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The reader is selena's adoptive daughter who was adopted sometime between dick and jason. She grew up as Stray, a more robin hood esque vigilante (halfway between a bat and catwoman) and views the bats as her siblings because she firmly believe bruce and Selena should be together. When jason dies, she mourns him but when he comes back as Red Hood she is the first person to put it together only a week into his return. She strategically picks a fight with him, forcing him to use old robin moves before she kicks his mask off causing him to hiss, pinning him to the ground claws out, "How did you know?" "I know my little brother dipshit."
His eyes flash and she hisses at him, digging her claws into the back of his neck the same way she used to when she scruffed him, making his body tense up and melt while he (totally doesnt) pouts. She promptly reminds jason she never followed Batmans rules, and she has never been shy about her own morals, which include taking out rats, admiting that she tried to kill the Joker for him, but batman stopped her and threatened to declaw her, causing him to roughly yank her into a hug, burying his face in her hair to hide his tears because he missed her most of all.
Hear me out: a teenage Kara-El lands in a corn field with baby Kal-El, and she’s fully ready to raise her cousin. The only problem? The law is against her. A teenager is not going to be allowed to raise a baby.
So, instead, she and Kal are found and taken in by the Kents. She’s given an Earth name alongside Kal (Now Clark) and adopted. The Kents claim she’s their recently orphaned niece who had been adopted from a foreign country.
Kara slowly learns the language, and she is able to communicate what happened. In turn, the Kents learn Kryptonian. But, puberty is hard, and she has to contend with a brand new everything on top of it all.
Between having brand new powers and being in a strange new environment, she is terrified, grieving and angry at the world. Thank goodness ‘Aunt’ Martha and ‘Uncle’ Jon are the actual best!
Years go by, and she’s blending into society. Kara —now going by Caroline Kent or some variation of that— meets Lena Luther (Also aged up). The two click and eventually Kara gets comfy enough to reveal her origins. They start dating (but they keep it under wraps bc period-typical homophobia) and get engaged (it’s more ceremonial then legal bc gay marriage isn’t legal yet).
Unfortunately, in their mid-twenties, there’s an alien invasion. Fortunately, she and her her baby cousin have the powers to stop it! Kara is convinced to by her fiancée and Clark to use her powers to fight (‘This is a terrible idea’ she says to Clark while they’re both being suited up by her mad scientist waifu) Donning their family’s crest, Kara and Clark so on to successfully fight off the alien invasion. The media dub them Superwoman and Superboy and they become the face of Metropolis.
Later down the line, Kon-El (Conner Luther-Kent) is created through cloning techonology as he is in canon, but this time using Lena’s DNA instead of Lex’s. (It happens much earlier, so Kon-El will still be the same age as in canon) Clark is a lot warmer towards the kid, because he actually agreed to be the sperm donor in this world. He’s more than happy to help his big cousin/big sister have a kid. Kon-El gets to grow up with two loving moms. He actually gets a childhood here! :D
I imagine Young Justice would also have a teensy bit more parental supervision as a result later down the line.
Moving on to Young Justice.
This coexists with a Catlad AU! where Cat Woman adopts (technically she kidnaps him but Tim is all for it) baby Tim Drake at 9. He becomes Catlad, Catwoman’s hacker sidekick and the bane of birds and bats alike. He is forced to take up the mantle of robin after his frenemy, the previous robin Jason Todd, dies unexpectedly. He doesn’t really want to, but then Batman goes on a rampage, and he’s like ‘fuck it no one else is gonna do it’. Catwoman is pissed bc she had benched his dumbass bc she knew Batman was going batshit. Wtf is he doing???
Batman is in no state to turn him down, so Tim forces his way into the batfam with all the finesse of a cat trying to get out of a water filled bathtub. He’ll just stay until he finds a replacement! Young Justice happens, then, before he can become a Titan he meets Steph and is like: she’s prime robin material! He instates her as his successor and promptly peaces out to go back to being Catlad, though he switches his name to Stray and becomes a sort of anti-hero.
Jason cames back and beats the everloving shit out of Robin Steph pissing Tim off a whole lot. (“Do you know how long I had to look for a replacement bc you couldn’t stay alive?! So long! I had to pretend to have law-abiding tendencies for a whole fucking year, Jason!“)
Later, Damien tries to kill Steph and Tim. Steph bc she’s Robin and Tim bc he’s a thief. No one is amused.
Red Hood x male!reader who’s a cat burglar with a similar M.O. to Catwoman who’s on a crime spree.
Summary:Your a Cat Burglar who’s dressed similarly to Catwoman. You enjoy the thrill of the chase.
—————
Red Hood’s bike races down the highway, he weaves through traffic pushing his bike to its limits.
He glances down at the screen following the signal. “Please don’t do it.” He huffs as he rushes down a ramp off the highway and onto the main road of East Gotham, still rushing his way through the streets.
—-
Black Mask laughs to himself from his office, he just broadcasted to the GCPD and Batman that he wants 50 million dollars or he’ll release the bio weapon,and if Batman or any of his sidekicks come after him he’ll detonate the virus.
“You think they’ll come lookin’ boss?” Black Mask has his back to him looking at the Gotham City skyline. “The Bat ain’t stupid enough to come here, he’ll be looking for where I’m spreading the virus, good luck to him. I’ve got some insurance this time.” He chuckled.
—-
Y/n landed on his feet in the sewers, he stood up and looked around. He knew he could enter the building itself he’d have to work his way up. He began to run down the tunnels. The only sound was his footsteps and the sound of drilling. He came to an overhang and looked down to see Black Mask’s men setting up lines and tubes.
He crouched and walked for a moment before he noticed a table with blue prints and supplies.
What are you idiots doing?
He glanced at the blueprints and took a few pictures of them. He began to move along until he heard voices from around the corner.
“I’m in charge of this project not you, you’re just the hired muscle!”a man threatened, Y/n peeked around the wall and saw the man get picked up by his throat.
“You misunderstood enano, your boss has me overseeing this project. So get back to work,” he threw him and he landed close to Y/n who accidentally knocked over a bottle.
The man came into the light and Y/n saw Bane for the first time.
“Men, I think we have a rodent problem.” He chuckled and Y/n moved fast.
———-
“Red Hood what’s your ETA?” Batman’s voice filled his com. Red Hood raced into a turn, down a street and barreled towards Black Mask’s office.
“I’m nearly there.”
“Stop, don’t approach. He’s counting on that.”
Jason wanted to ignore him, he was seconds from reaching his destination but he looked up and moved as a gunshot nearly took his eye out. He turned down an alleyway as another gunshot range out.
“Snipers.” He growled.
“Any idiot how he can get in, Robin and I aren’t far from your location. He won’t get away with this.”
Jason shook his head, and noticed a open sewer grate,“Stray hasn’t done anything to Black Mask. He’s in over his head.”
“I don’t mean him, so long as he doesn’t kill him. “
“Well then you better hurry up because I don’t think Black Mask is working alone.” He noticed the room Stray was in and he was leaping out of the way of Bane’s attack.
Red Hood fired his pistol one of them nicking Bane’s shoulder. “Step away from him Bane, I won’t break those arms.”
Bane smirked, “So this is your pussycat, well then I’ll be extra careful with him.” He pressed the button on his wrist and Y/n watched in horror as he doubled in size, his veins extending and turning blue, his demeanor become more deadly.
“I’ll break you both into pieces!” Y/n back flipped away from him and leaped up to where Jason was.
“Friend of yours?”
“Not mine.” He fired at him which pissed him off more.
“Go!”
“I’m not running, from whatever that thing is.” He cracks his whip. The two smirk before jumping out the way of a barrel being flung at them.
Red Hood and Stray dodged out the way of Bane’s attack and would attack him while he was distracted.
