Batman Recs
Special Pairing: Bruce Wayne/Dick
Grayson
While I’m not necessarily a big
fan of the greater DC universe like I am with Marvel, I love love love Batman
and Superman, the former especially. It
takes a special writer to make me like underage, but for some reason BrucexDick
pushes all my buttons. I won’t go into
all the reasons I love this pairing as Maelithil did an excellent job in this
ship manifesto, but I will say I love how Dick strives to be an equal to Bruce.
7/17/2013: At this point I’ve
been working on this post for about a month, so I figured I’d post what I have
so far and update later with the completed list.
Before I begin with my
recommendations, here is the template I use to review my recs.
Title fic ~ author
Rating, warnings, word count.
Summary – Note that I will always
use the author’s summary if possible.
Recommendation
Rating:
Concept A-F,
from high to low, graded like in school.
Execution
Characterization
Overall
1-5
1= Good fic, I would read a
second time and save in my library. A
nice concept, or characterization, and/or decent execution. Generally the story is carried by one of
these categories. Typically short
stories.
2 = Great fic. Good concept or execution of story. Idea is compelling enough for me to follow a
WIP chapterfic.
3 = Favorite standard. Imminently readable, these fanfic have me
returning again and again to re-read it. I bookmark these on my author
profiles. Often longer stories.
4 = Impeccable, inspired
fic. One of the best in this
fandom. Great appeal to a number of my
favorite themes.
5 = Perfect in all ways, I am in
complete awe and think this writer is a giant among writers. These are some of the best stories I’ve read,
period. The concept draws you in like a
black hole, the prose is tight and gripping, the characters are real and either
spot on or make you see your favorites in a whole new light with these new
insights. The plot or lack thereof is
satisfying, and either leaves you craving more because it’s so good, or even
better, has such a good conclusion you feel closure at the end and can’t think
of a better place to end the story. Must
reads. Hits all my buttons and makes you
feel wonderful intense feelings.
The Sex stories are at the end of
the list, for those impatient to get to the racier ones.
Authors I’d Recommend
I’m a big believer in
cross-posting and double-recommending, so I will be recommending individual
stories from some of my favorite authors, because a single story summary tends
to draw me in more than an ambiguous author name and review.
Introspective
Lenses by salmon_pink
R. Romance.
100 words.
Summary: Drabble prompted by
‘mask.’
Recommendation: Nicely explores
how Bruce can have a relationship with Dick once he’s Nightwing instead of
Robin.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 2
Whatever You’ve Done by Petra
G. Romance.
301 words.
Summary: The Renegade days are
over, but everything isn't back to normal yet.
Recommendation: Nice confession
story, evocative emotion, especially the look at how Dick and Bruce’s
relationship works.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 1
The Difference Between Want and Need by Miss Synph
R. Romance.
982 words.
Summary: Bruce gives in.
Recommendation: Some Bruce
self-loathing, the inevitability of his giving in is portrayed nicely, as is
Dick’s relieved welcome of Bruce’s affections.
Good stuff.
Concept – C
Execution – C
Characterization – B
Overall – 1
Easier to Hide by Dokuhan
G. Romance, angst. 320 words.
Summary: The first time Bruce
Wayne realized he was actually in love with Dick Grayson.
Recommendation: The perfect look
at Bruce’s view of underage Dick and his inability to turn off his love for him
despite his efforts. So short, but perfect nonetheless.
Concept – C
Execution - A
Characterization – A
Overall - 3
If Someone Asks, This Is WhereI’ll Be by Sarah T
PG. Romance.
457 words.
Summary: After great pain, a
formal feeling comes.
Recommendation: When everyone
else is gone, Dick is still there for Bruce.
He may have grown up, but this fic proves that he will always be the
first Robin, and that everyone that comes afterward can only try to live up to
the bond he and Bruce have.
Concept – B
Execution - C
Characterization – B
Overall - 2
Romance/Fluff
Weaponry by drvology
R. Romance, hurt/comfort. 569 words.
Summary: Dick is a well-honed
fighting machine. He puts none of these skills to use trying to vanquish Bruce.
Recommendation: A really
interesting look at how Dick subtly seduces Bruce. I like how he views it as just another skill
to master, and how slowly Bruce caves.
Love the snuggle scene at the end when Bruce gives in.
Concept – B
Execution - A
Characterization – A
Overall - 3
Better, Even by drvology
R. Romance, fluff. 1,462 words.
Summary: It's simple,
really--Dick has a very complicated "thing."
