Ella.

Here is a collection of all of my stories, mini-series, one-shots, imagines, etc. I cross-post everything on my Wattpad and AO3 if you want to read my works on other platforms.

I do take requests! I mainly write for Bucky Barnes and Bruce Wayne, but if you request another character I will do my best to follow through.

Bucky Barnes

Summary: Bruce Wayne enlists the help of Stella Davenport, the mayor's daughter, to bring down a serious mole in the Gotham government. The thing is, that mole is her father...

Word Count: 2k

**

It had been a busy evening around the mayor's home. While it was normal to have Ms. Angel, the maid, help with various chores, it seemed an entire glam team had been hired to help Stella get dressed for the annual Wayne Foundation Gala. 

The Gala was Gotham's biggest event, with local celebrities and philanthropists coming together to party. Yet, she didn't know what there was to celebrate. Every year their donation goal increased just like the crime rate. Who or where were these donations going to... Because it certainly wasn't the citizens of Gotham.

The only reason she and her family were going this year was because of the longstanding tradition of inviting the mayor. After all, Mayor Davenport was a public figure among the city. With this being her father's first year as mayor, he and his family needed to show up, dressed to the nines. Although she didn't fully understand the importance of her attendance, she figured her father was going for political gain and to support his "Building a Better Gotham" initiative.

During his campaign last year, he heavily leaned on and promoted Gotham Police Department. A huge part of why he won the election was because of his stance on eradicating crime within the city. His main goal was to heavily fund GPD, allowing for more security and jobs, leading to less crime. In theory, it was a logical plan, but her father hadn't been able to initially secure the amount of funding needed. Now, a year later, crime rates are higher than before and funding is needed. She didn't take her father for the begging type, but maybe it could work in his favor tonight.

Sliding the royal blue dress over her body, she caught her reflection in the mirror. She didn't even look like herself. The glam team had made sure to cover every inch of her face with stunning – and heavy makeup. When her mother had told her she had to be red-carpet ready for this event, Stella hadn't put up a fight. She assumed it was for all the right causes. Somehow, her going to this event would better Gotham. Maybe she could also help her father coerce the wealthy into donations? 

No, Stella didn't have political career aspirations. She was two years out of college and had landed a job as an entry-level data analyst at one of the smaller companies within the city: Charles Associates. She'd been extremely happy there until her father ran for mayor. Before his campaign she had saved just enough to get her own tiny apartment within the city. Was it safe? Hardly, but she'd made it her home. She had graduated, secured a job after graduation, and fully moved out of her parents house. It was her dream to become Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO) for Wayne Enterprises, but she was forced to throw all of that away and more when her father announced his mayoral candidacy.

What started as a call from her mother ended in Stella moving back in with her parents. This time, the mayor's estate, which was heavily secured and promised safety for the mayor and his family. Once she moved in, she was told by her father and his campaign staff that it would be a "good move" for her to assume the full-time role of mayor's daughter. She hesitantly obliged, turning in her two weeks notice. Her father couldn't be mayor forever, right? Eventually she would be able to continue living her own life, maybe working her way to CDAO and eventually creating a family for herself, but for now she would support her family. After all, she wouldn't be where she was without them – whether that was a good or bad thing, she didn't know. 

A soft knock sounded from the door behind her, pulling her from her thoughts. "Oh, darling. You look gorgeous!" Corrine, her mother, chimed as she opened the door, walking into Stella's room. Upon moving into the mayor's estate, she noticed her mother had been given complete creative control on the decor. She didn't know what the room had looked like before, but now it was a baby blue color with elaborate trim. Her once earthy apartment had been put to shame with the lavishness of this room. 

"Thank you, mom. You don't think this dress is a little much?" Stella asked, nodding to the royal blue dress she wore. The dress bore sequins with a mermaid style, perfectly paired with a sweetheart neckline that accentuated her breasts. Corrine came up behind Stella in the Beauregard mirror, reaching around Stella's neck, necklace in hand. "Nonsense. I think you will fit right in," she smiled, clasping the diamond pendant necklace around Stella's neck.