Soon though Bane got ahold of Red Hood and through him through a wall sending him flying. Stray jumped and wrapped his whip around Bane’s neck. He jumped down from the rafters and choked him.
“I’ll—break—you.” Y/n took his claws and severed the tube in his head causing him to scream. He got down and moved away from him running to Red Hood who was getting to his feet.
“That’ll hurt tomorrow.” He dusted himself before turning to Y/n who wore an unreadable look.
“Let’s go.” He turned for the stairs. Red Hood followed him upstairs into the main hall of the office lobby.
“You can’t kill him, I get he’s your father—“ Y/n turned toward him and glared.
“Don’t, has many heads as you’ve let roll I don’t care what you or Batman thinks. He owns me.” Y/n sprinted for the elevator and slide inside it as the doors shut. Red Hood was now in a room with armed guards.
“Thanks Cat.” He ready his pistols but then the lights when out and the sound of glass shattered. Smoke soon engulfed the room and one by one they became picked off.
“Where is he?” Batman and Robin emerged from the smoke.
“Penthouse, we have to hurry.”
——-
“Honestly you and Nightwing have rather interesting taste in suitors.”
“Not now.” Red Hood sighed as they entered the penthouse. Batman went inside first and they took in the sight of a struggle.
“He’s gone.” Batman turned to the desk and saw it mashed to pieces. He picked up a black phone that had a shattered screen.
“Tt, a waste of a trip,it seems your friend is just as sneaky as Kyle.” Robin turned to leave the two men in the room.
“No blood, I think Black Mask was waiting for him. “ Red Hood stopped before turning to the giant window.
“The roof.” The two rushed out the room and toward the stairs until they were on the roof. Black Mask had Stray in a headlock as he was getting inside the helicopter.
“Get back Bats,I’ve got a hostage. I’m getting out of the city!” The helicopter was seconds from take off.
“Let him go!” Red Hood clocked his pistol but Black Mask did the same pointing it at Stray’s temple. Blood present on his face.
“You’ll die a painful death.” He spat at the man who pushed the gun farther toward his face.
“I’ll blow your head off kid, you’ve caused me a lot. And I don’t care if your kid I’ll fucking paint this rooftop red, you heard that Batman I’ll fucking repaint this roof.” He pulled them into the helicopter as it took off Red Hood ran to the edge and watched as it began to fly toward the city.
“We—“
“I’ve got that covered.” The Batplane came racing toward them and stopped at the edge.
“Robin follow us on the road, don’t lose Black Mask’s signal.” Batman ordered hopping inside with Red Hood joining him, they flew toward the helicopter.
——-
Stray is still in Black Mask’s iron grip and still manages to piss him off.
“What you not man enough to look at your son tarface.” Black Mask tightens his hold around Y/n neck.
“I will kill you kid, you maybe my flesh blood but your no kin of mine. I’ll drop from the chopper.” He spat. Y/n looked around but his weapons were seized and his mask too.
“Y’know you kinda look like her.” He chuckled watching the city as they passed by.
“Go Fuck yourself.” Y/n spat at him which earned him a hard shove. He nearly fell out the chopper but was grabbed by his collar.
“I really am starting to remember why I never wanted kids. “
The Batplane is now directly behind them and begins to fire at the helicopter.
Black Mask grabs an assault rifle and fires back at them. “I’ll kill you Bats!” Y/n yanks on Black Masks arms and he fires around the small aircraft even hitting the pilot. Black Mask yanks Y/n and stares at him.
“Your dead kid.” Y/n takes his claws and slashes Black Mask’s chest. He pushes Y/n full force and spirals down to the city below.
It’s all in slow motion, the bright and vast city surround him, window after window, balcony and neon signs fade past him.
He barely notices the figure the grabs him and grapples them to safety. It’s only once his feet touch the surface of the rooftop does his world stop spinning and he’s back from cloud 9.
“Did that bastard hurt you?” He looks up at the Red Hood who his clutching Y/n like he’s the only anchor he has to reality.
“No..I’m fine you caught me.” The look up and seen the chopper spiral and crashes into Gotham Bay. The Batplane flies toward the crash before returning flying farther into the city.
The rain starts again, though nearly move to get out of it. Instead Y/n lifts his hands to the help and removes it.
Jason’s face is back before him. The jet black hair matted to his skin, the white tuff proudly in the front it too was wet from sweat and the rain. The scar across his face that Y/n gently traced with his thumb. His eyes still covered by the red domino mask.
“Stray—“
“Call me Y/n.” He cut him off tracing his thumb now just below the bottom of Jason’s lip.
“Well if we’re on a first name basis, I’m Jason.”
“And somehow Handsome that suits you.” Jason pulled him close. He took his hand and pried off his last mask allowing Y/n to see those pretty green eyes.
“I’ve wanted nothing more than to hold you, you are something special to me, someone—I’ve never felt this before.”
Y/n grinned before pulling Jason’s head closer. “Well Red, I think that call that being smitten.”
Jason smirked, “Well my little thief I can say you’ve cracked the code to my heart.” Jason kisses him and the two men hold one another has the rain showers them from above.
When the finally break away his when Jason pulls away with a slight scowl.
“Did I do something?” Jason shakes his head at him press a quick kiss to his forehead.
“No, my family was listening and are killing the moment.” He slightly yelled the last part which caused Y/n to laugh.
“Well then I guess you better not keep them waiting.” He pulls Jason in for another kiss this one more passionate and gentle than the first one. He pulls away and smirks.
“I’m beginning to like this, a lot.” He grins holding his Stray.
“Well it’s just the beginning.” Y/n hands Jason his helmet and grins. Jason wraps his arm around Y/n’s waist.
“I think I know a guy who can get you some new gear, though he’s kinda broody.”
Y/n smirked, “Who your Father?” Jason blushes and looks away.
“Aww you want me to meet your Dad.” Stray tracks Jason’s emblem with his free hand.
“Babe I will leave you on this rooftop.” He fastens his helmet and grapples them away.
“You wouldn’t dream of it, you’d miss me teasing you to much Red.”
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The Art of Getting a Street Cat to Love You! (Stray!Tim Au)
Masterpost
Year 1
Year 4 Age: T•10-11 J•12-13
January
"Do you think it's weird that your mom flirts with him?" I look over at where Selina is as she flashes a flirtatious smile to Batman and back flips away, then I look back towards Robin.
"She's not my mom, is it weird for your dad to flirt with her?" I ask as I jump to the side barely missing the gloved hand that reaches out to grab the satchel hanging from my shoulder.
"Batman's not my dad," Robin says as she shrugs, there's a flap of heavy fabric and I lean forwards quickly letting the momentum carry me into a roll.
"Is he Batgirl's dad, Birdie?" I ask springing to my feet and facing Batgirl and Robin. Batgirl immediately starts to loop around and I keep my eyes focused on her.
I can hear Robin's footsteps most of the time but Batgirl is super light on her feet and quick, the only reason I managed to get out of the way was because I heard her cape and even then I'm pretty sure she let me hear it. Staying focused on her makes it easier to dodge her attacks, it's either focus on her or Robin and let the other get hits in. And if I'm being perfectly honest Batgirl hits like a truck so I'll focus on dodging her.
"No," Batgirl says, I'm still getting used to her talking to me. I'm used to her just staring at me or Robin and Robin magically translating. That or she'll use sign language but I don't understand because I'm still learning.
"So you are just some random kid Batman found?" I asked leaning backwards as Batgirl rushes forwards with a palm strike.
She reacts quickly and knocks my feet out from underneath me causing me to fall to the roof. I roll out of the way as Robin tries to plant a boot on my chest, once on my stomach I push off the ground, jumping up onto my feet.
"Did Catwoman do the same thing to you?" Robin asked, immediately rushing up to me throwing punches and kicks that I do my best to block while keeping eyes on Batgirl.
