Riz

Like, Batman could be the scariest guy in the world and be as serious as a rock, but that’s all because his mouth and the lower muscles of his face are well-controlled and trained not to give anything away- but his eyes? You can see what he’s thinking from 3 kilometers away.

His children know him inside and out; they all knew he wasn’t good with words, that they wouldn’t get a verbal response from him, but every time they fell and/or hurt themselves, they saw that spark of concern in his eyes, that slight shift in the shape of his eyebrows, and how his pupils would shrink by a millimeter every time he heard an “Ouch” from one of his babys kids children; on the other hand, they could all feel themselves blushing whenever Bruce looked at them for more than 5 seconds straight because his gaze screamed “love” “pride” “happiness”.

Imagine the League!! Most (if not all) believed that every time Batman stood on a gargoyle to look out over Gotham, it was to look edgy (Thanks for that, Hal) or to keep a better watch over his city from above (technically that’s true- thanks, Arthur), but imagine Superman seeing Batman take off his hood for the first time as they both look out over Gotham, Clark could have sworn he’d never seen so much love and hope in a single glance.

And it wasn’t just those close to him who noticed these changes; people in Gotham and the surrounding areas could see the sincerity with which he spoke about charity and helping Gotham every time they looked into his eyes. So if anyone had ever dared to accuse Bruce Wayne of not being sincere about the money he donated, well, all of Gotham might have laughed at them, and they might have even lost their jobs because of it (for some reason, Bruce offered them a job and regretted having thought badly of the man- I mean, just look at him!)

Jason: What like making him retire? Hang up the cowl? I don't know about you Baby Bird but I don't think any of us have the ability to take Batman from Bruce.

Tim: Please, I'm not an idiot. I just meant more of a...peaceful...mostly permanent letting go...

Jason: ...

Jason: EUTHANASIA????

Tim: Well-

Jason: YOU WANT TO OLD YELLER BRUCE??? HE'S ONLY IN HIS 40/50s!!

Dick: Who wants to do WHAT to Bruce???

Tim: Just listen-

Jason: I knew you were cynical, but that's just down right murder Timothy. And trust me, I know murder.

Tim: Well would you rather have him go suffering? At the rate he's going he'll be in chronic pain the older he gets! I'm just saying maybe we should let him go now before that happens!

Damian: Let him go on a good day rather than a bad day. I have seen many a equine owners say this. I agree with Drake, we should not let Father suffer, he deserves to go peacefully.

Jason: Damian wha-

Dick: What the hell Tim. I mean you have a point, but still isn't it a little early to think about this? He's still got a few years left in him.

Jason: WHY ARE YOU AGREEING???

Tim: It's never too early to look at our options. I'd rather be prepped and ready than do it all last minute and risk messing up the timing.

Jason: WE ARE TALKING ABOUT BRUCE! BRUCE WAYNE! BATMAN! OUR FATHER?!?!

Dick: Expenses shouldn't be an issue, but we should also decide if we should do it ourselves or have a professional. We can make a fund for it just in case.

Jason: I'm dead. I died again and this is hell. Why am I the only one on Bruce's side here.

Tim: I'll get it set up. I'll make sure he doesn't know about it, I don't want him dreading about it.

Damian: Yes, we should try and enjoy this fickle time we have left with him.

Jason: That's it, I've finally gone insane.

(Edited bc I keep forgetting I have 2 tags for those two possessive jerks)

I started this fully intended to be just a list and suddenly I was writing a whole ass paragraph on Tim's nickname. At the end I said fuck it, everyone gets their paragraph. So, this is on you, anon.

They each have their nicknames. Those unique ways Bruce calls for them, and only them. And fuck if anybody else wants to call them that way, that's Bruce's right alone, just like it's theirs own privilege and theirs only. Seriously. Fuck anyone who tries to use it in any context (You can ask Kon for the time he called Tim Sweetheart and got an attempt of a bite in response. Don't worry, he avoided it, Tim's teeth are fine~).

I know that the punch line hit's better when it there's no Jon in the third panel but fuck it I wanted to draw him.

ALSO MAYA DUCARD MY LOVE!!!

(Context: In the second part of the song (it’s divided into 5 parts), the protagonist realizes he likes the other person and blurts out “oh no…,” and then, after imagining more, “noooooo…”)

For more context: the song is divided into these five stages: rejection/hatred, realization/attraction, missing someone, regret/reconciliation, and acceptance/love

~ Gotham Knights

As y'all can see, Bruce breaks down as he blames himself for Jason's death in front of the cps worker. It's beautiful, because Bruce is using abstract concept to explain how he feels he failed Jason. It's not about Robin, it's not about training, it's about giving the boy too much hope while failing to take more of his pain away.

I gave you the following page, because the cps guy and Alfred's words are disgusting, and I need y'all to see who they are talking to: a grieving father that just broke down and cried about his dead son.

First, the cps worker. I need that man fired like yesterday, he is dangerous. That man accused Bruce of having organized Jason's murder, harassed him to get an interview, and turns out he accused an innocent father that he made go through the pain of losing his son again. And what does he say? Well, he tells Bruce he shouldn't have other children after Jason, as he wasn’t able to be good enough to keep him alive. Wtf?! Literally victim-blaming the parent of a murderer child?! "If someone hurts your child, you are a bad parent" for this mf. I hate him so much. I cannot imagine how he treats other families he works with. Awful man.

I won't ask fluff out of you. I'm not that evil.

