bruce waynes #1 defender

He met him as Batman first though.

It ought to be disconcerting to anyone to see your big brother's apparently most annoying co-worker being solemn, even more when said co-worker is his co-founder of the whole damn Justice League and is a giant tower of shadows weaving through the crowd of spandex and grief.

Jim didn't expect that Batman would be in the front row.

Least of all, he didn't expect that some members of the League would pass condolences to him too.

It isn't until Green Arrow ("Oliver, please, I insist...") finally relented under Jim's pointed language, at some point during the week long wake, that Jim was finally given the whole picture.

"My brother and.... and Batman? Together together?"

And he’s had exactly two bad reactions in his life that have lead to him having to go to the hospital, once when his parents were still alive, and once after his parents had already died, when he was ten. 

After the first reaction he had when his parents were still alive (I imagine he was between 4-6 at the time) Martha and Thomas completely band mango from the manner entirely, to the point that any restaurant they want to had to remove all mangos from the premises for the time that the family was dining with them. 

Bruce doesn’t tell the Batkids about this allergy, not because it’s a secret or anything, but because he simply forgot to, he’s only had two bad reactions to the fruit in his entire life, and he’s never really around it all that much anyway, and he himself forgets about it for the most part. 

Alfred is the one to inform all the kids of, and in force the rule that Martha and Thomas set, but he doesn’t tell the kids it’s because Bruce is deathly allergic. 

The kids think it’s kinda ridiculous, but don’t make a fuss about it, deciding to let Bruce have this one weird rule without question. 

Until, that is, they get into ANOTHER fight. Until this one, stupid argument. It’s one of the handful of times where it’s all the kids vs Bruce (usually at least one of the kids is on his side or some of them choose to not take sides at all, but not this time) and they want sweet, petty revenge. 

So they get him a cake. And they pretend that it’s a peace offering. And they don’t tell him it’s a mango cake until it’s too late. 

(They always thought it was kinda weird that Bruce refused to allow mango on the grounds/that he refused to eat it, as all other fruits had been his safe food since forever, so it always felt kinda weird that this was where he drew the line.)

He has a terrible reaction. His face breaks out into bright red hives, he can’t breathe, his eyes water, and he can’t breathe, his throat swells ,  AND. HE. CAN’T. BREATHE. 

And it had been so long since he had had his last reaction, and the manor was supposed to be a safe place for him, that they didn’t even have an epipen in the house anymore, and Alfred was out running errands and Bruce. Couldn’t. Breathe.

(As an aside because i couldn’t find a way to fit it in anywhere, EVERYBODY in Gotham knows about this allergy for the most part. Martha and Thomas (and later on, Alfred) made a HUGE deal about it when it was first discovered, because they didn’t want Bruce to have to suffer through another reaction. All this to say that it’s one of if not the first thing that pops up when you google the name Bruce Wayne (after all the articles about The Wayne Family Murders of course)

(again, sorry if this isn’t cohesive(?) I’m writing/sending this in at almost 4:00 in the morning 😭😭)

Lightning flashes into the room, and Barry appears, already kneeling next to Bruce. The man writhes on the floor, grasping at his teammate, and Barry clasps it tightly, eyes flicking over Bruce at superspeed, making a dozen calculations in the time it takes them to blink.

"Hey, hey, try to stay calm," his voice is calm but firm, guiding Bruce to lie down, manoeurvring him to open his airway, for whatever good that will do. "Supes commed. He's stuck in the Dromenka galaxy, but he heard you. Hal's on standby up top to get the medbay ready."

"What the hell is going on?" Dick mutters, sinking to his knees.

Barry glares at him. "You guys clearly fed him mango. You know, the one thing that can kill him." He blurs, and resolidifies with an EpiPen in hand. "Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh," he chants, and slams the pen down.

The kids blink, and he's gone again.

And so is Bruce.

"Bruce is allergic to mango?"

"Bruce is deathly allergic to mango?"

"We fed Bruce mango?"

Barry crosses his arms, standing in front of Bruce's room in the medbay, glaring at the group when they approach. "You think you're getting by?"

