A/N: Non-censored version of the story on AO3: archiveofourown(dot-org)/works/684270

Meeting Lucius was terrifying for John for many reasons, none of which were forgotten even when Lucius easily agreed to meet with John when he called him using the contact number Bruce had left. John was intimidated by Lucius' intellect, unsure of whether Lucius would agree to help him and utterly terrified of how Lucius would respond to John's request for a second suit of armour.

When John sat down in Lucius' office he didn't know how or where to start. But something in the way Lucius looked him over told John that Lucius might have already guessed about why John had asked to meet with him. Perhaps it was his changed physique – the same reason Jim had studied John for an extra moment also sending Lucius' eyes across John's frame critically as they shook hands.

"Let me guess," Lucius began, John's words dying in his throat at the tone of sad resignation in the older man's voice. "Bruce chose you."

John ducked his head, suddenly wondering if this was something to be ashamed of that he had accepted Bruce's mantle. Did Lucius think Bruce had chosen wrong? Did he think John should have cast the option away? "Yes, sir."

Lucius sighed and leaned back against his desk. "And I bet you're here looking for a new suit of armour."

"Two suits," John mumbled, heart clenching with terror.

Lucius looked surprised for the first time. "Two?"

John weathered his lip and briefly looked out the wall of windows. If this went sour then John and Bane could run. They would pack up everything they needed and disappear into the tunnels. From there they would travel to the cavern and take one of the cars John had found stored deeper down one tunnel attached to the cave. They would leave Gotham behind to fend for itself; John wouldn't let anyone take Bane away from him.

"Yes. Two," John said, trying to sound stronger than he felt. "Bane will be fighting with me."

"Bane?" Lucius echoed, looking horrified and angry. "The same madman who's responsible for the death of my friend and boss, and for leaving this city in shambles even five months after the war ended?" Lucius levelled John with a heavy stare and John struggled not to shrink too noticeably. "That Bane?"

John felt a lump rising in his throat that he fought down. He knew Bane was responsible for these things; denying it would do him no favours. But it still broke his heart to know that this was how people saw Bane. No one else knew the other side of Bane. No one cared to know. "That would be the one."

"Oh, John," Lucius sighed. "I saw the photo of you with Bane on television all that time ago but all signs indicated that Bane found some way to sneak out of Gotham. I thought you had gotten away."

John hadn't thought that anything could be worse than hearing people judge Bane for his past mistakes without listening to the other side of the story. But this was worse. Much worse. The sympathy in Lucius' voice had John seething, his teeth grinding together. "He's not keeping me captive!" he said. "I'm in love with him!" John felt a blush take over his face as Lucius' eyes widened considerably, and John continued to speak before Lucius could mention his psyche or Stockholm syndrome. "Please, just let me try to explain."

He felt a little lightheaded with his heart beating so quickly, his tongue still heavy with those words. John had told Bane that he loved him and didn't question it. They had fallen in love and remained in love despite every obstacle – even sickness and vast differences in their moral beliefs. But saying the words aloud to Bane were different than speaking them to someone else; John hadn't even said these words to Jim when they had spoken in the middle of the war.

John was ready to pick up the pieces and run if Lucius kicked him out. But to John's utter surprise and relief Lucius rubbed his temples and then nodded with a quiet promise. "I'll listen."

With an appropriate amount of detail John began to explain how he had met and fallen in love with Bane, thankful that Lucius was at least willing to listen to him. John admitted that he had originally met Bane when kidnapped and that he had considered the possibility of Stockholm syndrome, but then told Lucius about everything that had happened that showed him Bane's other side – the part of him behind the mask.

"He's the one who told me that the bomb was going to go off with or without a triggerman," John said, hoping with all of his heart that Lucius might understand like Jim had. "I know there was the issue with the bridge but if Bane hadn't warned me and told me to tell the police then there wouldn't be single citizen with a chance of survival if Batman hadn't come."

"He still orchestrated all those attacks," Lucius argued, though he sounded weary rather than angry. "He killed many innocent people and terrorized our city for months. Gotham is still struggling to recover."

"I know," John said strongly, because sounding like he was trying to forget those facts wouldn't help his argument. "There is darkness in him, but there is also light," he insisted. "Bane has the real potential to be good, and he wants to be good. He just needs to be given a chance to prove that he is more than his past actions." There must have been something in his expression that spoke to Lucius, because John could see his face melt into understanding. "He left behind a lot more than just his mask."

Lucius remained where he was against the desk, his fingers drumming rhythmically against the polished wood as he thought. "And this is why he needs a suit as well?" Lucius asked after a moment.

"Yes," John said quickly. "He's been training me and teaching me how to fight and defend myself. We're both going to protect the streets of Gotham together." John could see that Lucius was still deliberating and John put in one last plea. "I wouldn't be where I am now without him. Please, Lucius."