Reaching your hand up to feel the necklace, you heard your mom continue. "And you never know what opportunities this gala will bring. How many handsome and wealthy men you will meet." Stella started to speak up, dreading this conversation. "After all, Stella, you aren't getting any younger," Corrine finished. 

"Need I remind you that I'm only 23? Before this I had a normal job, a normal life. I was on-track to meeting someone-" her mother cut her off. "You know what your father and I think about that. We both agree it is time for you to start looking at your possible suitors," her mother explained.

"Possible suitors? I have been more than willing to give up my entire life for this family. For dad. For his career. I'm not going to marry or search for 'suitors'" she held her fingers up, making air-quotes at the mention of suitors. Like she was some kind of prize to be given to someone... Well, she wasn't. Her father was the mayor, not ruler of a country. 

"And that's exactly the issue. You see, people talk, Stella. If you heard the things Stephanie and Marcella tell me, I promise you would be in a bigger hurry to tie the knot." her mother said with confidence. Stella turned around and rolled her eyes, releasing a frustrated huff. Stephanie and Marcella were her mother's best friends. They met at least once a week to exchange gossip about the going-ons in Gotham. Especially what the tabloids had to say, which were often about the notorious playboy and Prince of Gotham, Bruce Wayne. 

"Don't roll your eyes at me." Sitting down on the ottoman at the foot of Stella's bed, her mother continues her rant. "Do you know what it's like to hear all your friends' children getting married and becoming grandparents?" she exclaims. "And having to explain that my daughter is unmarried and has never seriously dated anyone since graduating high school. You're developing a reputation, Stella." Stella scoffed, walking to her closet to grab the heels that were selected for her to wear. God, why did it have to be heels?!

Walking out of the closet, she notices the sorrowful look on her mothers face. Stella sits down on the ottoman next to her mother, hoping to wrap this conversation. Pulling her dress up and putting on her heels, Stella speaks up. "Mother, all this because I'm not married with children yet? Stop listening to what your friends say and comparing your life to theirs. You and I know those rumors aren't true. I'll find someone eventually, but right now I'm not looking." Her mother looked up, catching Stella's gaze. "Right now I want to go to this gala! After all, the sooner I go, the sooner I can get out of this dress!" Stella stood and motioned for her mother to follow her. Shaking her head, Corrine obliged, letting Stella lead her down to the grand staircase of the estate and into the foyer.

_______________________________________________________

The Wayne Enterprise annual Gala couldn't have come at a better time this year. Traditionally, Bruce didn't look forward to these things. Just another night having to pretend he's someone he isn't. This year was different though, Bruce had been researching a potential mole within Gotham's elite and tonight he would have the chance of being surrounded by hundreds of them. 

For months now he— or rather Batman— had been trying to pinpoint the reasons behind the increased attacks on Gotham City. It had gotten much worse since Mayor Davenport assumed office, which Bruce had noted. What made Bruce confident in Mr. Davenport's innocence was the mayor's unyielding belief in stopping all crime from this city. Sure, Bruce knew every politician was corrupt in some way, he just didn't believe Davenport to be in cahoots with anyone dangerous enough to kill. Also, Bruce hadn't a single lead that suggested Davenport to be guilty. The closest he could track it was to one of the mayor's donors. His goal tonight was to determine which donor it was.

Before he could gather anymore thoughts, he heard footsteps echo in the cave behind him. "Master Bruce," Alfred said as Bruce turned around, acknowledging his butler and longtime friend. "Hello Alfred, coming to remind me about this gala?" Bruce asked. The butler released a soft chuckle. "Yes sir. I was just checking to see if you had gotten changed into that suit, which I can see you aren't," the butler chided.

"Yes, yes, I haven't forgotten about the suit. I've just been busy with this mission" Bruce turned back to the Bat-Computer, showing Alfred the information he had gathered about the mole. "I originally suspected Mayor Davenport was behind the recent attacks, but that doesn't make any sense considering his unwavering love of GPD." Alfred nodded, agreeing with Bruce. Though Alfred had never suited up – nor did he plan too – he was present for a lot of Bruce's encounters with crime as Batman. Alfred helped when he could, providing a second opinion with various mission strategies, medical assistance after most every mission, among other things that weren't listed directly in his job responsibilities as 'butler'. "Well then, this gala must be very relevant to this case." Bruce laughed, shutting off the screen in front of him. "Alright Alfred, I get the hint. I'll wrap it up and go change into my suit." Bruce got up from his chair and followed Alfred up the stairs.