Tim tilts his chin up. "I think we're his kids. You can't keep him from us."

The BatCave materialises around them, and everyone's eyes are drawn to the batcomputer, where the dozens screens display the same message:

"This is all your fault," Jason barked at Tim, as the boy and the others were busy trying to hack the zeta tubes' systems and get back to the Watchtower.

"Congratulations on your brilliant idea! You almost killed him!"

Tim glared at him. "My brilliant idea? I didn't see you protesting!"

"That's because it was supposed to be a fucking prank! Not an attempted murder!"

"Sorry I took away the satisfaction of killing him like you wanted!"

"You little..."

"Shut up!" Dick barked, finally silencing them.

Everyone looked at the older brother with looks of mixed anger and concern.

Dick had been the worst off. Guilt was a bitch, and he was drowning in it.

If it weren't for Clark and Berry, they wouldn't even be here. Oh, if it weren't for them, they'd be arguing with the funeral home about arranging a funeral right now. Bruce's funeral.

Because they'd almost killed him over an argument so stupid it hadn't even been in the top ten of all time, and the casualness with which they'd done it had been embarrassing.

No wonder Zatanna had teleported them all back to the cave. They didn't deserve to be in Bruce's room.

Not after what they'd done.

"Richard?" Damian's voice brought him back to the present situation, the mess they'd gotten themselves into due to their own stupidity. He swallowed, "Jason, it's not Tim's fault."

"It was his idea!" his brother protested, and before Tim could argue or try to end Jason's bloodline once and for all, Dick interjected, "Yeah, it was his idea. But we all went along with it, and we did it enthusiastically. Because we're assholes, that's why. Because we wanted revenge and to spite him. Well, we got our revenge. I'm sure Bruce will accept the food we offer him again..."

His voice trailed off. Bruce doesn't accept food from anyone. That's how paranoid he was, and often rightfully so.

But he'd never been that way with them. Because he trusted them. He trusted they wouldn't hurt him.

Which they'd done without even thinking. They'd decided to abuse Bruce's trust in them, breaking the only thing he'd ever asked of them, without even a second thought.

No, it was more important to feel satisfied and have fun at Bruce's expense.

They didn't even know Bruce was allergic to damn mangoes.

But Bruce knew their allergies and preferences. He'd banned a lot of things from the Manor just for them, he'd asked Alfred to cook vegetarian for Damian, he'd learned old Roman recipes for Dick, he'd tolerated spices for Jason and Duke, he'd made waffles for Stephanie, but none of them had thought to respect his one simple request. They hadn't cared.

They'd never questioned it, even though they knew Bruce never did anything without a good reason. And Bruce had almost died.

Because of Dick. He rested his forehead on the cold desk, fighting the urge to cry.

There was no going back from something like that. No excuse would suffice. Let's be honest, if the tables were turned, Dick would have demanded they all go no contact with Bruce and never show up again. It would be the least they could do.

(Never, not even after the worst arguments, had Dick ever considered not being a part of his father's Bruce's life anymore. Because the anger passed, and he would always need his father, Bruce. But now, he had automatically eliminated himself from the equation, for something so foolish and stupid, that it threatened to cost them everything.)

"Let's keep going," he said, hoping Alfred wouldn't come back again, and God, how were they going to tell Alfred? How were they going to explain to him that they had almost killed Bruce because they were terrible sons?

Dick couldn't give less of a shit. The only sport bro watches is gymnastics when the Olympics come around. He doesn't mind watching it tho cause he thinks it's peak brother bonding time.

Damian had to be physically held back after the Argentina vs Egypt game. Both Damian and Jason were on the brink of murder.

Steph watches every game like a hawk. She's weirdly obsessed with it. And she's always accurate with her guesses on who will win. Nobody knows how she does it.

Cass watches it cause she finds grown men fighting over a ball funny. (Same tbh)

Duke stopped watching after the country he supported got out, but then developed a fascination for Haaland (Norway player) and is now rooting for Norway to win. (Which like same, I love Haaland he's so silly goofy)

Tim supports England cause he thinks Bellingham is hot.