Lucius was silent for a long time; for so long that John thought he must've said something wrong. He didn't say anything though, not wanting to rush Lucius who looked slightly dumbfounded as he took in all the new information John had piled on him. John was ready to run. He and Bane could be in the tunnels before anyone reached the apartment. They could be out of the city before nightfall.

After what felt like a lifetime of John wavering on the balls of his feet Lucius cleared his throat. John looked to him nervously, waiting for the final decision. "Understand this," Lucius spoke slowly. "I saw what Bruce's life did to him. I would not wish that on anyone else, nor help you attempt to replicate it."

John swallowed and nodded, relieved that Lucius seemed to have accepted what John told him about Bane but disappointed that he refused to help. "I understand."

John turned to walk away and was halfway to the office door when Lucius started speaking again. "However." John wavered and then turned on his heel, scared to hope. "I can tell that you are determined and cannot be talked out of this idea. And because of that I will make armour for you." Lucius' eyes were sharp and conflicted. "I hope the armour – and a few other trinkets I have leftover from Bruce – will keep you alive long enough to choose a different life path to follow."

John's gratitude was briefly forgotten when he was forced to ask the uncomfortable question. "And Bane...?"

He watched as Lucius pushed himself away from the desk and walked over to the row of bookshelves built into the wall. John forced himself to remain quiet even though he was breathing quickly, his palms sweaty as he fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. Lucius continued to stare at the rows of bookshelves as though considering which one he felt like reading rather than making a decision that would change John's – and Bane's life forever.

Lucius turned slowly and finally answered. "I'll need measurements for the both of you."

"Thank you," John breathed, overcome with gratitude at Lucius' willingness to help, to listen and understand. "I promise that we're not planning to make this our entire life. I cannot express my gratitude—"

Lucius lifted a hand to silence him, not unkindly even though he looked tired. "I can begin on your armour now, if you'd like to follow me." Lucius returned his attention back to the bookshelf he was standing in front of and tilted a book out. In the next second part of the bookshelf began to slide open.

A thrill of excitement passed through John. "I would love to. And I got Bane's measurements before I left. I have them with me."

Without a word Lucius beckoned him through the hidden doorway and John followed. Lucius took John's measurements and then accepted the sheet of paper filled with the measurements John had taken for Bane. He asked if there were any special details they needed, asked John a few more questions about his intentions as well as a few more specifics about Bane, and finally added some extra notes to his sheet of paper. Before sending John home Lucius shook his hand and John finally remembered to smile, reassured that they were in agreement.

A week later Lucius gave John a call to come back to Wayne Enterprises to pick up both suits. Everything was packed away in two heavy bags, one for each of John's shoulders. "I took some liberties with the masks," Lucius told him as he indicated the two bags waiting for John on the floor by his desk. "Based on what you told me."

"Thank you again, Lucius," John wanted to hug the man but held back, settling for another handshake. "I really can't thank you enough."

"You don't get off that easy," Lucius said warningly, renewing the nerves that had been knotting John's stomach all week. Every time he had heard footsteps in the hallway of the apartment building he had been overtaken by the fear that Lucius had told the police and that the National Guard would break down his door to get at Bane. It had never happened, but now it seemed like that was because Lucius had a condition that needed to be met.

"What is it?" John asked, trying not to act too nervous.

To his surprise, Lucius offered a tiny comforting smile. "I would like to meet Bane for myself. Someday soon."

After everything Lucius has done for them John couldn't exactly argue. He knew Bane would take some convincing and they would also need to determine a way for them to meet up where it was safe – maybe Lucius could visit John's apartment one evening. However, John nodded and agreed, promising that he would speak to Bane and get something organized. And then, feeling a little overwhelmed and grateful that he had men like Jim and Lucius in his life who were willing to give people a second chance, John gave Lucius a quick hug before bidding farewell.

Back at the apartment John dropped both bags on the floor and groaned, collapsing onto the couch while Bane carefully unpacked the armour Lucius had made for them. Bane had been extremely hesitant about asking Lucius for help but they had both discussed it and agreed that they couldn't just run around the streets without masks, and Lucius was their best chance of help with his experience from helping Bruce.

Now they had matching sets of armour made of dark coloured materials, mostly all black with just a bit of dark blue in the trim. The fabric was form-fitting and strong, close-knit and reinforced to withstand hands and blades. The fabric was warm but allowed their skin to breathe so that they wouldn't get sweaty if they had to run or were in the middle of a fight. There was also an extra layer of laminated fabric woven into the torso and legs to act as a bulletproof vest that would protect their vital body parts.

To finish it off they had each received a new mask to wear. John's mask was black and similar to Batman's old mask, covering his eyes and nose with the edges of the mask curling around his temples like spread wings. Bane's mask was vastly different from his old one though, hopefully ensuring that if anyone saw him in it they would not immediately relate it back to Bane's old mask.