"Kinda? It's complicated, my parents are dead I didn't have anyone else," I explained jumping up and using Robin's shoulders to leap frog over them. I've gotten a lot taller all of the sudden and Selina is teaching me how to use that to my advantage. Robin stumbles forwards and Batgirl catches her.
"I mean we both have crazy supervillains as dads so that kinda checks out," Robin says pointing to herself and Batgirl who nods in agreement.
"Huh? No wonder you two get along so well, birds of a feather and all that," I laugh as Robin makes an offended noise and I can barely hear Batgirl laughing.
The two girls immediately rush forwards both attacking together, I'm easily overwhelmed barely able to block some of the more harsh blows but taking a majority of the hits. I stumble back a bit dazed and grab the satchel from around my shoulder, I keep it clutched tightly in my hands and raise it up.
"Do you guys even know what's in here?" I asked, swinging the bag side to side, I took a step backwards closer to the edge of the building. It's a really tall building, the air up here is super strong too.
"Oracle says it's important documents that Jackie Loren owns and that you took from her safe," Robin says after touching her ear, something that I'm not surprised by. Robin has talked to this Oracle a couple of times and Batman has done it a ton of times.
"Kinda, they are important documents but they're not Jackie's," I say as my foot meets the edge of the roof, I quickly look to where Catwoman is fighting Batman then back to Batgirl and Robin who are moving closer.
I take a deep breath and relax myself. My grip tightens on my satchel strap and close my eyes.
"Wait! Don't-" Robin yells but it's too late.
I let myself fall backwards off the ledge, wind whipping past me as I quickly turn myself around so I'm facing the approaching ground. I quickly find an out stretched flag pole and like second nature I let my whip fly out and rap around it.
The immediate momentum catches and swings me sending my body flying through air, this time it's a detailed statue that's protruding from another building. It looks like an eagle or bird of sorts, my whip wraps around it and I'm flying in an arce across the sky before landing firmly on a rooftop.
I turned around to see the distant forms of Batgirl and Robin still standing on the rooftop I was just on. I hold up the bag before slinging it back over my shoulder, then I jump and wave to the two girls. They both wave back, I laugh before turning around and running across the rooftops. Once I'm sure I'm not being followed I go to mine and Catwoman's agreed upon rendezvous point.
•°•°•
It's been a few days since I've seen Robin and Batgirl, well that's not entirely true I saw them last night while I was out with Tim so he could take pictures. He really wanted to go out since it was a relatively clear night for Gotham and the moon was full, 'The perfect conditions!' and I really can't argue with him sometimes.
I dig my claws a little deeper into the stone wall while reaching up to find my next hand hold. It takes a bit of time since the old clock tower has quite a few false holds and easily dislodged bricks, but eventually I make it to the top. I walk over and sit on the cris-cross by a gargoyle and wait.
It doesn't take long before I hear the whirling of small engines and the flapping of heavy fabric. Batgirl comes over first sitting on top of the gargoyle one leg dangling and the other crossed under her. Robin comes to sit on the other side of me both legs swinging over the side as she lightly kicks them in the breeze.
"You're insane for jumping," Robin says after a few minutes of silence.
"Noir over there does it all the time," I reply, nodding my head over towards Batgirl.
"Not from that tall of a building right BG?" Robin asked looking up towards the girl in question.
"No, not yet," Batgirl replies, the last two words barely a whisper but I snicker at Robin's expression.
"Not yet?!" Robin shouts sounding slightly concerned, me and Batgirl start to giggle a bit.
"What does it matter? I made it out fine," I say after catching my breath and fake wiping a tear from my goggles.
"It matters because we were on a ten story building roof," Robin says her face pinched in worry.
"So?" I asked, shrugging, not really understanding the problem as I had everything under control.
"Different," Batgirl states while staring down at me and Robin.
"Yeah it's different BG drops from like 4 stories!" Robin exclaims while pointing at Batgirl who's just nodding her head.
"And the difference is?" I asked actually hoping for some context, it wasn't like I jumped off without a plan. I knew what I was doing and how to do it.
"Broken arm or broken body." Batgirl stated and I shifted a bit in my seat at the tone in her voice or lack there of.
"Yeah what she said! If you mess up on a four story it'll hurt and you'll get a broken arm but if you mess up on a ten story your whole body is in a cast if you're lucky!" Robin said animatedly, tossing her arms up as she explained.
"It's fine Birdie, I've got 9 lives!" I smirk at Robin and I can feel the eye roll from her. She laughs while shaking her head before saying.
"You're insufferable sometimes, Tabby." I smile brightly and laugh with the two girls for the rest of our time together before they leave for patrol and I head home.
March
I let myself into Drake Manor and hold the door open while Selina walks in carrying the cake in both hands and she calls out for Tim. I hear the pitter patter of his footsteps while I walk outside to grab some of the wrapped boxes and bring them in.
Usually I would have already celebrated my birthday a week earlier but Tim mentioned his dad and Dana would be gone on a business trip and they'd celebrate his birthday early. As soon as Selina heard she immediately decided then and there that we would be having a small party on his birthday, when I suggested that I wait to celebrate my birthday to celebrate with Tim she thought it was a fantastic idea.
I walk into that massive house and greet Mrs. Donovan, the older caretaker that usually watches Tim while the Drake's are out. She leaves thanking Selina for the break and wishing Tim a happy birthday. I walk into the dining room and set down the presents that have either mine or Tim's name on them.
I walk back outside as a silver car pulls up and parks, Duke immediately hops out with a small gift bag in hand. His mother finds Selina and the two talk for a bit while I go about grabbing the rest of the presents and some simple party decorations.
"Want some help?" Duke asked, already reaching out and grabbing some of the last party supplies.
"Thanks," I huff as I adjust a few things in my arm before leading Duke through the manor.
Tim excitedly greets Duke, chattering away about the friends that are going to attend while Duke nodded along smiling. There's the sound of another car pulling into the driveway and Tim is running towards the door. Duke laughs before setting down what he has in hand into the table.
"Man I know you told me Tim's family was loaded but this is still a little crazy," Duke laughs as gestures around the massive room that could easily fit Selina's and my entire apartment.
"Oh trust me man it's still surreal to me that he gets this entire place to himself most days," I say as I start to spread out balloons and a table cloth.
Suddenly Tim comes barreling in with Conner and Bernard in tow along with a young blonde haired girl, she's holding the hand of another girl about as tall as her with black hair. Behind the gaggle of children Selina walks in followed by a red haired woman in a wheelchair, a blonde haired woman, Duke's mom, Mr. Luther, and Mrs. Dowd.
"Jill! This is Stephanie and her friend Cassandra!" Tim says pointing to the blonde girl first then the black haired girl. I give a polite wave before going back to setting up the party while Tim leads the gaggle of his friends further into his house.
"Hello Mrs. Dowd, Mr. Luther, Mrs. Thomas! It's nice to see you all," I say giving a small wave while helping Selina place out colorful paper plates and plastic utensils.
"Hello Jillian, sweetie. Happy birthday! Officially the big 13! You must be so excited!" Mrs. Dowd says coming over to give me a hug, I hadn't really known the woman for long but she was kind.
She really seemed to like me being around Tim and Bernard so I often let Bern come over while I watched Tim. The kid needs to interact more with kids his own age. Plus Mrs. Dowd frequently brought over fresh fruit which I happily indulged in so she was fine in my book.
"Ah, yes Conner mentioned this would be a double celebration. Congratulations Ms. Rodriguez on your big day," Luther said with a stiff smile and quick head nod, a regular acknowledgement I got from the man.
