls you Pops even if it sounds sarcastic but you spend time with them and not me so is that it? Do— Do I need to? I'll do it, B, please, just— Just be my Bruce again, please!"

He's sobbing now, and his chest aches, and it hurts to breathe, but then Bruce's chair is screeching back and he's being tackled and yanked into a hug and he wraps all his limbs around him and bawls into his chest like he hasn't since he was ten, but Bruce just clutches him close, hushing him gently, painfully gentle hands carding through his hair.

"Please, please B— Dad—"

"Hey, hey, Dickie-baby, you don't need to call me Dad."

"You promise?" He moans, and lips press firmly into his hair.

"I promise, chum. I'm sorry." Dick burrows close, and Bruce starts walking and Dick has no idea where they're going but Bruce is mumbling apologies into his hair like he'll never stop but his arms are firm around him and that kind of makes it feel like it will all be okay.

[purplebutterfly19]

All the bat’s lovers sneaking into the manor at 2 a.m. :

*Roy coming in by picking the locks to the patio doors*

*Conner flying in though an open window*

*Jon using the door Damian got installed for his pets*

They all cross paths in a hallway and proceed to strike the Spider-Man meme pose at one another.

Jon: “Conner what are you doing here?”

Conner: “I could ask you the same thing.”

Roy (laughing): “Wow two brothers banging two brothers, that’s gold.”

Conner (smirking): “Weren’t you besties with Dick first?”

Roy: “Shut up clone boy!”

Jon (to Conner): “Are you seriously dating Tim? You didn’t even tell me?”

Roy (laughing again): “I called it. Jason owed me fifty bucks for this. And say…who tops?”

Conner and Jon (both gagging)

Conner: “Keep that to yourself Harper!”

Jon: “Do NOT answer. I don’t want to know!”

Roy (shrugging): “What? That’s also part of the bet, I want to cash in.”

Conner (rolling his eyes): “Then I should make a bet on when you and Jason are gonna come out with your relationship. Because I’m pretty sure Bruce doesn’t know.”

Roy: “You’re one to talk.”

Jon (so done with this conversation): “Can’t we all just agree to never speak of this again?”

?: “I believe that would be a great idea”

All three turn to find Kori walking up the stairs in her pajamas.

Roy: “What are you doing here?”

Conner: “Sneaking in to see Dick?”

Kori (completely confused): “What? No. I have a key.”

Roy/Conner/Jon: “What!”

Kori (continuing to walk up the stairs and into the hall): “Dick and I have been dating for years now. Bruce gave me a key years ago.”

Jon: “Seriously? So I crawled in for nothing.”

Kori (giggling): “Try not to make too much noise, Alfred hates it when the others get woke. Up after finally falling asleep. (process to yawn and walk over to Dick’s room) Goodnight..” she then opens Dick’s door and goes inside.

Roy: “Damm.”

Conner: “So…..never speak of this again?”

Roy/Jon: “Deal.”

And so they all go to their respective partner’s bedrooms for the night.

——————————

Meanwhile in the Batcave, Bruce Wayne is perfectly awake and still in his undersuit. Currently sitting at the Batcomputer’s chair watching footage from the cameras he has installed inside the house. Clearly seeing three young men sneak past his security and into his home.

Clark Kent (coming up behind him with a blanket in his hand): “I don’t get it. Why don’t they just use the door?”

Bruce (sighing heavily): “I have no idea. But I’ll have to implement higher security measures since they all managed to get past the laser grid.

Clark (laughing and picking up his bat who he knows has been awake for over 18 hours): “Okay, but you can do that after having a good eight hours of sleep.”

Bruce (struggling in the Kryptonian hold as he is carried to his bedroom while wrapped in a blanket): “You’re mean.”

Clark (unbothered): “I love you too.”

[ilovemybruciewayne]

Do you have any headcanons about Bruce being Jon’s favorite superhero or just liking Bruce the most as an adult in general?

I just think their relationship is so cute!! and it doesn’t even have to be a superbat thing (obviously it can be if you want it to be. Who am I to stop you 😏👀)

But I just think they’re so cute together, and it breaks my heart that Batman is none of Bruce’s kids favorite superhero! 