Recommendation: Basically, being
around Batman has given Dick a fetish for superheroes. I love how he gravitates towards Bruce, and
why he’s attracted is explained in full.
When they do come together it’s achingly tender but still in-character. This fic left me satisfied.
Concept – A
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
TLC by Miss Synph
PG-13. Romance, hurt/comfort, fluff. 1,709 words.
Summary: All Dick needs is a
little TLC, and Bruce is more than happy to provide it.
Recommendation: An indulgent fic,
very domestic and warm.
Concept – B
Execution – B
Characterization – A
Overall – 2
First Touch Is Free by klose
PG-13. Romance.
560 words.
Summary: Nightwing studies the computer panels with no small amount focus,
knowing that Batman expects him to commit every detail in them to memory. But
like any good vigilante, he keeps a part of his awareness on his surroundings.
On the hum of the ventilators, the dim lighting of the Cave, and oh yeah,
Batman’s gaze on his ass.Definitely on that last one.
Recommendation: Gotta love cheeky
Dick and flustered Bruce. I like how
Dick takes control in this, you don’t often see this. The end is especially sweet.
Concept – B
Execution - A
Characterization – A
Overall - 3
Neutralize by drvology
G. Fluff.
554 words.
Summary: Dick is faced with a
terrible foe.
Recommendation: This is just cute
and silly, period.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 1
Birthday Gift by Miss Synph
PG. Romance.
377 words.
Summary: It's
Dick's birthday and the only present that he wants is one that Bruce might not
be willing to give him.
Recommendation: I really like how Bruce is slightly
uncomfortable with Dick becoming a full adult, while Dick knows exactly what he
wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it.
Concept – B
Execution - C
Characterization – B
Overall - 1
Salvation by drvology
R. Romance.
164 words.
Summary: What will save Bruce
isn't his legacies or his sacrifices.
Recommendation: Romantic and smushy mushy. Gives me warm fuzzies.
Concept – C
Execution - C
Characterization – B
Overall - 1
Whole by drvology
R. Romance, angst. 1,197 words.
Summary: Bruce knows better than
to eavesdrop. But knowing better & doing better are two different things.
Recommendation: This is the
perfect case of ‘assumptions make an ass out of you and me.’ Nice little angsty build up when Bruce assumes
something of Dick, and nice relieved denouement when he’s proved wrong.
Concept – B
Execution – C
Characterization – C
Overall – 1
As They Should by drvology
R for sexual thoughts. Romance, family, fluff. 1,339 words.
Summary: Bruce kisses Dick, but
not remotely like all the so many times before.
Recommendation: Super fluffy
family fic. I love how Bruce initiating
a little PDA basically short-circuits Dick’s brain.
Concept – B
Execution – B
Characterization – A
Overall – 2
Sick Bed by Miss Synph
G. Fluff.
436 words.
Summary: Bruce should have
noticed earlier.
Recommendation: Fluffy shortfic, typical sick story but the
characterization is spot on so I definitely recommend this.
Concept – B
Execution - A
Characterization – A
Overall - 2
Bed Big Enough For Two by Miss
Synph
PG-13 for implied sex. Romance.
650 words.
Summary: Dick can't sleep.
Recommendation: Very fluffy,
sweet but short. I love cuddle fics.
Concept – C
Execution - B
Characterization – A
Overall - 1
Somnolent In Her Arms by drvology
R. Romance. 308 words.
Summary: Batman & Robin
settle in to rest while Gotham wakes.
Recommendation: Highly
atmospheric. I love the idea of these
two sleeping high above the city while still in costume.
Concept – A
Execution - B
Characterization – A
Overall - 3
Nestled In Blankets by Cocobunny
G. Fluff, hurt/comfort. 668 words.
Summary: Dick is sick, his nose
is stuffy and his head is spinning. But that doesn't stop him from sneaking
into Bruce's bed while he's away at a party.
Recommendation: Sweet sickfic. I like the general concept of it, and the
prose is good.
Concept – B
Execution - A
Characterization – C
Overall - 1
Angst or Hurt/Comfort
Suprising Company by Merfilly
G. Hurt/comfort.
579 words.