Luther wasn't horrible, he's polite if stern but he really cares about Conner and that's all I really care about. Conner and Tim have been friends since the Pokemon incident at the gala, the two found each other while hiding from pushy party guests and from there became fast friends. I've only watched Conner a few times and every time Luther's assistant Mercy was there. Said woman walked into the room holding a wrapped box and setting it in the pile of presents for Tim.
"Happy birthday Jillian, sweetheart I hope you and Duke enjoy yourself but I've got to go. Got a case that needs my attention," Mrs. Thomas says before giving Duke a hug. I could tell Duke was blushing a bit but didn't pull away
"I'll send Duke home with a slice of cake for you and Mr. Thomas," I say smiling at the kind woman and waving a simple goodbye. Mrs. Dowd also said a quick goodbye before leaving behind Mrs. Thomas.
Selina introduces Mrs. Brown; Stephanie's mom and Barbara; Cassandra's current guardian. I say hello to the women respectively and finish helping Selina set up despite her insisting I didn't. Once everything was decorated and prepared Selina called Tim into the room, who immediately came bouncing in followed by his group of friends.
"Okay now that the Birthday boy is here what do you and the Birthday girl want to do first?" Selina asked smiling at Tim after helping him pin a ribbon to his shirt. Tim looks at me and I lift an eyebrow while shrugging.
"You wanna do presents? I got some from Dad and Dana but I know you haven't celebrated yet," Tim stared as he walked over to sit next to me, Duke taking the other seat next to me and Conner sitting next to Tim. The other three kids sit across from us as I look over to Selina with a questioning look on my face.
"Presents first, then we'll do pizza, cake and ice cream," I say as Tim does a little fist pump and Conner reaches across the table to high-five Bernard. Selina laughs before nodding.
Tim has a few more presents than I do but I kinda expected as much when he told me about his guest list. Selina separates the presents into two piles one for each of us and I hear the click of a phone starting to record knowing Selina probably asked one of the parents still here to record.
"I'd like to give Tim my present last if that's okay?" I say looking towards Selina who smiles and nods.
Tim had a blast opening his presents, getting superhero action figures from Bernard, a few new games for his PlayStation from Conner, a couple of custom picture frames from Steph and Cass and a new camera lens from Selina. When we got to my present I grabbed the long box and placed it in front of Tim.
Immediately Tim began unwrapping it, throwing wrapping paper aside and frowning at the box. Quickly he found an end and pulled away the tape. The first thing that fell out was a red helmet, inside the helmet was a pair of thick gloves, elbow pads and knee pads all in red and black. He looked up at me confused and I nodded towards the box.
Tim reached inside and pulled out a set of white shark wheels with red detailing around the outside. He pulled out a pair of trucks and baseplates with a bag with all the required nuts, bolts, bearing and tools. Then came the simple black grip tape and Tim's little wheels started turning as he looked up at me.
"You didn't?" He gasped look at me. I simply laughed and tossed my hands out towards the box again.
"I don't know did I? Maybe I finally got tired of you stealing my board!" I laughed as Tim's eyes lit up and Selina laughed from where she stood.
With a sudden gentle ferocity Tim slipped out the last part of my gift. It's an absolute labor of love that I'd been working on for months at this point, it's the Gotham skyline from one of Tim's favorite spots to take pictures of Batman and Robin. Hidden throughout the buildings are small figures of Batman, both Batgirl's, all three Robins, Nightwing, and Catwoman. There's also a hidden Charizard in one of the clouds.
Tim holds the board in his hand for a long time not saying anything. At first I thought he was looking at the board but the longer he didn't say anything the more nervous I got. It didn't help that no one else was saying anything and I was behind Tim's back so I couldn't see his face. Finally I spoke, the nerves were getting to be too much.
"I- uh figured you'd like a custom board and I realize now I should have probably waited to customize it with you. I can paint you a ne-" I stopped midway through my sentence as Tim looked up to me with tears in his eyes. Immediately I started to panic!
"Oh hey, Timmy! I can paint something else onto the board little dude there's no need to cry about! I'm sorry I just thought you'd like this design, I-" Tim dropped the board into the table before launching himself into my arms.
I instinctively wrap my arms around the boy as he squeezes me tighter. I looked around in panic at the adults in the room, silently begging for their help. Tim pulls back from the hug and his face breaks out into the biggest smile I've ever seen on his face. I let myself relax before smiling and laughing myself.
"Thank you Jillian, this is the best gift I've ever gotten. Well second to my mom giving me my camera," Tim says smiling and I laugh.
"Yeah we both know I can't top your camera Timmy," I swallowed around nothing before asking. "Do you really like it?"
"Yes! This is so cool! You have to help me set it up and then we're going into the backyard so I can try it out!" Tim says pulling away from the hug and picking up the board again. He shows his little group of friends and the kids ooh and aah over the board.
I go to sit back in my seat while Selina takes a moment to stop the recording and start another one. Duke leans over to me and whispers into my ear.
"I'm glad you're getting your board back, I like watching you skate." I laughed at Duke who also started laughing when I pushed him away. Duke leaned down and pulled out the pink bag he had with him and handed it to me.
"Wait! Let me get the camera set up so we can see you Jillie Bean!" Selina says while moving around so she's standing in a spot where she can see everything as I open the presents.
I looked towards Duke and then pulled away the stuffed papers from the bag and set them aside, the first thing on top was a small box. I picked it up, it wasn't heavy but there was definitely something sliding around inside. I opened the lid of the little yellow box and inside was a bracelet.
It was a thick braided bracelet with pink, black and yellow threads in the middle are the words 'Alley Rat' in multiple different colored letters, they're all circular shaped beads. The threads are tied into a slip knot with the pink and yellow threads hanging loosely, two of the longest threads have two beads on the ends. On the pink thread there's a J bead with a yellow jelly star bead over top. The yellow thread has a D bead with a pink jelly star. The pink thread has a moon charm tied into the knot at the end of it and the yellow has a sun charm.
I look over to Duke to see his wrist has an almost identical bracelet tied around his wrist but the words 'Street Cat' replace the words on my bracelet. I glance up at Duke who has the biggest, brightest smile on his face. I don't even think about it as I launch myself into a hug, I realized that my throat is tightening and my eyes burning from unshed tears.
"Thank you," I whisper trying and failing to keep my voice calm and steady.
"You said you've always wanted a pair for us, I figured I know how to make them. Why not," Duke says, shrugging while we still hug. I pull away and immediately put the bracelet around my wrist and feel absolute delight bubble up inside, so much so that when I smile to Duke it's all crooked teeth and gums.
"There's more," Duke says after sharing a similar tooth and gum smile, he gestures at the pink bag.
I reach in and find an envelope at the bottom, pulling it out it's addressed to me. The card is homemade, a coffin shaped card with the words 'I'm gunna cast a spell on you!' I flipped it open to find more of Duke's hand writing saying 'You and your plus one will have an amazing time at this concert!' Immediately my head whips up towards Duke.
In his hand are two concert tickets...
"You didn't?!" I gasped looking closer at the tickets.
"I did, it's kinda why I only got you a friendship bracelet as a gift," Duke says, rubbing his ear lobe, a common nervous twitch for him.
"You got us Hex Girls Tickets?!" I exclaimed looking closer at the tickets in his hands. They were definitely the real thing, "DUKE! How?!"
Duke laughed before handing both over, "It took a lot of convincing my mom and promises of a very clean house and kitchen, but you were so excited when they announced their tour."
"Dude! They sold out so quickly! And you got two!" I couldn't help my disbelief nor my excitement, I've loved the Hex Girls for as long as I can remember. Plus it's not just them it's a whole plethora of bands that are touring with them. This event is massive.
"Yeah it took a lot and my Dad barely managed to snag these two but they're for you and whoever you choose to take with you," Duke says, handing over both tickets. I look at him dumbfounded.
"Duke," I simply tilted my head at the boy in front of me.