Bruce, an introvert, always dreaded these formal events. There were always too many people and not enough drinks to put up with them. Even just getting ready for these galas made him want to rethink his life decisions. When he was old enough to fully assume the role of CEO of Wayne Enterprises, he debated doing away with the yearly gala. It was Alfred who encouraged him to keep the tradition going.

If for anyone, do it for your parents and their legacy. He distinctly remembered Alfred saying. 

If not for them – and the persona of playboy, billionaire Brucie – he would have ended this years ago. Or that's what he convinced himself year-after-year. Was having multiple annual reminders of his parents emotional for him? No. Bruce and emotions don't coexist. Or exist. Ever. 

As he and Alfred were making their way up the stairs to the elevator, Bruce continued talking about the gala. "Even though I suspect the mayor is innocent, maybe I can coax some information about his donors from him tonight."

Alfred nodded. "Yes, I saw he responded with his RSVP. It is exciting to see Mayor Davenport will be continuing the tradition of mayoral attendance this evening." As the elevator opened and Bruce and Alfred stepped inside, Alfred turned to Bruce, gauging his reaction. "The mayor will be joined by his wife, Corrine, and daughter, Stella." Bruce wasn't surprised at the mention of a young female being in attendance. Though Bruce had thought he'd made it abundantly clear to Alfred he wasn't interested in any longterm or serious relationships, he thought it was a nice gesture. Alfred had always expressed his concern in leading a balanced and fulfilling life – outside of his usual nightly vigilante activities.

Instead of starting an argument, Bruce nodded his head. "Yes, I saw that he was bringing his family." Alfred looked amused. "While you're a few years her senior, it might be nice to seek her out tonight. Did you know she used to work for-" Alfred was cut off by the elevator opening and Bruce nearly sprinting out of it. Noted. Alfred thought. 

Just before Alfred was out of earshot was Bruce, he heard Bruce yell. "Alfred, how long do I have before the limo is here for me?"

Pairing: Terry McGinnis x Reader

Summary: Requested by @dragodragonborn "A bit different I guess, but I'd like to see a Terry McGinnis batman beyond x reader where maybe they meet during a fight and she's just a civilian that's stuck in the middle of it. He rescues her and they escape in the flying batmobile. Maybe it goes a few days where they meet occasionally and grow feelings for each other maybe leading to smut. If you would rather it be more toned down that's fine too."

Warnings: None.

A/N: Sorry it's taken so long. Life is getting busy. Change is ensuing. Thinking about writing a part 2 with smut... which I have never written before, lol

"It's nice to see you again," said the voice behind you. You turned around and spotted him, Batman. It seemed as though you two had been running into each other more and more. You always wondered if it was pure coincidence or if he kept tabs on you- for what reason, you didn't know. 

"I'd like to say that you scared me, but I have gotten quite used to you greeting me after work," you say, the door to the cafe you worked at shutting behind you, leaving the alley nearly too dark for your eyes. You dig through your purse, looking for your car keys, noticing footsteps grow closer to you. You turn around and stare at the large, masked man. "Are you following me?"

You notice a smile forming on his lips while he shakes his head. "Now, why would I be following you?" 

You two are now walking side by side to your car. "I don't know. I'm thankful. I mean, if you are watching me. I really wouldn't enjoy a repeat of the first time we met. " It had been a bad night to open the door to the alley; you weren't anticipating for two men to be standing and waiting to cause some trouble. It wasn't all bad, though; you'd got a ride in the 'flying batmobile.' 

"I don't want that either." He reaches for the door on your car, opening it so you can get in. You bend down to put your purse in the passenger seat. 

"You'll never understand how much I appreciate you." You admit. "Well- how much Gotham as a whole..."

"You don't have to thank me," he said just before closing the car door, but you stopped him. 