Summary: Bruce is there for Dick
when he needs him
Recommendation: Short
hurt/comfort after the dissolution of the Teen Titans. I like how Bruce is quietly supporting
Dick. The sleep scene at the end end
made me feel sleepy and happy, always a sign that the author is doing something
right.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 2
Awkward Conversations by
Urplesquirrel
PG-13. Angst, futurefic. 2,063 words.
Summary: Terry goes to visit the
last member of Bruce's family that he hasn't met... and learns a bit more than
he ever wanted to know.
Recommendation: Very sad and bitter, with a bit hope at the end. I can see things going this way if Bruce and Dick didn’t figure things out.
Recommendation: Very sad and bitter, with a bit hope at the end. I can see things going this way if Bruce and Dick didn’t figure things out.
Concept – B
Execution – B
Characterization – A
Overall – 2
Touchable by NixieD
R for sexual content. Dark.
348 words.
Summary: On Bludhaven's rooftops,
Dick Grayson shudders through his memories.
Recommendation: Dark, some
noncon. A gritty glimpse at the darker
side of Batman. It’s interesting how
Dick still strives to impress Batman in this case.
Concept – B
Execution - A
Characterization – B
Overall - 2
Let the bells ring by Burkesl17
PG. H/C, Romance.
2,129 words.
Summary: As the bells ring out on
Christmas Day in Gotham, Dick is trapped, bleeding out and unable to call for
help. To make the situation worse, it is his and Bruce's first Christmas as a
married couple.
Recommendation: Oh, Dick. OUCH.
But yet somehow fluffy and warm family feelings… This is a perfect
Hurt/Comfort fic.
Concept – B
Concept – B
Execution – A
Characterization – B
Overall – 3
Married Untitled by birdbitch
R. Angst.
1,916 words.
Summary: Dick’s pissed at Bruce and Bruce still doesn’t get it.
Recommendation:
UnhappilyMarried!fic. Man, this really
wrings a tear from my eye. And I can see
this situation as plausible too.
Concept – A
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
your skin makes me cry by klose
T. Drama, Angst.
3,377 words.
Summary: "Don’t," Dick says flatly, ending the
entire line of conversation with a sharp word. “Just don’t. I’m really not in
the mood to deal with your emotional baggage right now."
Recommendation: Oh, boys. Ouch. But a beautiful hurt. A reversal of the usual dynamic – this time
it’s Dick inflicting the hurt on Bruce, instead of the other way around.
Concept – C
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
Little boy blue by Petra
G. Angst, romance. 1,013 words.
Summary: Bruce puts his hand on
Dick's knee but before he can ask "What?" or "Why?" or even
just, "Bruce?" Bruce is kissing him like they've done it a thousand
times and he hasn't been there to kiss in a year.
Recommendation: If you want a
good cry, this is a good fic to read.
The angst is rightfully placed.
Bruce picks exactly the wrong to confess his feelings to Dick, who
although he returns them, knows he needs to grow up and experience the world
before he binds himself fully to one man and one city at the age of 19. It’s crushing, but real. And I imagine there is room to hope that Dick
might come back when he’s grown more.
Concept – B
Execution – B
Characterization – B
Overall – 2
Married
The Rings If You Please by
Cocobunny
G. Romance, fluff. 650 words.
Summary: The priest starts the
vows, and Dick can’t help but feel how lucky he is.
Recommendation: Cute little wedding fic, nice and fluffy.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – C
Overall - 1
Relax by tease
G. Fluff, family. 630 words.
Summary: Dick suggests a way to
handle Damian.
Recommendation: So I think Damian
is super cute, especially how he interacts with Dick, so a Bruce/Dick
family-flavored fic just tickles me pink.
A must read.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 2
Dynamic Baby Duo by Cocobunny
G. Family, humor, fluff. 499
words.
Summary: Bruce and Dick suddenly
find themselves with a baby to look after. It all seems to go well, for a bit,
but, how does one stop a baby from crying its lungs out?
Recommendation: Diabetes-inducing
sweet. ’Nuff said.
Concept – C
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 2
Like Vines by birdbitch
NC-17. Romance,
fluff, smut. 1,163 words.
Summary: It
isn’t always really awesome hot sex that leaves Dick feeling like he won’t be
able to move for weeks, but that’s okay.
Recommendation: More married fic from birdbitch. I always love married sex, there’s just so
much more depth to it. First time sex
scenes are usually hot, but there just seems to be something about sex between
a couple who know each other inside and out that tickles me pink.
Concept – B
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
Trophy Husband by birdbitch
PG. Romance/humor/fluff. 327 words.