"Beloved"

princess Talia and Knight Bruce Wayne AU

Tim: by the way, B. I’ve been wanting to say. I got a boyfriend.

Bruce: That’s great, son. I’m glad you worked things out with Kon.

Tim:

Tim: Kon?

Bruce: *Pauses*

Bruce: Is he not your new boyfriend?

Tim: No! It’s a guy called Bernard.

Bruce: ..Oh. Well, congratulations, Tim.

Tim: Thanks…

———

Tim: I’m going out with my boyfriend, see you guys later.

Dick: I thought Kon was in outer space?

Tim: …My boyfriend. Not Kon.

Dick: Your boyfriend.. Not Kon?

Tim: No.

Dick: …

Dick: Have fun, Timmy!

Tim: …oooohkay.

———

Jason: Your boyfriend is here, replacement.

Tim: Bernard?

Jason: Wait, what?

Tim: My boyfriend, Bernard?

Jason: *points to the window*

Jason: I meant Kon.

Tim: He is not my boyfriend.

Kon: Are you going to let me in?

Jason + Tim: *looks at Kon.*

Jason + Tim: *goes back to their conversation*

———

Tim: Hey Alfred, I wanted to let you know my boyfriend is coming over for dinner.

Alfred: Of course, I’ll make sure we have enough for master Conner.

Tim:

Tim: You mean Bernard?

Alfred: Yes, Master Bernard.

———

Bart: Whoareyoutextingisityourpartner?

Tim: *Hides his phone*

Tim: Yes. My boyfriend. Now leave me alone.

Cassie: Wait, you got a boyfriend?

Bart: *Looks around and notices a certain super isn’t here*

Bart: Well, I have a hint on who it is.

Tim: There’s no way you know him.

Cassie: Isn’t he literally our teammate?

Basic premise: the alpha knows their omega is pregnant while the omega actually has no clue

——

Clark notices something’s different with his omega immediately. He watches as Bruce shifts uncomfortably on his feet after standing for too long, when before he wouldn’t give it a thought, or how he scrunches his nose at certain foods he used to deem safe, and even goes for food combinations that he never imagined Bruce would ever try. There was even a small change in his scent, which was just... odd.

When Bruce is distracted talking to Duke about a board game the kid recently became obsessed with, Clark takes a moment to figure out what’s wrong with his mate. He just hopes it’s not another injury. It doesn’t feel like Bruce is hiding an injury from him.

Not wanting to be called out by the children around them, Clark decides that using his X-ray vision wasn’t the move for now. He's been caught staring before... It's embarrassing for everyone. He strains his ears, closing his eyes to focus and shut out every other sound in the world to truly and wholly focus on the love of his life in front of him

And there it is.

A faint heartbeat thumping just slightly out of time with Bruce’s.

Clark barely contains himself from flying out of his seat and tackling Bruce into a very gentle hug before sobbing his eyes out and thanking him for being so wonderful and amazing and-

But he doesn’t do that.

No, in fact, he’s sure Bruce would praise him for being able to keep his composure so well.

Ignoring the raised eyebrows and odd looks Damian and Stephanie give him when a wide grin stretches across his face, he sits there and thinks.

There has to be a reason why his husband, who tells him everything unless it’s strictly confidential for a mission or pertains to Wayne Enterprises, decided not to inform him of this wonder and joy.

Despite the impression Bruce gives off and what most people assume of him, Bruce can be quite cute and sappy…

A surprise!

It’s the only explanation. Bruce is planning one of those adorable surprises he sees on social media all the time. One day, when he comes home from work, Bruce will hand him a small box, and inside will be his pregnancy test!

Or maybe a little onesie? Or tiny baby shoes? Or one of the pets running up to him wearing a shirt that says he'll be a Dad? Or maybe ultrasound pictures, if Bruce has gotten that far. Or he’ll drag Clark to the kitchen and show him a bun in the oven?

And then both of them can plan a cute surprise for the other kids. He can order shirts that say ‘best big brother/sister around!’ with little sunglasses, and everyone will be so happy, and they'll take a bunch of pictures and-

“Why does your face look stupid?” Jason’s voice snaps Clark out of the daydream he found himself flying through. “Seriously, why do you look like that? All dopey and shit.” Jason crosses his arms over his chest with an unimpressed look.