"Yeah Jill?" He asked also tilting his head to mock me, I roll my eyes.
"Who's the one person I'm going to take with me?" I asked and Duke shrugged.
"I don't know, Selina? She's like your mom, you can make it a girl's trip," Duke says looking towards the woman in question who is simply shaking her head with a smile.
"Duke, you're my best friend man. I'm taking you to this concert whether you like it or not, and I know you'll like it," I laughed handing him the other ticket smiling at him. He accepts it back while blushing and looking away sheepishly.
"Like I'd ever choose anyone else before you, come on Duke," I shake my head and roll my eyes at my best friend.
"My present next!" Tim yells while standing up and running over to where his present is sitting next to Selina.
Tim got me a set of really fancy name brand alcohol markers, like the entire set! And! A set of Gauche paints with a set of really nice looking brushes. Selina got me a new silk set since my old one is too small and kinda falling apart, she also got me an eyeshadow palette to start my own collection of makeup and so I stopped stealing hers.
The last gift was another little box, this one slipped open instead of a lid. Inside was a little piece of paper, on it was written 'Coupon for One Shopping Spree!' Underneath the paper was a set of silver cat shaped studs and a slip of paper with a date. I looked up at Selina slightly confused, not really understanding.
"Well Kitten, you tend to wear my jewelry when we go to big events but you can't ever wear the complete set. After that day you can!" Selina explained and everything clicked into place, I got up and gave Selina a long hug as she rested her cheek on my head.
Afterwards we put aside the presents, Selina brought out the cake with the lit candles for Tim to blow out. When she brought in the cookies and cream ice cream it had another set of candles in the shape of a one and a three for me to blow out. We ate ice cream, really good chocolate and cherry cake, and tons of pizza.
Eventually Tim dragged me outside to set up his board and teach him how to do any maintenance even after telling him we'd be doing it together when it needed to be done. Soon the few parents still at the party watched as Tim and his friends took turns sitting on the board and being pushed across the Drake's back patio.
I was sitting with Duke talking about our plans for the Hex Girl's concert. Mostly about what bands we want to see from the pits and which we want to just sit and listen to when Tim comes barreling over towards us. And so too is the gaggle of 10-11 year olds behind him.
"Jillie! Jillie! Can you show us some tricks? I tried explaining some of them to everyone but it's better if they could see them and you said I wasn't allowed to try any just yet!" I looked down at Tim who was holding up his board with a massive smile on his face.
"Come on Jill, do some cool tricks for us," Duke teased while nudging my shoulder, I swayed with the nudge while rolling my eyes and smiling.
"Fine, only because the birthday boy asked," I exclaimed while reaching out for the board and standing up.
I spent the next hour or so, I was mostly just doing Caspers into different tricks and transitions while rolling around. Eventually I started teaching Tim and giving him tips on his form. But for the most part it was just holding up whichever child was on the board and running with them on the board.
Soon the sun set and parents started gathering children to take home. Tim said his goodbyes to Bernard who was the last friend to leave. Duke was the last to leave after we sat and played some Mario Kart with Tim while waiting for Mrs. Thomas to pick him up.
I walked with Duke to the door of Drake Manor and we both stood there for a moment, Tim is helping Selina set up a bed pallet in the living room for me and him to watch movies and sleep on. I look down at my wrist at the bracelet wrap securely around and then glance at the nearly identical one on Duke's wrist.
"Well good bye Jill, I had fun and happy birthday! I'll see you later yeah?" Duke says as he walks out the door but stops to look at me, tilting his head while he smiles.
I take the few steps forward and pull Duke into another hug, the same tightness in my throat and burning behind my eyes returns. I take a deep breath that comes in stuttering and Duke pulls back his face warped in worry and blurred by tears that threaten to fall. I'm trying to say something but all that comes out is a squeezed sob.
"Woah! Hey Jill what's wrong? Are you okay?" Duke immediately frantic, I launch myself forward again and pull him into another hug. He returns the hug his hand gently rubbing the middle of my back.
"Thank you for being my friend," I whisper before pulling back from the hug and laughing at the confused and incredulous look on Duke's face.
"You don't have to thank me for that!?" Duke squawks and I can't help but laugh at the pitch of Duke's voice and the confusion on his face. "Don't laugh at me! I'm being serious here!"
"I know and I know I don't have to thank you for being my friend. I hope you know this," I hold up my wrist that has my bracelet wrapped around it, "Is the best gift I've ever gotten from anyone, Duke. Thank you..."
•°•°•
I don't know what wakes me up exactly, one moment I'm peacefully floating in the dark void of sleep and the next I'm wide awake. Looking around the dark interior of Tim's living room I don't see anything that could have woken me up.
There's a shifting of blankets and fabric behind me as Tim moves, his small frame not doing much to disturb our floor palette. I don't move as I hear Tim fidget and move, seemingly trying to get comfortable before he stops. The room goes quiet again...
"Hey Jill, you awake?" Tim's voice is small and quiet, if I wasn't awake I wouldn't hear it at all.
"Yeah Tim, what's up," I ask as I roll over to face Tim, not really sure what woke both of us so suddenly.
"Can you follow me?" Tim asks as he pushes himself up right and starts crawling out from under the covers.
"Um sure," I answer dumbly as I begin to pull myself out from underneath the covers as well.
Tim moves quickly and quietly, leading us through the maze-like interior of his home. I feel a little silly sneaking around in a baby blue tank top, matching blue sleep pants with duck print and fluffy mis matched socks but Tim's sneaking around in a matching pokemon pajama set so I'm not too worried about it.
Tim leads me past the door that I know leads to his room and further down the hall to the last door. He stops in front and turns around looking at me expectantly, I raise an eyebrow at him shaking my head in a silent question of 'What?'
"Can you get this open?" Tim asked at last, I rolled my eyes and walked towards Tim's room. I quickly come back with two paperclips that I've started to straighten out and bend the wire into my desired shape; a small L, before repeating the process with the other one.
"Yeah, what's inside?" I asked crouching down in front of the door and looking at the lock on the door. I slip the first wire in and immediately find the first tumbler.
"It's my dad's office," Tim says with such a casualty to it, my hands immediately freeze as I hold them both up and turn to stare at Tim.
"Woah! Wait why are we trying to break into your dad's office?" I ask, keeping my voice in a low whisper but making sure Tim knows my hesitation is clear.
"Because," Tim says as he rolls his eyes and crosses his arms over his chest.
"Tim, I'll do a lot with very little but this is one of those times I needed a bit more," I say, knowing full and well that Tim knows about mine and Selina's nightly activities.
But breaking into Mr. Drake's office feels a little out of bounds, the man has been nothing but kind to me and I know he's getting better with Tim. He's not a perfect person but he definitely doesn't fall on the list of rich assholes Selina targets.
"I heard my dad having a really weird conversation with a business partner, they were talking about bettering Gotham from higher up and in the shadows. Dad wasn't happy about it and told him to leave, which didn't make sense," Tim explains with a huff, throwing his hands down to his side. He's definitely tired but I'm still confused.
"Why not, was it a bad deal?" I asked, not really understanding much of Mr. Drake's business or work. All I know is he's really rich and owns his own company that Tim will take over one day.
"No it wasn't Jill, it was actually a really good deal for my dad and his company. But whatever that guy offered Dad didn't like, I want to know what so maybe we can help Batman and Robin!" Tim exclaims quietly as he starts bouncing on his toes softly.
"And how do we do that?" I ask as I turn my attention back to the lock before me and immediately get the first tumbler into place.
"Well if I can get you a copy of the papers you can give them to Robin, who'll give them to Batman!" Tim explains and I nod as I have to admit to myself this doesn't seem like a horrible idea. Then a thought creeps into my head.