Summary: As far as Gotham knows, Dick Grayson is, for lack of a
better term, a trophy wife.
Recommendation: Hilarious. I can picture this all too well, and Dick is
fabulous in this. The only downside is
how short this is.
Concept – A
Execution - A
Characterization – A
Overall - 3
AU
Chiaroscuro by Sarah T
NC-17. Dark, AU, smut. 1,140 words.
Summary: Gotham City is now a
city of light
Recommendation: Set in JCU’s “A
Better World” universe, I like how a rebel Dick still can’t stay away from an
evilish Batman, despite their enmity.
Desperate, hot hate sex.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – A
Overall - 2
this whole experiment of green by
Sarah T.
NC-17. Romance, smut. 2,361 words.
Summary: "A little madness
in the Spring/Is wholesome" even in No Man's Land.
Recommendation: Set during No Man’s Land, a little comfort
snatched between Bruce and Dick. Has a
nice post-apocalyptic/urban decay atmosphere.
Concept – B
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
Perils of Dating in Gotham by
inrequimby
NC-17. Romance.
2,211 words.
Summary: There aren't any rules
for dating a costumed vigilante. AU: Bruce and Dick meet as Batman and Officer
Grayson.
Recommendation: Lovely, lovely,
lovely. Dick is perfect in this, Bruce
is obviously in love but still tough ol’ Batman and dangerous. Also there is something wonderful about rooftop
blowjobs courtesy of Batman.
Concept – B
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 4
Four Lives They Never Lived by
Birdbitch
PG-13. Romance, AU.
1,498 words.
Summary: The title pretty much
sums it up.
Recommendation: Four short looks
at alternate lives. Fun read.
Concept – B
Execution – C
Characterization – B
Overall – 1
For the Sound of Your Heartbeat
by redroseromantic
R for sexual content. Romance/fantasy/angst. 2,190 words.
Summary: Incubus!Dick AU.
Recommendation: Love this take on
a classic trope. The AU fits perfectly
into canon events. Characters are
perfect, especially Dick. I can easily
see this happening.
Concept – B
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
Mating Habits by birdbitch
NC-17. Romance, Omega AU. 1,867 words.
Summary: Dick wakes up in heat and Bruce isn’t there.
Recommendation: This is the first
Omegaverse fic I’ve seen for Bruce/Dick, and it is wonderful. Nuff said.
Concept – A
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
And the drabble!sequel, SecondRound
Belong the Spoils by Miss Synph
NC-17. Smut, ancient Roman AU. 454 words.
Summary: Bruce’s reward for
coming out victorious arrives in the form of a pliant slave boy.
Recommendation: Short but sweet
smutlet. The historical perspective
provides a refreshing feel to what would otherwise be a pwp smut story.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – A
Overall - 2
Hanging Work series by Lucy
Gillam
R. AU, Romance.
44,785 words.
Summary: Two tickets to a circus
never used, a little boy forgotten, and a chance meeting. Of such things are
legends made.
Recommendation: An excellent look
at a criminal Dick who still has a good heart.
Selina is great in this, and Bruce is nicely conflicted but nevertheless
sticking to his values. Loved the slow
build. Very, very good stuff.
Concept – B
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 4
All-Star Batman and Robin
Just The Tip by kleine_aster
NC-17. Smut, dark, dub-con. 2,373 words.
Summary: Batman and Robin (sorta)
bang while having an argument about it. Set in the All-Star Batman And Robin
universe.
Recommendation: Dark. Very
twisted, tripping on the border between consensual and non-consensual. A nasty Batman, but Dick is plucky and gritty
as well. Borders on rape and yet Dick is
enjoying himself and doing his best to boss Bruce around in bed. And cuddling that somehow doesn’t seem out of
place… It doesn’t seem like all these elements should work and yet kleine_aster
does it beautifully, and all with prose that evokes Frank Miller’s work.
Concept – B
Execution - A
Characterization – B
Overall - 3
To Handle A Beast by tease
NC-17. Smut, dark.
1,614 words.
Summary: Capes are oh so very
useful for all types of lessons.
Recommendation: Set in ASBAR
verse, another nice gritty piece that has a consensual Bruce/Dick that is
nevertheless underage and subtly wrong, despite the rightness of the way the
two characters connect.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 2
In Deviance by tease
R for sexual content. ASBAR AU.
1,497 words.