Clark lets out a small chuckle and shakes his head. “Ah, just… thinking about some things.”

Dick’s head pops out from behind his younger brother and gives Clark an appraising look. “You’re not thinking any weird thoughts about Bruce, are you?” Dick squints and leans forward. “Cause I’m not afraid to hit you. You know I’m not.”

“Boys, stop bullying Clark.” Bruce’s exasperation was clear as he walked over to the table and placed a hand on the back of Clark’s chair. “You guys are stinking up the house. I thought you two were past the territorial phase?”

“They’re simply imbeciles, Ummi.” Damian pops out of nowhere to push himself between Dick and Bruce before hugging the omega’s waist. “Do you see how I can easily control my scent? Unlike the stinky alphas you decided to adopt.”

“That’s not even a fair comparison since you’re still a pup.” Tim laughs, coming down the stairs, Cassandra right beside him. “What scent do you even have to stink up the manor?”

“I could if I wanted to!”

“Is this the hill you’re willing to die on?” Duke laughed, expertly ignoring the indignant expression on the pup’s face and stealing some of the Oreo’s Clark forgot he was eating.

“Very deep thought? Share with the class.” Cass says as she takes his other Oreo, twisting off the side with cream and handing it over to Steph, who already has her hand out.

“Hey, I was eating those.”

“Barely.” Steph snorts. “You snooze, you lose, old man.”

“Anyways,” Bruce says firmly, taking all attention away from Clark’s stolen snack back onto him. “I hope you all have your outfits picked for the charity ball next week. Attendance is mandatory. Clark, wear the suit I bought you, yes, the one that fits. You’ll be going as my husband, not an investigative journalist. No, there’s no way to get out of this; it’s for a good cause.”

That shut down and retorts or protests anyone in the room had to say.

“Thank you, loves.” Bruce pressed a kiss to Tim’s forehead before turning to go back to his study, presumably to work on something for his company.

Or maybe… to plan out how to surprise him with the baby?

——

An entire week passed with nothing happening.

Every day, when he woke up, when he came back from work, when he and Bruce cuddled after dinner, and before he went to sleep, he waited.

There were plenty of private and quiet moments where it would just be perfect for Bruce to come out and tell Clark he was pregnant, yet nothing happened.

Bruce didn't even stop his patrols, not that Clark ever really expected Bruce to do something like that... yet. Though Bruce did grumble in confusion about how the streets seemed abnormally quiet and calm, ending his patrol early for the fourth time after absolutely nothing was happening.

It was getting tiring, always having to practice his surprised face so he wouldn’t ruin Bruce’s fun when he eventually did say something.

“So… anything you wanna talk about?” Clark asked from bed, watching as the omega meticulously went through his entire nighttime skin routine, gently massaging the expensive moisturizers into his already flawless skin.

Bruce paused and gave Clark a questioning look through the mirror. “You’ve been asking that question a lot… something wrong? Is there something I need to be concerned about?”

“No! No, no, of course not.” Clark waved off the concern with an awkward laugh and squeezed his pillow to his chest. “I just wanted to know if there was anything new… or unexpected?”

Bruce stood up from in front of his vanity, slipping off the dark blue bunny-eared skincare headband Stephanie had bought him as a gag gift, and made his way over to bed.

Bruce narrowed his eyes as he looked down at Clark, who was suspiciously avoiding his gaze. “You’re hiding something from me.”

“Shouldn’t I be saying that to you?” Clark muttered under his breath, giving Bruce a soft smile. “I’m not hiding anything.” Clark put his pillow back and opened his arms.

Bruce flopped down onto their bed, his head taking its rightful place on Clark's chest, the perfect spot to hear his heartbeat all night long. “I don’t like the way you said that…”

“Mhm, go to sleep. We've got a tiring night tomorrow.”

——

Bruce, or rather Brucie, effortlessly mingles in with the crowd of rich people who swarmed him, eager to talk and cajole him into investing in whatever stupid endeavors they believe will earn them the most money.