"I want to keep seeing you. And not just lurking in the shadows of an alley, I want to get to know you. I want to understand this" you motion towards his suit.

Pairing: Bruce Wayne x Reader

Summary: Your first kiss with Bruce Wayne. Prompt based off of Taylor Swift's song Fearless.

Warnings: None.

Word Count: 962

A/N: This has been sitting in my drafts for a hot minute. I thought I'd proofread and post it.

Growing up, you never put much stock into relationships. You were OK on your own or with your close friends. That being said, you never dated anyone throughout high school and college. Sure, you were interested in people, but you always pushed those thoughts back and focused on your goals. It didn't hit you until you graduated college and got a good and well-paying job at Wayne Enterprises. It was an "Oh, shit" moment. It's like you blinked, and you realized that it would be nice to have someone around, someone you could depend on, love, etc... But you'd never had any relationship experience, so you continued to push back and ignore it all. Nobody wants a 22-year-old who hasn't even had their first kiss, right? So you continued to focus on your career. 

You worked in the heart of Gotham City as an Executive Assistant to Bruce Wayne. When most of your friends asked about your job, you tended to disregard their "oohs" and "ahs" about your boss. Of course, you had feelings for him; who didn't? Mr. Wayne was the stereotypical CEO. He also had a very active sex life. Or so your friends say. You try to suppress those butterflies and cut off your lingering stares because, after all, you still have work to do for him. Running a company isn't easy, and you are here to help him, not become distracted by his presence. 

Series

My Forbidden Soldier  [ON GOING]

After getting a suspicious call from “S.H.I.E.L.D” at four in the morning and getting ‘kidnapped’ by your one and only friend, you are greeted with the opportunity to become a part of the F.A.M initiative alongside the Avengers. Part of the plan is to fake a relationship with the one and only Captain America for a year to improve the team's reputation, but when you meet Cap’s oldest friend- what will happen?

Mini-Series

My Brother’s Wedding [ON HIATUS]

You open your phone one day to reveal a voicemail from your mother letting you know that your brother is getting married and that you have to attend the wedding with a date. After thinking it through you ask your best friend, Bucky Barnes, expecting him to say no, but he says yes. What happens next?

Begin Again [COMPLETED]

Based off of the Taylor Swift song “Begin Again” off of her 2012 album, Red. After a terrible ending to an established relationship, you find yourself giving up on love forever. You’ve got it in your mind that all love ever does is end until you go shopping with your friends Wanda and Natasha and meet Bucky.

One-Shots, Imagines, etc

Cuddles and Confessions

After a rough day, you come home from work to your roommate and best friend, Bucky, who comforts you until you feel better.

You're So Gorgeous

“Bucky you’re so gorgeous” – After a Stark party, you get hella drunk and lose your filter. Now, you have to deal with the repercussions.

Always So Helpful

I haven't written for Neighbor!Bucky yet, and I thought this would be the perfect chance! This is set post blimp in the apartment complex featured in TFATWS. I hope you enjoy!

Always So Helpful

Bucky never thought he would be living like this. He knew he couldn't live in Wakanda forever, but he never in a million years thought he would move into an apartment and meet you, the love of his life. Only, you weren't aware that he harbored such feelings for you. At least, not until one day, when you were -stupidly- carrying a huge bag of groceries up the stairs in your apartment complex. 

You were almost to your level; when you reached your purse to get your keys, you tripped and sprained your ankle. That wasn't even the worst of it either. Your neighbor, Bucky, also your friend, was right behind you. It was super embarrassing. Ever since he'd introduced himself to you the day he moved in, you had developed a slight crush on him. At first, it was innocent, he was just a very polite and attractive guy, but it quickly became more. He started to invite you over to watch shows and catch up on the last few decades (you found out later what exactly he meant by that), and you always ended up falling asleep in his arms. You would wake up and apologize profusely before quickly grabbing your things before he could talk to you. You felt embarrassed then, but it doesn't even compare to now. 

You tried your best to get up and make it seem like nothing, but as soon as you put pressure on your right foot, you fell again. That's when you saw Bucky run up the stairs. You tried hiding your face, but you knew it would be useless. So you turned around and saw the shock on his face. His eyes were focused on your ankle. 