Summary: Negotiations can only
take Dick so far.
Recommendation: Another great
ASBAR fic. The precarious balance of
power between Bruce and Dick is something to see. Very nice.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – A
Overall - 2
Plot What Plot
Swoon by birdbitch
NC-17. Smut.
278 words.
Summary: It never feels like enough.
Recommendation: Short but
hot. Yum!
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 1
(An Alarming Lack of) SelfControl by Miss Synph
R for sexual content. Smut.
299 words.
Summary: Bruce and Dick fool around during sparring.
Recommendation: This scenario
feels very natural – that Bruce and Dick might get carried away during
sparring. Hot but playful.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 1
A Sentence of Sorts by birdbitch
NC-17. Smut.
409 words.
Summary: He should have outgrown this habit.
Recommendation: Another sweet but
short piece. Dick is quite conniving in
this one.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 1
Bend All Your Notes For Me by
birdbitch
NC-17. Smut/romance.
495 words.
Summary:
They’re in a hotel room, and Dick’s sure that he’s burning up.
Recommendation: Super hot make-up sex. I really like how much emotion is
incorporated into the smut. You can tell
Bruce and Dick are making love, not fucking.
Concept – B
Execution - A
Characterization – A
Overall - 3
Kept by Miss Synph
NC-17. Romance/smut.
472 words.
Summary: Dick doesn't want Bruce
to let go of him.
Recommendation: Another really
hot emotional piece by Miss Synph.
Concept – B
Execution - A
Characterization – A
Overall - 3
One Night by Miss Synph
R for sexual content. Romance/smut.
537 words.
Summary: Dick is going to make the most of this night.
Recommendation: Finally a piece where Dick is in charge of
the action! Hot but tender.
Concept – B
Execution - A
Characterization – A
Overall - 2
Grotesques by Petra
R for sexual content. Romance.
Summary: Gargoyles really chafe.
Recommendation: This really tickled me. I can picture everything here so easily. I especially like the idea of sex up against
a gargoyle!
Concept – A
Execution - B
Characterization – A
Overall - 3
Fraternization by Miss Synph
R for sexual content. Romance AU, smut. 436 words.
Summary: They could both be fired
for this, but that’s part of the thrill.
Recommendation: Fun piece where
both Bruce and Dick are police officers.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – A
Overall - 3
On Silk Sheets by Miss Synph
NC-17. Romance/smut. 543 words.
Summary: There's no time like a
first time.
Recommendation: Probably one of
my favorite smut fics in this fandom.
Despite its shortness, there are several parts that give me a hot punch
in the gut.
Concept – C
Execution - A
Characterization – A
Overall - 3
Nothing Else Matters by Meeya8587
NC-17. Romance/smut.
619 words.
Summary: Sharp, metal angles
press into his skin until Bruce begins to move him. Dick tries not to squirm
when those large hands move over his skin.
Recommendation: Heady and disorienting. Meeya does a good desperate Dick.
Concept – C
Execution - B
Characterization – C
Overall - 1
Noisy by Miss Synph
NC-17. Smut.
606 words.
Summary: Bruce reams Dick in his
office with… what else?
Recommendation: Let me just say
that Miss Synph is excellent at writing hot, steamy in-character Dick/Bruce
smut. This is good stuff.
Concept – B
Execution - A
Characterization – B
Overall - 2
No Invitation Needed by Miss
Synph
NC-17. Sorta smut.
633 words.
Summary: Bruce has a habit of
wanting things that he shouldn't...
Recommendation: This is an interesting
piece. At first you think the attraction
is entirely one-sided and forbidden on Bruce’s part, but that turns out not to
be the case – could’ve been just smut but this is a nice blend of sexual
fantasy and actual plot.
Concept – A
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 2
What A Workout by Miss Synph
NC-17. Smut.
795 words.
Summary: Watching Bruce work out
gets an underage Dick all hot and bothered. With Bruce unwilling to take care
of his problem (or just plain unaware), Dick takes matters into his own hands.
Recommendation: A one-sided
smutlet. I think we’ve all beat off to
thoughts of someone who doesn’t return our affections, and this fic uses Dick
to explore this perfectly.
Concept – B
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 2
exercise in obedience by Miss Synph
R for sexual content. AU, smut.
Summary: Obedience doesn’t come
naturally to their pet.