He plays the part perfectly.

Anyone would be fooled if not for the fact that Bruce doesn’t truly relax that stiff and plastic smile unless he’s around those who are deemed ‘unworthy’ of being at the party.

The kids in which the charity is for.

Bruce greets them with easy familiarity since he makes a point to visit almost every week, and the kids, in turn, scream Bruce’s name in joy and have no worry of being scolded for getting his suit dirty as they climb him like a jungle gym.

Clark is fondly reminded of itty bitty baby Dick.

"Wowie, did you have a growth spurt while I was gone?" Bruce gasps at a little girl giggling in front of him, the brightest smile on her freckled face. "And you picked such a pretty dress to wear!"

Clark could watch him interact with kids all day, every day if it were allowed. Bruce always looked so happy and relaxed. He could just imagine it now... Bruce interacting with their new kid... and all their other kids interacting with the new pup...

Three people scooted away from Clark as he let out a rumble and had the stupidest, goofiest smile on his face, staring off at nothing.

He only shook himself out of another wonderful fantasy when he realized his omega had just taken a flute of champagne from the platter of a passing waitress, giving them an iconic smile and swirling the glass before lifting it to his lips.

Which makes no sense because he knows Bruce would never willingly put another person in danger, especially a pup, by drinking alcohol, which he didn't even like. So why would he grab champagne and not some apple cider or a non alcoholic alternative?

At this very moment, it occurs to Clark that he didn’t even think to consider something.

Perhaps…

Perhaps his omega had no clue he was even pregnant in the first place. There was no surprise, because Bruce didn’t know.

Shit.

“Sweetheart,” Bruce blinks up at his husband in confusion as Clark takes away his flute of champagne. “Uh, I don’t think you should drink that.”

Bruce narrows his eyes, his body subtly tensing as his eyes shift around the opulent ballroom. "Oh? You're such a spoilsport." He teases, his voice light and airy, but the look in his eyes is sharp and ready for action at the drop of a hat. "Can you believe how protective my alpha is?" Bruce chuckles, causing the rich people around him to titter at the blatant PDA.

Clark subtly shakes his head, indicating there’s no poison or an intruder that needs to be dealt with.

He places the glass on a passing waiter's tray, doing his best to ignore the confused expression burning into the side of his face, and wraps an arm around his omega’s waist.

“It’s getting late in the night, and the pups are getting more rowdy.” Clark croons, glancing over to where Duke, Steph, and Jason are trying to incite a riot with the kids and overtake the dessert table. Then he glances over to Dick, who is trying to inconspicuously make his way onto the chandelier.

Tim has already disappeared under one of the tables; he can hear him talking to Kon and his boyfriend over some game chat. And Cass and Damian are standing in the corner together, glaring at anyone who dares to come close, clearly close to overstimulation, like Bruce, who is just better at hiding it.

"You know they hate it when you call them pups." Bruce chirps, easily falling in step with Clark as they make their way to the doors. "They're gonna throw a fit."

"Maybe they should stop acting like spoiled little pups then." Clark chuckles, letting a low whistle pass through his lips. Even though they also complain about being treated like dogs when Clark whistles for them, each of their heads immediately swivels, and they come trotting over.

"Eclair?" Duke chirped, pushing himself between Clark and Bruce and offering the sweet treat to the omega. "They're so fucking good. This is my sixth one."

"Concerning." Bruce hummed, pressing a kiss to Duke's temple.

"Glad to be leaving." Cass sighed, carrying a sleeping Damian in her arms. "Should've just gone on patrol."

"It's for charity, Princess. Gotta show Gotham and these kids that we care." Bruce reached back and took a moment to run his fingers through Damian's gelled hair that simply wouldn't hold for the entire night. "But... I'll keep that in mind for next time," Bruce said, getting a small smile from the young woman.

"Kelly started Judo classes last week, and I gave her tips." Stephanie grins, her smile vicious as she cackles. "Nobody's gonna be messing with her any time soon."

"Nothing too dangerous and life-threatening, I hope." Bruce grinned back, indulging her with a high-five plus a fist bump.