"Y/N? What happened?" he rushed over beside you and started to pick up all the groceries you had dropped, seeing if he could save any or if they were all ruined. 

"Bucky, I'm fine. I just fell up the stairs. Thanks for checking on me, though," you held a death grip on the railing, attempting to stand. Bucky quickly grabbed you and carried you up to the landing before setting you back down to get your groceries. You noticed he had sorted through what could be kept and the ruined items. "You didn't have to do that." He looked back up at you. "I mean, sorting my items. I could have done that-" 

He shook his head and started back up the stairs to where you are. "No, you couldn't have. I saw your ankle."

You look down and notice your swollen ankle. You most definitely are not OK. Best to accept his help because you know Bucky, and he is relentless with stuff like this. You meet Bucky's eye.

He bends down to your level. "Let me help you, okay? Give me your key, and I'll get you and your groceries to your place." You knew he would be relentless until you broke down and accepted his help, so you instead nodded your head and held your arms out so he could easily pick you up.

After making it to your apartment, he sets you down gently on your couch and starts putting your groceries away. You turn the TV on and start watching it when Bucky comes back to you with an ice pack. You readjust yourself on the couch so that you are sitting up. You pat the couch, signaling for Bucky to sit beside you. 

"Your ankle needs to be iced and elevated."

You ask him to grab you a pillow so you can rest your ankle with the ice on your coffee table. After Bucky makes sure you are comfortable, he sits next to you on the couch and looks at the TV. After a moment of you both just staring at the TV, he breaks the ice. 

"Nice apartment,"

You giggle. "Bucky, don't act like this is some awkward encounter with a stranger. We're friends!" He goes red at your statement. "Now, can we watch a movie together, without us being on opposite sides of the couch?"

Now it's his turn to laugh. You pat the couch, and he inches towards you and puts his arm around your shoulder. You snuggle up to Bucky but accidentally move your foot, cringing at the pain. Bucky moves back, thinking he did something wrong. "I'm so sorry; I didn't mean-" You turn to him and pull him close to you again. "Bucky, you did nothing wrong. It was me,"

He kisses your forehead, and you look into his eyes. "Thank you for always being so helpful, Bucky," when he looks down at you 15 minutes later, you're out cold. He smiles, and his chest gets warm. If helping you felt like this, he could do it for lifetimes. 

Hi! Just letting everyone know my ask box is open so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE send me some requests!! I want to write SO bad but I need some ideas from you all!

Word Count: 271

Based off this image I found on my Instagram:

"Hey baby," you say when you enter the living room where Bruce is lying on the couch with his laptop. You love these moments with him; they are so raw and wholesome. The curtains on the tall windows are open, and the light hits his face, making his already handsome face look even more chiseled.

He looks up and smiles at you, not the smile he flashes in front of the cameras or others. This is the one reserved for you in these moments when there's no one else around. "Hello, darling." He sets his laptop aside and ushers for you to sit beside him. "What's going on?" he asks as you snuggle beside him.

You giggle as you ask, knowing the answer. "Have you ever been hypnotized?" Bruce leans back and gives you an intrigued look. "What do you mean? I mean- The Riddler..." he responds.

"No, no, no. Have you ever been willingly hypnotized?" you look to Bruce and ask.

"Well, no. Why?" he asks, then quickly adds. "Is this one of those stupid pranks?"

"No. Okay then, I'll start..."

"I don't think that's how it works, darling." He joked.

"You will fall in love with me..." you said.

He laughed, actually laughed! "What's so funny, Bruce?"

"I'm already in love with you." He shows you his hand, specifically the wedding band. "Isn't this any proof of that?"

You huff. "Okay, well then. You will show me how much you love me..."

His pupils blow. And he lowers his voice before scooping you up in his arms and whispering in your ear as he walks up the stairs to your shared room. "I think I can do that." 

Chapter Summary:  Reader and Bucky finally get approved to go on the mission.

Word Count: 921

A/N: Hello! It's been a very long time since I have written a chapter for this series. Honestly, I really don't like what this series has become, but I want to finish it up. There will only be about 10 more chapters. This chapter is something I have had in my drafts since November! I just did a quick proofread and now I am posting it so I hope you enjoy! I am going to go and write the next chapter now!