Recommendation: Usually I’m not a
big fan of catboys or catgirls, but Miss Synph really makes a naughty catboy!Dick work. Hot and gut-punchy. Be warned, this is Bruce/Dick/Clark.
Concept – B
Execution - A
Characterization – A
Overall - 3
NC-17. Romance, smut. 3,954 words.
Summary: Maybe it’s just the fact
that Dick’s going out of town for a while, and wants something visceral to
remember the man by, something more than the comfortable space between them.
Recommendation: One of the best
sex fics in the fandom, hands down.
Wonderfully in-character, the prose is tight and flowing, the batcave is
dark and real, and the sex is hot and appropriately romantic. I love how Dick calls Bruce a bastard during
the act, it seems very right to me.
Concept – B
Execution - A
Characterization – A+
Overall - 4
Everything by drvology
NC-17. Smut.
613 words.
Summary: You want this? Fine.
Recommendation: Short poetic
smutlet, recommended for the intense descriptions of sex.
Concept – B
Execution – B
Characterization – C
Overall - 2
Fire In the Blood by Miss Synph
R for sexual content. Romance.
1,112 words.
Summary: The burn of the pollen
sets a fire in Bruce's blood.
Recommendation: Basic sexpollen
fic. What sets this one apart is the
interaction between Bruce and Dick.
Concept – B
Execution – B
Characterization – B
Overall - 2
For All To See by drvology
R for sexual content.
Romance. 653 words.
Summary: It's not what the world
is shown that's important.
Recommendation: I always love
fics where we know something the rest of the fictional world doesn’t. Tabloids, ect. especially. The contrast between public Bruce and private
Bruce is explored, and Dick’s subtle jealously is perfectly contrasted with his
confidence in Bruce’s love and fidelity.
Concept – A
Execution – B
Characterization – B
Overall – 1
If You Could See Inside My Soul
by Meeya8587
NC-17. Romance, smut, angst, underage. 1,017 words.
Summary: Even if every encounter
flirted with some of his darker instincts, Bruce was completely unwilling to
let go.
Recommendation: Nice
juxtaposition of Bruce’s angst about his relationship (knowing it’s wrong but
not regretting it), and hot, hot sex that is both rough and tender. Dick’s responsiveness and Bruce’s
possessiveness are a great touch.
Concept – C
Execution – A
Characterization – B
Overall – 2
Sustain by drvology
NC-17. Smut.
905 words.
Summary: Everything around them
remained quiet and without threat and Gotham murmured her midnight song.
Recommendation: This story is so evocative. This is definitely Robin/Batman and not
really Dick/Bruce. It’s interesting how
the two characters can’t be separated from their personas with some authors,
but this is certainly not the case in this fic.
The idea that Batman and Robin sometimes get it on in-costume during
patrols hits buttons I never knew I had, and this fic presses all of them,
besides just being super hot and dirty.
Sometimes I like sex to be tender and emotional – this is just outright
dirty and gritty and boy does it work.
Concept – B
Execution – A
Characterization – B
Overall – 3
Shadows & Truths by drvology
NC-17. Romance, introspective. 820 words.
Summary: There are secrets we
both know, that we alone keep.
Recommendation: Introspective
look at Bruce and Dick’s secret relationship from Dick’s perspective. Enjoyable.
Concept – C
Execution – B
Characterization – C
Overall – 1
Missed by Aintitnifty
R for sexual content. Romance.
956 words.
Summary: Bruce has been
off-planet on a super-secret JLA mission for four weeks, and Dick is more than
ready to have him back.
Recommendation: Lovely little
reunion fic. Fluffy, frantic, and
magnetic.
Concept – C
Execution – B
Characterization – B
Overall – 2
Always Into The Fire by Inrequimby
R for sexual content. Romance, fight. 955 words.
Summary: Barbara said they fought
like two big drama queens and, while Bruce would never admit it, that wasn't
inaccurate.
Recommendation: Gotta love angry
sex, and righteously angry Dick.
Concept – C
Execution – B
Characterization – B
Overall – 1
Lay Siege by drvology
NC-17. Smut, romance. 956 words.
Summary: Dick had learned from
failure, the hard way. But he'd still learned.
Recommendation: I love this
progression over time of Dick’s attempts to get Bruce to sleep with him, and
how he matured during the process. The
sex throughout is great, and this doesn’t feel too short. That the most effective way was just for Dick
to be himself wins all my love. A must-read.