Redemption.

I want Jason missing his dad. Bruce missing his Jaylad. You can make them both suffer I DON'T CARE OCCA IM IN PAIN WHY DOES THAT PAGE STILL EXISTS AAAAAAAH WHY DO PEOPLE STILL LIKE THEIR SHIT AAAAAAAH maybe make them cry. But give me redemption.

Do you want a context? I can make up something quick uuuuh...

Bruce goes missing (again) but this time is neither Tim nor Dick who find him, but Jason, in a warehouse, barely breathing. Maybe there's a bomb involved. Wouldn't that be cute?

O7

Please?

I love you btw.

"Leave me, Hood."

"Dammit, Bruce, no!"

Jason sees Bruce look towards the timer, and as he desperately works his pick into the lock, Bruce reaches out to weakly grasp his forearm, only for Jason to tear it away.

"Hood. Jay." Jason glances up, and Bruce smiles at him weakly. "Sixty seconds, Jaylad. Please don't make me watch you die twice."

"W-what? I died in the—"

"You died of smoke inhalation. I got there too late to save you, but not too late to hold you. Please, chum. Don't... don't make me see that twice."

"No, B." Jason shakes off his shock, and his second pick in. The lock finally releases, and Jason tears at the chains holding Bruce's still form. "Come on. Come on, we can make it."

He makes to pick Bruce up, but a trembling hand on his chest plate stops him. "Bruce—"

"Only if you run. Not carrying me, but you can make it if you go now."

Jason shakes his head, tears filling the lenses of his domino, and he clutches at Bruce. "No. No, no—"

"Jason, please. You have rightfully hated me for years, please don't let obligation get in the way now, run."

Hands claw at Bruce's shoulders and he surges up, grabbing the offending limbs and twisting them behind his assaulter's back as he pins them on their front.

He opens his eyes, and lets his eyes adjust to the darkness, squinting at the figure...familiar figure—

"Jason?!"

"Bruce," he chokes, and he scrambles off his estranged son. "Please, please, I— I need you to—"

"What were you doing?" he yells, stepping back from the bed. Jason's clearly in distress, he needs to shut up, what is he doing? All he ever does is screw up.

Jason stills, halfway to sitting up, and shakes his head, smacking the heel of his palm into it. "Stupid... shouldn't have come here, subconscious said that shit for a reason."

Bruce processes the nonsensical string of words, then rubs his face and walks to the door, smacking his fist onto the light switch.

Then he pauses, staring.

"Did you come here in a storm?"

"Maybe!"

Bruce takes a deep breath, settling himself. "Jason. What is going on?"

His second son slumps on the bed, and Bruce aches to go to him when he sees the tears, but that isn't his place anymore, and he plasters his back to the door so he doesn't move to him.

"I...had a dream. And it was like Ethiopia."

Jason pauses when Bruce's breath hitches, but continues when he waves him on.

"You were the one trapped with the bomb. And I was trying to rescue you, but there was only sixty seconds left, and you were trying to make me leave."

Please tell me I succeeded. Please tell me I didn't get you killed again.

"Oh? Did you?"

Jason stares at him, and a broken sound escapes his mouth as he curls up on the bed.

"I was right, he was right, fuck fuck fuck..."

"Jason." Bruce's firm voice cuts through the room. "Talk to me."

The sadness in his eyes tugs at Bruce's heart, and it takes everything in him not to give in and wrap the boy man in his arms like he used to. Back when he would still fit in Bruce's lap. Back when he was willing to try.

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.

sometimes, bruce looks up from his breakfast and just looks at Dick, studies the calloused hands of a man both gentle and strong, the cunning in his eyes of a man who knows he is smarter than you, the confidence in his speech of a man who knows he is loved ("aw man! you're doing that embarrassing 'proud parent' thing again, aren't you? you do this every week!")

sometimes, bruce stops in the stairwell to admire Tim's photography lining the walls, his son's eye for beauty adapted to find the good even in Gotham's cesspools, his son's skill to prove to the world why Gotham was worth this time and effort and blood, his son's devotion bleeding from his fingertips to the camera lens to the shot in front of him ("i'm glad you appreciate my art, B, but can you not block the way- hey! not the hair!")

sometimes, bruce follows the scent of vanilla and butter to the kitchen to watch Jason experiment with the confidence of a man who knows he may take up space and use up supplies in this home, a man who folds his heart into every creation and shyly but gruffly offers it up to his family, a man whose intelligence and competence shines through every plan and plate and tool he develops ("if you're done staring like a creep, old man, you wanna come taste? pistachio still your favorite?")

sometimes, bruce lets notes of Swan Lake lead him to Cass twirling elegantly in her dance room with the contented grace of a woman at peace with herself, a woman free to be playful and mischievous and herself because she trusts it will be well-received, a woman slippery and elusive but still chooses to be here, be known and loved and open with her affections ("dance with me?")

This started as attempt to read every issue of every series where Dick and Tim interacted. It’s kind of spiraled from there, into this thing - an attempt at cataloguing what the Batfamily call each other, and how it’s changed over time.

Bruce goes missing for a few hours, and when he's back home, something is wrong.

Chapter 1

<< Part 8 >>

(Jason's)

Bruce has been living alone in a house he had built for him and his family for way too long. For the first time in forever, Bruce is the one to voluntarily leave his loved ones behind.

Chapter 2

<< Part 2 >>

(Chapter 1)

{Master post}