Masterlist | AO3

It had been three months of constant training. Every. Single. Day. Even if Wanda and Natasha were away on other missions, you'd be in the gym working to improve your powers and fighting techniques. Usually, you were alone. You didn't get much sleep because of nightmares, so that you would be training at 2 and 3 AM. No one bothered you; it was a quiet and judge-free space.

That was until one day. You had woken up more disoriented than usual and needed your daily dose of training to help you calm down fully. You were so concentrated on making your way to the gym that you didn't realize the lights were already on when you arrived. It wasn't until Bucky Barnes silently walked up right behind you as you took your water bottle and mp3 player (because Tony still prohibited your use of non-obsolete technology) out of your bag.

"Good Morning," A low and raspy breath hit your ear. You flinched, turning around and almost punching his face. Fortunately, he caught your wrist before you could beat him."Woah there, that's no way to treat your teammate," he said, letting go of your wrist and backing away from you.

You huffed, taking in his appearance. He had his typical sweats on with a form-fitting top. He had been here a while because his shirt was drenched with sweat. You kept trailing your eyes up to his body until you looked at his face. You caught his gaze. He looked exhausted too. Part of you wondered if he had also been experiencing an influx of night-terrors.

He licked his bottom lip, opening his mouth, most likely trying to mock you for ogling his tired frame. Before he could speak, you interrupted him. "Look, I'm not here to play around. I'm just here to train so we can push the mission up by a few months,"

All you said was the truth. Tony had been beating around the bush, still attempting to deny you from the mission with Bucky. You were trying to prove to everyone, even yourself, that you were prepared. You needed this. You had to see which pieces of your past were inside that Hydra base. It was driving you insane. Ever since you'd had that flashback all those days ago, you'd yet to regain any more memories. You went to bed every night, waking up from the same damned flashback.

Bucky held his hands up in surrender, returning to where you assumed he'd been before you entered. Now, time to begin.

Your usual workouts were about 3 hours long. They consisted of one and a half hours of working out (lifting, boxing, etc.). In contrast, the other half focused on your powers and controlling them. You wouldn't lie, you'd gotten way better at controlling them, but a part of you knew deep down inside that you weren't prepared yet to go with Bucky. You tried to push that thought away, but not before you caught sight of Bucky. His forehead was resting on the red punching bag, and you could tell that something was up.

Sure, you didn't like Bucky, but you weren't heartless. You mustered up the courage to call his name out, but when he didn't respond, you decided to approach him. You had already made the mistake of reaching out to him during one of his flashbacks from PTSD, so you knew you had to find another way to get his attention.

"Bucky, are you okay?" you said gently, still keeping a distance between you two.He looked up at you and shook his head. You quickly blurted out, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Still staring at you, he nodded before saying. "Don't go on that mission..."

Confused and now slightly frustrated, you replied. "What?"

"You are going to find out things from your past that will not help you; Memories that your brain forced you to forget because they were so traumatic. I will go with you, Y/N, but I feel like you're putting yourself in more danger."

"Maybe my brain didn't force these memories to disappear? Maybe Hydra is the reason my memories are gone. I mean, is that such a difficult thing to grasp?" You snarled. How dare Bucky say that. You felt that he understood you better than anyone in this building. Before anything could get worse, Friday called over the gym.

"Ms. Y/N and Mr. Barnes. Mr. Stark has requested your presence. He is currently in his garage."

With you scowling and Bucky starting to get all of his belongings together, you are heading to Tony's. As you open the door to the familiar office, you see Tony sitting in his chair tinkering with a piece of Stark technology. He looked up at you and Bucky and asked you both to come and sit in the chairs on the other side of his desk.

"So, your mission has been approved. The briefing will start soon, but I wanted to talk to you beforehand. I know how you two don't always get along, and I know I'm not the best example, but you both need to learn to trust each other. And soon."

You nodded at Tony and then looked over at Bucky to find he was already looking at you with an unreadable expression on his face. Of course, Tony would be the one to reprimand you.