Concept – B
Execution – A
Characterization – A+
Overall – 4
A bit of exhibitionism by Miss Synph
NC-17. Romance, smut. 1,151 words.
Summary: The view from Bruce's
office windows has always been spectacular.
Recommendation: Fun and
quick. The playful dialogue between
Bruce and Dick is great.
Concept – B
Execution – B
Characterization – B
Overall – 2
Entitled by drvology
R for sexual content. Romance, humor. 1,292 words.
Summary: Batman, Batcave,
Batmobile--but is there such a thing as Batbegonias. Maybe there should be.
Recommendation: Funny story. The banter is great, the referenced sex is
enticing, and Tim is spot on.
Concept – B
Execution – B
Characterization – A
Overall – 2
A Part of the Plan by Owlgirl
NC-17. Smut.
2,027 words.
Summary: After forty-five
minutes of the absolutely boring company, fake laughter and smiles from the
duo, Bruce gets up and quickly excuses himself with a dumb lie about checking
on Tim
Recommendation: Your basic public
sex ficlet, worth a read.
Concept – B
Execution – C
Characterization – B
Overall – 1
Tempus fugit (when you're havingfun) by Petra
R for sexual content. Time travel/Romance. 2,134 words.
Summary: "Hey, it's
okay, it's --" just me, Dick wants to say, but that's pretty obviously not
going to do any good.
Recommendation: Time travel is
always fun. What I really liked about
this piece was the interaction between Nightwing and a Batman who hasn’t met
Dick yet – we get to see his reaction to a completely grown Dick without seeing
him grow up. There’s a sort of purity to
that moment, and a kind of equality that the usual dynamic just doesn’t have –
which is rewarding because Dick craves that acknowledgment from Bruce. I only wish it was longer.
Concept – B
Execution – B
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
Make The Bed That You Were BornIn by Maelithil
NC-17. Smut.
2,654 words.
Summary: Supervillains made us do
it! With sex pollen!
Recommendation: The best
sexpollen fic in this fandom. It’s not
clear whether Bruce and Dick are already together, or simply crime-fighting
partners who are willing to take care of each other, or whether this event
changes their relationship (although I would like to think it did). What is clear is how much these two care
about each other, and that the sexpollen-induced sex did mean something to both
of them. Wonderful.
Concept – C
Execution – A+
Characterization – A+
Overall – 4
Off-balance by klose
NC-17. Romance, sex.
2,520 words.
Summary: Brucie Wayne, playboy
billionaire, is good with words. Batman doesn’t have need of them. And Bruce —
can’t make sense of them most of the time, and certainly never when Dick is
involved.
Recommendation: Dick knows Bruce finds him irresistible. So does Bruce. It’s fairly easy to figure out what happens
next, but despite being predictable, it’s sooo worth it. What makes this story particularly noteworthy
however is a small paragraph that details Dick growing from a happy child into
a gorgeous man, and Bruce noticing.
Concept – C
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
Past The Morning Star by Rubynye
NC-17. Romance, fluff, smut. 2,622 words.
Summary: "Your birthday,
Robin."
Recommendation: Often I feel sex
scenes are too short in a lot of fics.
This is not a problem in this story – just when you think the action’s
over, it goes on and gets even more intense.
This fic is sizzling hot.
Concept – B
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
Review by birdbitch
NC-17. Romance, smut. 693 words.
Summary: It was a rough night.
Recommendation: For some reason
birdbitch apologized for inserting FEELINGS into marathon sex. Don’t apologize Bird! The only thing better than hot marathon sex
is hot marathon sex with FEELINGS.
Concept – A
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
BDSM or Non-Vanilla kink
Use Your Words by Miss Synph
NC-17. Romance, smut, BDSM, hurt/comfort. 851 words.
Summary: Fisting is a sometimes
kink.
Recommendation: All too often in
fanfic we see depictions of BDSM scenes where nothing goes wrong or a safeword
is never used. Of course this is because
such an event is less satisfying, but the reality is that safewords are used
much more often. This is a great
realistic depiction, and the aftercare is fantastic and tender. Highly recommended.
Concept – A+
Execution – A
Characterization – B
Overall – 3
Lapped by Cornflakepizza
NC-17. Smut, humor.
815 words.
Summary: Dick manages to bring
his true love into his sex life.
Recommendation: Silly food sex
ficlet. Funny but hot.
Concept – A
Execution - B
Characterization – B
Overall - 2
Finger Fucked by Miss Synph
NC-17. Smut.