"Why not tell Selina about this?" I ask just as I get the second tumbler into place.
"Because I want you to help Robin and you can tell her you've got your own Oracle!" Tim explains as he is once again bouncing on his toes.
"Ah! I get it now, Selina wouldn't let you get involved so you came to me," I voice the thought as soon as it formed in my head.
"I mean you run around Gotham's alleys and rooftops with me almost once a week," Tim says crouching down next to me as the third and fourth tumblers slide into place.
"True, alright kid let's get in here." I turn the lock and open the office door before removing the two pieces of wire.
The room is really nice, large windows against the wall across from us. Nice artwork hanging from the walls along with degrees and certificates, to our left is a small seating area with a fireplace and coffee table. To our right is a massive dark wood desk with two chairs in front of it, a really fancy computer sits on top with a massive bookshelf behind the desk.
Tim and I immediately walk towards the desk and bookshelf, the younger boy sits down in front of the computer and turns it on. I start rifling through drawers finding one locked, I point it out to Tim who tells me to wait a minute before picking the lock. Looking over his shoulder I see what he's working on.
Most of the time I see Selina work on the computer stuff, she's definitely not as quick as Tim but in no time there's a small beep and the boy gestures down to the locked drawer. I immediately get to work while Tim starts doing more stuff on the computer, it takes me a bit of time to pick this lock. It's a lot more complicated than the door lock but eventually it opens.
"We should team up more often," I joke as Tim continues to be a little techno wizard.
"Yeah, I think we'd put Selina out of business though if we didn't tell her," Tim giggled and I laughed with him while digging through the drawer. The boy continues his little crusade on the computer.
It's mostly important documents like Tim's birth certificate and house deeds. But I've dug through a lot of rich people's stuff and if there's one thing I know it's that they like to make shit complicated. It started tapping and feeling around for false bottoms or sliding panels. When I reach up to the top of the drawer I find a button and push it.
There's a painting of Janet and Tim that sits directly behind the chair Tim's in, when I press the button the painting slides down revealing a hidden alcove. I immediately jump up and scramble over to the alcove as it finishes revealing itself, Tim walks over as well. We both stare at the contents inside.
There's a strange white half mask, it's very intricate and definitely worth lots of money but something tells me I wouldn't be able to hawk it for the cheapest price. There's a stack of papers underneath the mask that I start reading through, handing the top one to Tim who reads it out loud.
"Beware The Court of Owls, that watches all the time, ruling Gotham from a shadow perch, behind granite and lime. They watch you at your hearth, they watch you in your bed, speak not a whispered word of them or they'll send The Talon for your head..."
"Jill this is weird," Tim whispers when he finished reading the poem, but I'm too focused on all the documents I found.
I passed one to Tim and I know he's reading over it, most documents are proposals that I don't really understand. But some have names of companies that I know are rivals to Drake Industries and one keeps coming up... Wayne Enterprises.
I reached for my phone but came back empty handed, thankfully Tim knew what he was leading us into... Sort of, but he has his phone and starts taking pictures of everything including the mask and the poem. I see him attach them all to an email and send it to me before deleting them from his phone.
Immediately I place everything back into the case and in the exact same way we found it with the poem onto of the proposals and the mask on top of that. I find and click the button again before closing the drawer. Tim does some tech wizardry and there's another beep to signal something activating for that drawer.
Then we leave to go back to bed... It was nearly impossible to do so.
April
"And remember once this event is over we're going to immediately have to leave for our flight, you won't be able to contact us once we're in the air. If you need anything contact your mother," Mr. Drake instructs as Dana adjusts the man's tie and hands him a simple mask.
"Yes sir, Mr. Drake. I know, you and new Mrs. Drake enjoy yourself and your honeymoon. I can handle Tim," I say while smiling politely and ruffle Tim's hair, he immediately bats away my hand and I laugh.
"Yeah, yeah, we'll just be at the skate park from sunrise to sunset," Tim laughs rolling his eyes and smiling mischievously at me.
"Tim..." Mr. Drake scolds, tone firm and authoritative. The look on his face makes me twitch a bit nervous, the man has such a harsh glare.
"Yeah, yeah I know. I promise I'll behave," Tim promises, holding his hands up in a mock surrender before smiling at his dad.
"Good son, now we've got to get going. You two don't stay up too late," Mr. Drake says turning around and offering his arm to his wife, she immediately takes it before waving kindly to Tim and me.
I stand there and watch them leave, Tim right beside me the whole time. As soon as we can't see the tail lights of their car Tim is right in front of me, a familiar mischievous glent in his eyes. Immediately I know this kid is about to convince me to do something stupid...
Like letting him go out with me as Stray... Yeah that went over really well with Selina. She wasn't at all happy to learn about Tim and my little escapade across Gotham's rooftops. I'm still working off being grounded and Selina hasn't skimped on using multiple dishes while cooking. Thankfully she has yet to learn about Tim's weekend night photography so that's a win.
"We have to spy on this event," Tim says immediately, I instantly know that I'm going to be in so much trouble if Selina finds out about this one.
"What?! Why?" I ask or rather demand, I have no idea where Tim comes up with the hair brain schemes but I really need to because this is getting out of hand.
"Jill that guy came back to Dad's office and made him another offer before inviting him to this event! This could be more evidence for Batman!" Tim exclaims, he's been hooked on helping Batman find the court of owls since that night on his birthday.
"Then we let Batman know and we leave it alone, Tim. This isn't something we should get involved in more than we already are," I try to dissuade him, knowing very well that it's a futile effort. Tim is so incredibly stubborn I'm surprised the kid hasn't tried becoming Robin at this point.
"Why are you so hesitant every time I bring this Owl stuff up? What's wrong?" Tim asked, looking genuinely upset and frustrated.
"I don't know, I just have this gut feeling that we shouldn't dig too far into this," I sigh it's so hard to explain the feeling I have to Tim, it's just how I feel.
"Yeah yeah, you trust your gut because of Alley kid things. But seriously Jill, I have a feeling Batman may need another set of eyes on the outside for this," Tim says, trying to convince me. He can be so pushy sometimes, I've been told that he got that from his mom but I didn't know Mrs. Janet Drake too well.
"Is this because of your silly theory of Bruce Wayne being Batman? Tim there's no way he's Batman." I roll my eyes at Tim, he refuses to listen to reason of his theory. I've met Mr. Wayne plenty of times, there's no way the man is Batman. Who I've also met plenty of times.
"I'm telling you he is and it kinda does but also it's not like we can ask Selina to help! She's already at the party on the inside, they need eyes on the outside!" Tim exclaims, throwing his hands in the air. Something he only does when really frustrated.
"And you want to be those eyes?" I ask, raising a brow and cocking my hips. Something I learned from Selina, I fold my arms over my chest for extra affect.
"Yes! Come on, this is perfect for the strays to look into!" I feel long sigh, knowing very well that if I don't go with him, Tim will just go by himself.
"Fine, but you have to listen to me this time! No running off like last time, Selina ripped me a new one for letting you come with me," I lecture while pointing my finger at him. Tim does a tiny fist bump and I immediately regret my decision to ever interact with this child.
"Okay I promise, come on let's get changed!" Tim exclaims, running towards his room excitedly.
"Tim, my costume is at home with Selina's," I explain a little confused, I immediately see a familiar mischievous grin on Tim's face.
"Nope! I grabbed it while over at your house when you were feeding Queenie!" Tim yells with a sing song quality to his voice, my shoulders fall and I look up towards the ceiling like it has the answers to all my questions.
"Mother Marry, please help me..." I pray, this kid is going to make me get grey hairs early I can feel it.
We get changed quickly, me in my normal suit and Tim in a similar one but his has dark red instead of dark blue. I've also gotten a few upgrades to my suit and kit thanks to Robin giving me what she call 'old tech'. That really made me wonder what all was in that bright yellow belts all the birds and bats wore. Well not all Nightwing's is black and Batwoman's is red but still!