"I heard people talking about Clark acting weird and smiling at nothing." Dick ran up and jumped on Clark's back, putting the alpha in a headlock and beaming down at him. "Just like at home for the past week, huh, weirdo?"

"From the chandelier?" Clark raises an eyebrow.

"Where else?"

"Mom, if someone tells you that I took pictures of the mayor and his secretary making out on the balcony, don't believe them. I'm an innocent little boy, remember that." Tim grabs Bruce's hand before looking around the room in suspicion and darting behind Clark to hide.

Clark and Bruce simply looked at each other but didn't comment.

"Ma, can you text Alfred to have something ready for me? These burgers were subpar at best; I'm fuckin' starving." Jason decided to take up Bruce's other side, letting out a small whine and giving Bruce puppy-dog eyes with a small pout just to amp up his patheticness factor.

"Of course you're still starving, you fucking behemoth. Everyone, look at fatass over here, still not satisfied after stuffing four burgers down his gullet."

"What the fuck?!" Jason screeched.

"Hey... I'm still hungry too..." Clark pouted, getting blank stares from all of the bats.

"Oh, the bottomless pit is feeling bottomless, how shocking."

"Of course you are."

"Tell us something we don't know, Clark."

"Is the only thing on your mind food?"

"I'm honestly surprised you didn't clear out the buffet table."

"Top ten phrases I've heard from Clark; I'm hungry is way up there."

"Fatass: the original."

"Probably ate Ma and Pa Kent out of house and home."

"Saw him gnawing on a steel pillar a few days ago; he might actually eat our fucking home."

"Alien genes have him eating literally everything."

"Grocery bills have fucking quadrupled since he and Bruce got together."

"Careful, Jason, he might eat all your food the moment your back is turned. He'll probably use his super speed too."

Clark let out an offended noise. "Wait, why are we all piling on me? I thought we were having a good time." Clark whined and turned to his husband with a pout. "Do you see how mean the children are to me? I'm just a little peckish."

"Jason gets it from you, stupid alpha." Bruce sighed and shook his head, but Clark could easily tell that all of them were hiding grins from him and barely stopping themselves from bursting into laughter.

Clark took a moment to take in the warm atmosphere around their family. He almost forgot the news he had to deliver to his mate.

——

"So... what was the reason for stopping me from drinking?" Clark blinked, buttoning up the rest of his sleep shirt as he turned to Bruce, who was just staring at him with a blank expression. "And don't say it's because you know I don't like alcohol. We both know I can handle my liquor if need be."

Clark let out a wince and floated over to where his husband was standing with a suspicious expression. He landed softly and watched as Bruce's expression gave way to something more fragile and vulnerable, melting Clark's heart immediately.

"You've been acting weird all week... please talk to me before we have a huge misunderstanding."

Clark nodded and let out a short chuckle. "I-I know... I know... I just..." Clark took in a deep breath. "Honestly, I was under the impression that you knew the entire time and were trying to surprise me eventually-"

"Surprise you? Surprise you with what, Kal?"

"Surprise me with the joy that you're..." Clark let out a wet little laugh, already tearing up and successfully making Bruce panic even more somehow.

"What?! Clark spit it out already!"

“Darlin’… you’re pregnant.”

Bruce’s mouth dropped open in shock as he stared up at his husband with wide eyes, disbelief clearly painted on his face. The omega floundered, his mouth opening and closing as he grabbed Clark's arms to steady himself.

Bruce; who has managed to keep his children, the world, the entire Justice League, and Alfred from knowing he's in a secret relationship with Green Lantern for years, who manages to sneak around them and lie right to the Human Lie Detector (Clark)'s face when he tells him 'oh yeah, Hal and I are just friends and we're just grabbing a beer after work, totally normal' and who goes on interviews and chats with the paparazzi and never ever ever gives away that he's in a relationship even if he's no longer as flirty and open with the public anymore

Hal; who spends a singular minute with Damian on the Carpet leading into a Gala with sooooo many cameras and microphones around them, people screaming and asking his opinion and Damian says one snappy comment and Hal looks him dead in his little green eyes and flatly says "I'm fucking your father"