712 words.
Summary: Bruce fists Dick.
Recommendation: For those who
read Use Your Words, here is the fisting scenario if it played out without
problems. Hot, and I love this line at
the end: “Bruce has probably spoiled him for any future lovers that he might
have.”
Concept – C
Execution – A
Characterization – B
Overall – 2
Make a mess of me by Miss Synph
NC-17. Romance, smut. 1,075 words.
Summary: The best part of getting
to take the night off from patrol is what they get up to in bed.
Recommendation: Scorchingly
hot. Bruce and Dick fuck until they’re
fucked out. Whew! A warning that there is felching.
Concept – B
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
Stranger Girl by Cocobunny
R for sexual content. Identity porn. 1,619 words.
Summary: The night feels washed,
till Matches finds a hot broad with the prettiest blue eyes this side of
Gotham. One kiss, and he’s hooked.
Recommendation: I’m not quite
sure how to feel about Matches Malone fic.
On the one hand, alternate personas are awesome. On the other, I’m in doubt as to whether
Bruce would let himself sink that far into a criminal persona. Obviously he does with Batman. Despite that, Matches/Dick is sort of my
guilty pleasure because he’s so much more uninhibited and right down dirtier than Bruce. This plus Dick’s knowledge of who Matches
really is makes this fic right up my alley.
Concept – A
Execution – B
Characterization – A
Overall – 2
Subspace by Miss Synph
R for sexual content. Romance,
BDSM. 1,009 words.
Summary: “Good
boy,” he murmurs in a rough tone of voice that has proven able to undo his
younger lover within a few moments. “You know how much I love it when you’re
good for me.”
Recommendation: Usually I hate
teary bottoms, but somehow it seems to fit a desperately subby Dick. Miss Synph is obviously doing something right
if she can get me to like it. Also Bruce
makes an excellent dom – not because he’s demanding but because he’s sensitive
to Dick’s needs and takes care to reassure him and guide him through
subspace. Highly recommended.
Concept – B
Execution – A
Characterization – B
Overall – 3
Release by Silencing
NC-17. Smut, romance, BDSM. 1,381
words.
Summary: Sometimes, Bruce is the
one who needs to submit.
Recommendation: This is a nice
reversal of the typical BDSM scene you usually see in the Dick/Bruce
pairing. Bruce is typically the dom,
which makes sense, but in Release it’s Bruce who needs to give up control and
submit. And Silencing does it
beautifully. The way she played the
dynamic between the two characters was clever – in that Dick dominates not
because he needs to control, but because Bruce needs this, Dick adores him, and
this comes through in the scene. Highly
recommended.
Concept – A
Execution – B
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
Stuffed by Miss Synph
NC-17. Smut, BDSM/kink, Romance. 1,421 words.
Summary: Bruce is careful.
Recommendation: Ah,
sounding. Written the right way it’s
awesome. Written poorly, it’s
cringeworthy. It’s the former in this
case. As the summary says, Bruce is very
careful, and Dick, while underage and wide-eyed, loves it. So yes, one of the better sounding fics I’ve
read.
Concept – A
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 3
Egg-Laying Untitled by birdbitch
NC-17. Smut, fantasy kink. 1,661 words.
Summary: It was meant to be a
joke, first and foremost.
Recommendation: I have no words. Birdbitch takes a cracky idea from the
classic “Jingle bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg, etc.” song, and turned
into a breathtakingly hot smutlet. This
is the first time I could see egg-laying as something sexy. Thumbs up.
Concept – A
Execution – A
Characterization – A
Overall – 4
No less than life by Petra
NC-17. Romance, smut, BDSM. 35,205.
Summary: If Dick demonstrates
exactly what he's learned, Bruce will show him what he got wrong and maybe do
it over again, just in case.
Recommendation: Petra is
absolutely amazing at writing consensual underage Dick/Bruce fic that explores
how their sexual relationship evolves.
This story has a BSDM twist, and boy does it make me sizzle down
under. The chemistry is amazing, and the
power negotiations are present and realistic, if subtle. Alfred’s disapproval, while sad, makes
perfect sense and adds a bit of reality to the fact that Dick is underage, and
Bruce is taking a dominant position over an underage virgin very quickly. This is not a fic to be missed.
Concept – A
Execution – A+
Characterization – A
Overall - 4
But don’t just take my word for it!
Check out these other Bruce/Dick recs!