"Okay, love birds," you turn towards Tony and shoot him daggers. "You might want to head to the meeting room soon; don't you both get too wrapped up in each other," he laughed as you and Bucky were dead silent.

Taglist (comment or msg me to be added)

Requested: Yes.

Pairings: Bruce Wayne x reader

Summary: Part 2 of my prank imagine. Bruce tells the reader he is selling Wayne Enterprises.

Word Count: 705

A/N: Haven't posted or felt like writing in awhile but I wrote this and wanted to post it.

Read part one HERE

"Y/N, can you come into my office, honey?" he called you from his cell phone. 

"Sure, I'm just finishing up a project for work," you replied.

Perfect. Now that the topic of work has been brought up, it'll be easier to pull this prank on you.

--

When Bruce approached Jason after starting a 'prank war' between you two, he didn't understand what that meant. Jason had been happy to help, but Bruce didn't want to pull an unrealistic prank on you. He wanted it to be believable. After all, you were pretty smart, and he knew you'd see right through a bullshit prank.

After many ideas, including a cheating prank (which made Bruce upset just thinking about it), he and Jason finally decided on the perfect trick. It was realistic and would be easy. He had talked with all the boys and got them in on it, just in case. He had briefly mentioned it to Alfred, to which Bruce received a short nod and sigh. 

--

"I'm selling the company," Bruce said in his most stoic and smooth voice, the one he was sure you wouldn't catch onto immediately. 

"Okay, why?" After all these years, you wondered why Bruce would suddenly sell his most valuable asset. 

"It reminds me too much of my parents." That makes sense.

"Alright, and what are you going to do next? Retire? Start another company? Demote yourself to a lower position?" You were genuinely curious.

"I plan on selling and going full-time Batman, but I will also be very active on the board."

You shook your head and quickly replied. "No."

Bruce snapped back. "Yes."

"I won't allow that to happen, Bruce. We have talked, and I am fully supportive of the vigilante stuff, but that work consumes you at night, and for your own health, I won't let you do that."

"I talked to the boys; they are supportive."

"Well, I am not. And have you talked to Alfred? I know he wouldn't allow that."

"I am planning on it."

"Look, I love and support you, but I also want the best for you. You need a healthy work-life-superhero balance."

"Yes, but Gotham is getting more dangerous every day, and it's up to me to stop it from taking over."

You shook your head. "Bruce. You have help. You don't need to throw yourself into it all the time."

"Y/N. I wasn't asking you if I could do this. I am telling you. This is what will be doing."

"Okay, fine, Bruce, but if it becomes too much, I won't sit and watch you continuously keep hurting yourself."

"You're saying you would leave me?" He was scared of that statement. He couldn't imagine life without you. 

"I love you, but I couldn't sit on the sideline and watch you do it ALL THE TIME. I think you have a wonderfully balanced life right now as is. I don't want to argue with you."

"I wasn't trying to argue."

"... Okay. Well then, do you have any potential buyers?"

"Not at the moment."

"Have you confronted the board?"

"Not as a whole, but I have sought advice from a few of them individually."

"Would I have to pick up a job at another company?"

"Y/N. You don't have to work right now."

"I am going to work no matter what. I wonder what finances would look like if you sold your entire company."

"I would be putting the money into all new equipment. I also planned on selling all of our other assets."

"What?"

"Yes, we would no longer need another place besides the manor. All I would need is the Batcave."

"Bruce, are you actually hearing yourself right now?"

"Yes. It makes sense."

"Alright."

"Are you mad? You seem mad."

"I'm fine, Bruce. I am just going to go and talk to Alfred about all this nonsense."

Oh shit.

"Wait!"

"What?"

"I- uh-"

You look at him quizzically.

"It's a prank."

"Oh."

"I'm sorry. That was such a bad idea-"

At that, Jason pops into Bruce's office. "Oh, hey, mom. Did he tell you? He's selling the company."

"Yes, your father told me. He's also terrible at pranking people."

"What? Dad, you already told her it was a joke."

"I- Yes. I couldn't watch your mother be upset."

Damian comes in. "So that must mean that the prank war is over? Thank God. How immature of you both."