I imagine Jon visiting them constantly and out of nowhere, calling B by his name, rarely adding "mister" as he does with other grown ups. Jon is all about touch, so he's constantly throwing himself at the bat. He loves hanging from his neck. And he LOOOOOVES making him laugh. He discovered his dad can't even get him to laugh that often, so he's always showing off whenever he can.

Would he like his dad dating Bruce? Nope. That would mean less B for him. Can you blame him for his possessive behavior? He grew up next to the batkids, and that's all they display towards their dad.

Clark can cry and whine, but he can't just appear in the manor! He's an adult! So Jon always uses that to his advantage. Whenever he needs anything, or just misses B... He's there. At the manor.

He also learned that Bruce won't nag at him even if he shows up at 3 am to cuddle, as long as he uses puppy eyes on the man. He knows he has all the control.

The only person he's actually cautious of, is Kon. He can tell the bat looks at him with adoption eyes, and Jon fears his space is at risk.

Btw I am SORRY voodo, but I'm in my Ghostbat streak for this ficlet!

Edit: I wrote this ask before this one, and foolishly put them in drafts only to forget to post in order... So this ask is previous on timeline to that one. Think of this as a precuel.

Khoa's meddling gets interrupted by the smell of ozone. He's almost ready to fight Superman for daring to enter the cave without his permission, when-

"Who are you?"

A kid, no older than ten is staring him down. He has the boyscout's colours on his chest. He examines him. Something tells him he's not a threat. He turns back to mess with Bruce's paperwork.

"I asked you something!!"

The kid's scream makes the room shake, and the alarms go off. Great. Perfect.

Barely audible steps quicken their way to the cave. Bruce's shadow is followed by Damian's tiny one as they jump to a fighting stance.

Bruce blinks at him, and Khoa resists the impulse of kissing his face.

"...Hi?"

Khoa opens his mouth for a sarcastic greeting, but the kid throws him far away and rushes to Bruce's arma. What. The. Fuck? "Bruce!!" the kid cries out. "He was here when I arrived! He was throwing stuff around!" No, he wasn't "He might be stealing your information!!" Ok, maybe.

Bruce is practically cooing at the kid hugging his waist. "Jon, dear. What did I tell you about coming without calling first?"

"But Bruuuuuce!"

"No buts-"

"Father. May I go back up? I was busy-"

"DAMI THERE'S AN INTRUDER AT YOUR HOUSE!"

"Tt. Father."

"Jon" he flattens the kid's curls back. Khoa can imagine a purr coming out of the... Kryptonian? child "he's a... Friend. So to say"

Jon, if that's his name, turns to Khoa, and then back to Bruce. Then he's back towards Khoa, offering him a blinding smile. Yup. That's Supes' kid right there. Fuck. He almost liked him.

"I didn't know any other of mister B's friends!" the child lets go of Bruce, just to float right in his personal space. Bruce and Damian are glaring knifes at Khoa's face, threatening. So the kid is important. Noted.

Khoa looks up to the kid's big eyes. Be might like this one. Be has that obsession the first pup has, but he doesn't have the venom that hurts his Bruce.

Khoa smiles. And ignores the way Bruce visibly shudders behind Jon.

"So- Jon, right?" The kid nods enthusiastically. Khoa moves around. Almost snake-like. He pulls Bruce's chair and drags it towards the man. After a soft push at his shoulder, Bruce is sitting down. He walks behind him "Tell me," he leans, arms around Bruce's neck "would you like to hear about the time B and I trained together?"

[touchofhemlocktea]

Dick Graysons breakaway from Batman is interesting because his motivation for running away is Bruce trying to be a good parent.

Bruce realizes he made a terrible mistake after 2 major events

Two-Face nearly killing Dick

Joker Shooting Dick

This means that Bruce's primary motivation in these moments is protection.

I grant, attempting to take away Dick's mantle when you know very well that it's in honor of his dead family was never going to end well when it comes to I was going to kill my parents murder Dick Grayson.

But I get Bruce's perspective.

Not to say Bruce doesn't have his moments after this, but as far as I can tell, the foundation of their initial relationship break was just Bruce trying to be a parent where he hadn't before and Dick taking it badly.

[v00do-d0ll]

Yea, I personally find him leaving very stupid.. ppl have tried to get me to understand but I just can’t get with it. It’s all very annoying and dramatic to me personally..