Networking
Series Metadata
Listing Series
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Networking by oldmannapping
Fandoms: Batman (Comics), Red Robin (Comics), Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010), DCU (Comics)
24 Mar 2024
Tags
Summary
Bernard is tipsy at a gala and meets a charismatic redheaded stranger.
Or: Bernard Dowd & Roy Harper isn't a tag, and I'm on a quest to fix that.
Or: “I think I took my first steps at one of these things," said Bernard. "Probably ruined a group photo at a gala by toddling off to break an ice sculpture.”
His risk paid off as the man brayed a rough, genuine laugh. “I think I broke a sculpture at my first one of these too, but I was a lot older and it definitely wasn’t ice.” He offered a rough, tanned hand. “Roy.”
“Bernard.” Bernard took the man’s lead and left off a surname. These things were full of people using their names for clout, or trying to build clout for their names. Interacting without them was a breather.
Series
- Part 1 of Networking
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On Call by oldmannapping
Fandoms: Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Red Hood/Arsenal (Comics), Batman (Comics)
29 Mar 2024
Tags
Summary
Bernard makes some unexpected connections. Sequel to 'Networking' but can be read as a standalone.
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“Bear? What’s wrong?” Tim’s sleepy voice greeted him after only two rings. His boyfriend was the best.
Keeping his “quiet on set” hand raised in Hood’s face, Bernard spoke. “Hey Tim, so sorry about this. Everything’s fine, everyone’s okay, but I need you to organise for transport to whatever the medical wing of the Batcave is. Can you guys do surgery there?”
Series
- Part 2 of Networking
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Coffee Conversation by oldmannapping
Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Red Hood/Arsenal (Comics), Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)
31 Mar 2024
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Summary
Bernard isn't expecting the Red freaking Hood to turn up on his doorstep with pastries, but that's what happens.
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“Kid, seriously, you shouldn’t let me into your house. You shouldn’t accept food from me. I’m bad fucking news. You’ll get eaten alive if you keep being this trusting.”
Bernard spoke around a mouthful of pastry. “Are these poisoned?”
“What? No!”
Series
- Part 3 of Networking
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The Lecture by oldmannapping
Fandoms: Batman (Comics), Red Robin (Comics), Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Red Hood/Arsenal (Comics), Batman: Wayne Family Adventures (Webcomic)
02 Apr 2024
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Summary
Bernard gives Tim, Jason, and Roy a very impassioned speech about the importance of quality disguises.
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“Tim, you and I have had this conversation before,” said Bernard. “You know I respect what you do so much, but it’s physically painful to watch you and your family run around acting like a little sex dungeon mask is all it takes to maintain a secret identity.”
Roy grabbed Tim’s arm. “I love him,” he told Tim quietly. “If you don’t marry him, I will.”
Series
- Part 4 of Networking
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The Business Card by oldmannapping
Fandoms: Red Robin (Comics), Batman (Comics), Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010), Red Hood/Arsenal (Comics)
13 Apr 2024
Tags
Summary
When you're under the Red Hood's protection, he gives you a personalised business card. The number on the card goes straight to Hood, or one of his more trusted goons.
Bernard Dowd's abductors do not know about The Red Hood Business Card. It doesn't work out well for them.
Series
- Part 5 of Networking
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Undercover by oldmannapping
Fandoms: Batman (Comics), Red Robin (Comics), Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Red Hood/Arsenal (Comics), Batman: Wayne Family Adventures (Webcomic)
16 Apr 2024
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Summary
Tim and Roy go undercover at a gay bar and manage to not fall in love. Roy and Jason have conflict. Bernard welcomes many large vigilantes into his tiny living room, and also his heart.
Next in the Networking series, which centres around Bernard's developing friendship with Jason and Roy.
Series
- Part 6 of Networking
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The Mouths Of Babes by oldmannapping
Fandoms: Batman (Comics), Red Robin (Comics), Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Red Hood/Arsenal (Comics), Batman: Wayne Family Adventures (Webcomic)
29 Apr 2024
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Summary
Tim's love language is gross invasions of privacy. Bernard knew that. So why was he so surprised when Tim (and Roy) violated his boundaries?
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“If you’re here to try to get me to forgive them,” said Bernard, muffled by his blanket. “you’re probably at least, like, five days too early.”
Jason held up his hands, beer and all. “Hey, I’m not passing notes for anyone. They made their bed. What they did was fucked up.”
Bernard peeked at Jason. “That’s your best friend and your brother.”
“Yeah, so I know ‘em well enough to know what giant assholes they can be.”
Bernard blinked. “Did you come here to comfort me?” he realised.
Jason shrugged. “I figured you could use a beer. Plus, if they try to sneak up the side of the building and install cameras, I can shoot at ‘em.”
Series
- Part 7 of Networking
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Olive Branches by oldmannapping
Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Batman (Comics), Red Robin (Comics), Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Red Hood/Arsenal (Comics)
30 Apr 2024
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Summary
Once again, everyone in the Batfamily has appalling boundaries and it's probably not going to change, especially overnight. But Tim and Roy are trying.
-_-
“You all need so much therapy,” moaned Bernard into his blanket.
“Probably,” conceded Jason. “Dinah’s a shrink, I think. Or counsellor. Something like that. Black Canary. Maybe she could do some sessions.”
“You can’t get therapy from a family friend,” said Bernard in a muffled voice. These people were infuriating. “Maybe she could recommend someone but it’s not appropriate to be treated by someone from your personal life. That’s like going to see a doctor who’s also your friend.”
Jason gave him a blank stare. “What do you mean.”
Series
- Part 8 of Networking
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On The Record by oldmannapping
Fandoms: Batman (Comics), Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Red Hood/Arsenal (Comics), Red Robin (Comics), Teen Titans - All Media Types, Batman: Wayne Family Adventures (Webcomic)
28 Jul 2026
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Summary
Bernard and Roy start a TikTok page. Red Hood reads thirst tweets. Nightwing is a troll. Roy gets candid.
Gotham isn't prepared.
(Part of my Networking series which fleshes out a Roy-Bernard-Jason friendship, but can easily be read as a standalone)
Series
- Part 9 of Networking
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Reverberations by oldmannapping
Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)
24 Jun 2025
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Summary
Red Hood kills the Joker in the most dramatic and self-destructive way possible.
Gotham residents converge like a herd of overprotective bison.
Series
- Part 10 of Networking