Thankfully I don't have to worry about slowing down while traversing Gotham because Tim has plenty of experience. At least with the running and jumping, swinging is still something he's getting the hang of but he's been enjoying it so far so I'm not too worried about it. We arrive at city hall in record time and find a nice spot to watch from the skylight.
Everyone is wearing elaborate masks, I can easily spot Selina's and I assume the man next to her is Bruce. It takes me a bit longer but I do eventually spot the Drake's and point them out to Tim when he can't find them. We sit there for about an hour when I finally decided to call it.
"Okay, this is boring and there's literally nothing happening. Come on let's go home T." I move to stand and walk away when Tim's hand reaches out and grabs my wrist.
"Wait look! Those two by the stairs, their mask look!" Tim's pointing and I use that and what he's told me to find the two people he's talking about. A man and a woman wearing solid white masks with a familiar design to the one we saw in Mr. Drake's office.
"Okay, so they're wearing white masks that doesn't mean anything," I mumbled crouching down next to Tim again. Just as I think Tim's about to drop it the two slip out of the main room despite the rest of the building being off limits.
Tim immediately lifts the latch of the window and when I try to grab him, the boy slips away easily and laughs. I try not to clench my jaw too hard as I slip in after Tim. I follow Tim and Tim follows the white masks, who slip into the mayor's office. Slipping closer to the door we watch as the two press a specific set of tiles and a door opens up.
I resign myself to my fate knowing that Tim would demand we follow after them. Moving quickly I push into the room and walk straight to were the two figures disappeared. I lightly tap the side of my goggles and send a silent thank you to Robin as the secret panel lights up. As well as the door.
Wedge my hands between the two sliding doors, they open to reveal a long elevator shaft. I remove my whip from around my waist and use it to wrap around my gloves before using the large cable to slide down. After a few minutes we meet with the elevator cart, Tim spots a massive vent shaft and slips inside before I can stop him. Vent systems are never a good idea, I just know this is about to go horribly wrong.
Resigning myself to whatever fate is at hand I slip in after Tim, we pass by room after room with masked figures and statue busts of old people. Really fancy people shit. As we keep going the rooms become less fancy and more sterile like labs.Tim stops ahead of me and I hear a vent being removed. I try to crawl faster after him but just miss him as he jumps down into a room... And I follow after.
"What the fuck are you doing? We're meant to observe not investigate!" I hiss looking at the room we're currently in, there's tons of chemistry equipment and a dead body locker on the wall.
"We've got to gather evidence, come on. Take pictures of these while I grab some stuff," Tim says waving a hand full of papers before setting them down and walking further down the bench. I heave a deep nervous sigh and wonder over.
I understand nothing of what's on these papers but Tim's confident Batman will so I take as many pictures, front and back, as possible. Tim's slipping little quarked test tubes into my satchel and asking what they're doing to the bodies. We both freeze when the door across from us slides open and two men in white coats and masks walk in.
"RUN!" I scream and reach out, grabbing Tim's hand and pull him after me as I sprint to the door on the opposite side.
Still holding tightly onto Tim we sprint down hall after hall, every one looking the exact same as the last one. Suddenly we turn down a hall and it dead ends, only for an elevator door to open up at the end and two more scientists step out. Making a mad dash I shove the two figures to the side as the doors start to close, I yank Tim in after me and I slam my hand against the panel of the elevator.
The thing lurches and we start moving upwards, I let go of Tim's hand and place both hands on my knees. I reach up and pull of my lower mask and suck in greedy mouth fulls of air, trying desperately to get my heart rate under control. Suddenly the elevator lurches and stops, I stand back up and pull my mask back over my face.
Immediately I grabbed Tim and boost him upwards, the boy quickly gets the idea and opens the top panel and crawls up. I toss up my whip and he secured it to the cable before I climbed up after him, I look up and can see the last door. I turn to Tim instantly.
"Get on my back," I instruct and Tim nods, quickly I crouch down and Tim wraps his arms and legs around my torso. I'm suddenly very grateful for Selina's hours of free climbing training on the most random of surfaces.
The climb is hard, Tim's weight isn't a lot but it's sitting in a weird position so I'm having to adjust on the fly. Each time we get a few more feet I have to will my arms and legs to keep moving, digging my claws deeper and deeper into the metal walls and silently praying that I can just get a little further.
Finally we reached the bottom lip of the elevator and I can stand on the sliver of flooring while prying the doors open. When the doors open I step through and Tim hops of my back. Immediately I recognize where we are; Gotham University's Public Library, I come here all the time with Duke to study.
I take Tim's hand again and start dragging him through the familiar halls, though they're so much more creepy at night in the dark. We reach the central library when Tim pulls me back and we stop. Distantly we can both hear something coming towards us, I let go of Tim's hand and shove him backwards.
Something with glowing yellow eyes come barreling towards me on all fours, I barely managed to roll out of the way but it still caught my leg. Sharp claws dig into my boots and barely scratch my skin. I immediately get back up and grab Tim's hand again.
While running I grab my camera and phone before slipping them into my satchel. We come to a quick stop and I rip my satchel from my shoulders and place it onto Tim's before turning him around and shoving him forwards.
"Run! Go get help!" Tim turns around but I cut him off, "GO! NOW TOMBCAT!"
I don't wait for him to argue, I run in the opposite direction of him making as much noise as possible. I turn around to see the strange yellow eyes running towards me and I turn back to look ahead of me. The creature gains on me quickly but I play keep away well enough, or I thought I did.
I ran in another direction, silently thanking Batgirl for never taking it easy on me when I realized I'd lost track of the weird creature. I quickly move towards the center of the library where all the tables were to hopefully get eyes on the thing again. My heart was beating so loudly in my chest I missed the strange clicking sound above me until it was too late.
Suddenly a black mass of glowing eyes, weird clicking and sharp claws is on top of me, tearing through cloth and flesh in single swipe before claws dig deep into my hip and side. I scream as white hot pain sears through my body, but it's hard to hear as the glass roof above me and the creature shatters. Three black silhouettes descend from the roof, capes flaring out around them.
Batman lands a powerful kick sending the strange creature flying, Batwoman and Nightwing land on either sides of me. Everything is fuzzy like I have cotton in my ears, I'm suddenly being picked up and I can see the bright blue in the shape of a bird. Everything begins to move and I'm being jostled around like someone is running with me.
It's really hard to focus and even harder to breathe, everything is hot and I suddenly feel like I'm going to be sick. I try to ask about Tim but the words come out slurred and mumbled. It becomes really hard to keep my eyes open, the nausea getting worse everytime I'm moved. I close my eyes for a minute.
When I wake up it's in a sort of familiar room. I'm in the batcave again... Right Nightwing was carrying me and I got really nauseous so I closed my eyes. I look down and see Tim laying on my chest and Selina's asleep in a chair. I glance around and spot two sets of white eyes staring from corner, freaking bats. What weirdos.
One steps forwards and I recognize the red and black suit of Batwoman standing at the foor of the bed. Nightwing slinks out after her, the blue of his suit standing out and almost glowing in the dimly lot room.
"Oh good your awake, I'll go get Batman. Nightwing you stay here," Batwoman instructed before walking away.
"What happened?" I asked, gently moving so Tim was laying in a more comfortable position.
"The Talon poisoned you, kid. You're lucky to be alive," Nightwing paused before continuing. "They were both so worried about you, and honestly so were we..."
"Hah, yeah now Selina can kill me instead." I lean back against the pillow behind me and cringe at the flash of pain.
"Jillie?" Tim's voice squeaks out, sleep very clear on his face as he looks up at me.
"Yeah Timmy it's me," I smile and reach down to ruffle the boys hair.
Tim looks like he's about to cry but then launches himself against me, pulling me into an extremely tight hug. I accidentally let out a cry of pain that wakes Selina who also launches herself to pull me into a hug, I hold both of them and try not to wince in pain. I can feel two different damp spots forming on my shirt. Selina pulls back suddenly, tears still in her eyes.
"Don't you ever do that to me again! Do you hear me! I thought I lost you kitten, I thought-" Selina breaks off with a horrible sob, I immediately pull her into a tighter hug. Body and pain be damned, she needs this. I need this...
What the hell did we just stumble into?
June
"Come on Duke we've got to get to the front!" I reach down and lace out fingers together as I pull Duke behind me to get to the front of the pit.
I look up to the stay and see Storm walking closer to the microphone, as soon as the crowd starts jumping I use that to my advantage. With each surge I pull me and Duke closer and closer until finally we're right at center stage. Both our chests pressed against the cement barriers, I cringe a bit at the pain in my hip but I brush it off.
Tonight it's just me and my best friend enjoy amazing music together.I look over at Duke and give him a toothie smile, showing off my new bracelets with pink and black bands. I blush when he squeezes my hand sit intertwined with mine and I ignore how my heart skipped a beat. The concert started and Duke's attention immediately snapped to the stage.
Yeah, tonight is all about me enjoying myself with Duke, that's all...
November
This was such a bad idea! How did I let this happen? How did I let her talk me into this? 'Tabby I need you to pick a lock and stand guard for me!' I could have just told Robin no, but did I. Nooo I've got to have a soft spot for the stupid bird.
"You brood as loud as B does, Tabby," Robin laughs as I click another tumbler into place. Stupid lock, stupid bird, stupid cat...
"Well I'm sorry if I feel a little misguided, when I was told I was picking a lock I didn't think it would one of Penguins!" I hissed as a tumbler falls out and I have to readjust for a third time tonight.
"Oh come on, the two Bats are dealing with Two Face and I didn't want to deal with Nightwing tonight so I found my favorite street cat to help me!" Rodin smiled as she leaned over my shoulder, her curly blonde hair tickling my cheek. I get the lock back to its final tumbler and I take a deep breath.
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say Birdie," The last tumbler falls into place and I open the door, "After you m'lady," I say with a bow and I smile at Robin's giggling.
All things considered the whole heist goes off without a hitch. Robin got what she needed, I managed to swipe a few small valuables. We both left with what we needed and had fun taking down a bunch of Penguins goons in the process. We eventually find ourselves on a rooftop near the park.
"We should team up again like that Birdie! That was tons of fun," I laugh as Robin sings her legs of the side of the building.
"Oh absolutely I'd love to do that again Tabby. See you soon okay?" I smile at her before heading out and going back home after what I would consider a wildly successful night!
December
"WILL YOU STOP THAT!" I yell trying to pull my arm away but Batgirl's grip only tightens. She hasn't said anything to me since she literally dragged me out of my bed, I'm still in my pajamas.
Suddenly a duffle bag is being shoved into my arms as well as a backpack that has my Stray suit in it when I open it. Confused I look up at Batgirl who simply signs 'Change Now.' I glance around the empty wearhouse before sighing and accepting whatever fate Batgirl has decided for me.
I slipped into the suit with efficiency but I noticed instantly that this is a new suit. It's definitely heavier with more padding and thicker fabrics, then I quickly open the duffle bag. Inside is all my accoutrement, my hoodie, goggles, mask, gloves, belt, whip, and boots. Except they've all had a noticable Bat upgrade, confused I look up at Batgirl.
"Noir, what's all this? What's going on?" I asked as she just stands there signing 'Finish Up', I sigh and pull on the rest of my equipment.
Batgirl walks over pulling out a small case and holding it out to me, I take it, open it and find a simple black earpiece. Sighing I place the bit of tech into my ear and tap it once like Batgirl instructs me to do. There's a slight buzzing before a multi layered feminine voice begins to speak.
"Hello Stray, my name is Oracle. We need yours and Catwoman's help, Nightwing has already gotten into contact with your mentor but Batgirl needs your help." I nod before coughing and clearing my throat.
"Yeah, sure I can help... What am I helping with?" I asked still a more than a little shell shocked by the sudden upgrade and meet The Oracle... Tim's going to be so jealous when I tell him.
"Batman and Robin have gone missing and we need your help finding them. We know if you meta powers and how you've been training them. I'd like to personally ask for your assistance by lending us your gifts. It's been too long and we're starting to worry." I look to Batgirl who simply nods and I nod with her.
Oracle sends us to their last known location of Batman and Robin, a wearhouse on the edge of the docks that has connections to Black Mask and his gang. Quickly the two of us slip into the wearhouse and begin to look around.
I don't find much of anything that could be of use or that I could use my powers on. Suddenly there's a tap on my shoulder and I turn around to find Batgirl holding something in her hand. Immediately I recognize Robin's headband, though it's cracked like it had been stepped on.
"Will that be enough for you to use your powers Stray?" Oracle's multi feminine voice asked, I don't even know what she looks like but I know both Batgirl and her are desperate and hopeful.
"Yeah, um... Let me sit down for this just in case." I sit down and that off one of my new gloves, I hold out my hand and Batgirl places the piece of green headband into my hand.
I focus on the item, letting the gentle sound of Gotham bay lull me into a daze. There's a buzzing pop and suddenly I look up to see Robin fighting a bunch of men. She's not looking good and one of the men grabs her from behind, another rushes up and punches her in the stomach.
I stand up and walk around looking at every single one of the men with the half skull masks and start giving detailed descriptions out loud. The men keep beating on Robin until she stops struggling and they tie her up. Another man higher up is wearing an all black full skull face mask. Robin says something and a goon punches her causing her headband to fall out. One goons steps on it and laughs.
Suddenly I snap back to the wearhouse with Batgirl standing in front of me. I double check that they heard my descriptions and then begin to relay exactly what happened to Robin and what I saw. Oracle asks questions and I do my best to answer while Batgirl seems to reenact what I told her happened.
"So Black Mask has Robin... Thank you for clarifying things for us. We'll be in contact regarding you helping with your powers again," Oracle states, I turn to say something to Batgirl but she's gone.
"Um... Yeah, I'm happy to help you guys find Robin. She's my friend and if I can help let me or Cat know..."
This time it’s the vairied vigilante costume for the Batfam on Earth 1515 (name of my AU)
Due to reasons Batman didn’t have Robin until more recently in this. Instead for a long time the only close partnership/mentorship he had with another vigilante in Gotham was Batgirl, but after the Joker hurting her she became Orical.
As Oracle she generally just wears street cloths, but she has a cape to hide the street cloths and with a hood and visor to hide her face if she needs too. The cape has pockets for smoke pellets and batarangs as well is nice and warm in the dreary Gotham weather.
Then others use a variety of identities depending on circumstances and weather or not they are in or out of Gotham. They also are trying to trick Gotham into thinking there’s more of them than there is for reasons.
Jason doesn’t kick the bucket, and he becomes red hood for other reasons, but it’s reasons he shares with Stephanie and Duke.
Tim Drake can’t keep a consistent identity so switches between several, though he shares them. His mind is not in a great place.
Most of Gotham believes that Robin is a shapeshifting Meta. Because it’s never got the same appearance. They all played up this aspect by sometimes wearing wigs and makeup as Robin. Some (Steph and Jason) where more committed to the bit.
Babs gave Steph the batgirl identity.
Cassandra never calls herself orphan because she’s never felt the need to do so in this Au.
Helena took on the identity of Huntress following her mother’s cousin’s vigilante identity. Something that Bruce is not thrilled about.
I might color these later and talk about the others, but there isn’t to much to say.