Bane's mask covered most of his head, fabric shaped to fit his head with just his mouth and chin visible, the scars from his old mask nearly faded and smoothed over by now. The fabric covering Bane's head was black but there was a white design imitating the shape of John's new mask over his eyes, like white wings over his eyes and flaring out from his cheekbones to his temples. John had to admit that he liked the way Lucius had designed Bane's mask, the white design on the black background looking like a flare of light emerging from the darkness.

"I'm sorry you have to wear another mask," John said sadly when he watched Bane slip on his new mask for the first time, Bane kneeling on the floor and John still sitting on the couch.

Bane took John's own mask in hand and knelt between John's knees. John leaned forward willingly and Bane helped him slip the mask on, caressing John's cheek when both of their new masks were in place. "I chose this, as did you. It protects us. It is not something I can regret."

John leaned further forward until he was teetering on the edge of the couch cushion. Bane reached up and held his hips, supporting John as he moved to the floor and pinned Bane beneath him. John touched the pads of his fingers to Bane's exposed lips and then moved them to Bane's jaw, leaving room for his lips as he descended. "I love you."

"I love you too," Bane returned, his words swallowed in their kiss.

#

John stood on the rooftop far above where the glow of the streetlights could reach him. Bane was standing beside him, nearly shoulder to shoulder as they both watched the nearly deserted streets below. At the same time they listened to the police radio built into the armband of John's new armour, keeping track of where the police force was scattered throughout the city and where someone might need their help.

They had chosen to stand atop this building near the waterfront, knowing that all of the cops on patrol were further downtown. There was a fire escape ladder on the side of the building that would take them directly down into a darkened alley, but if they had to rush for another part of town in a hurry they had the Bat parked behind them on the roof – a near-silent flying machine passed on by Bruce courtesy of Lucius Fox.

Bane touched a hand to John's elbow briefly, drawing his attention briefly away from the streets. "Have you picked a name yet?"

John pursed his lips in consideration. "I was thinking of something like Nightwing." It was a tribute to Bruce's Batman but it was also something new. "It makes me imagine flying over the city at night, watching over everyone."

"I thought you were supposed to symbolize light." John assumed Bane was lifting an eyebrow but he couldn't see it behind his new mask. John hated that Bane's face was hidden away from him again, but he was reassured by the knowledge that when they went home their masks would come off again and it would just be the two of them together again.

John remained silent for a moment. He had already thought about this a lot over the last few months and the last few days especially as he and Bane finally prepared to begin this new chapter in their lives. When John thought about what he and Bane would be doing he realized that he could not be a true beacon for the people of Gotham; it would draw too much attention.

John would have to balance the line between light and shadow in the same way Bane would, giving up a normal life in the light for one of cloaked secrecy. They would have to embrace the shadows so that others could enjoy the light. The shadows would keep them safe and hidden from prying eyes, and would allow them to act beyond the law that governed most people in order to do what had to be done.

John wasn't worried though, for himself or for Bane. It wasn't about defeating the darkness; it was about embracing both light and dark – the good and bad in every person. Bane may claim to be born in the dark and moulded by it, but he still had enough light in him to warn John about the bomb, and to love John despite all obstacles. Similarly, people spoke of John's fire and light but he still had enough darkness in him to use unconventional methods to seek justice.

There was darkness in both of them but they would not be consumed by it; their hearts were filled with light and they were beyond the power of any shadow that threatened to loom over them. With this thought John reached over and took Bane's hand, lacing their fingers together despite the fabric of their gloves. "You cannot have light without darkness."

Bane stared at him for a long moment and then squeezed his hand, pulling him closer and sealing their lips together in a private, loving kiss. John held the curve of his hand against Bane's neck and leaned into the kiss, moaning contently. He knew that they would still share this no matter what happened.

The moment was broken when they heard a scream coming from a few blocks away, in the direction of where John knew a less frequented park was. John detached himself from Bane's lips and looked in the direction of the cry, Bane casting his gaze in the same direction. Then John felt Bane's hand touch his hip, drawing his attention back. "Ready?" Bane asked him seriously.

John's heart was racing, pounding against his ribcage with nervous excitement. He was scared of the life he was about to take on, of the things he might have to do. But Bane was with him and would always be by his side. Together they would navigate their way through the darkness and, when Gotham was ready to stand alone, they would step beyond their chosen shadows into the light.

John nodded. "Ready."

END

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"Beyond the Shadow" on AO3: archiveofourown(dot-org)/works/684270

Final Author Notes: I've had a few people ask me the same questions so I thought I'd answer them here for everyone:

1. Will I write more Bane/Blake fanfiction?

Yes, though the details are currently being withheld while I do some work behind the scenes. I would recommend following my tumblr (above) for future updates.

2. Why did I choose to make John Nightwing instead of Robin?

I made this decision because in my mind it's always Batman & Robin. I can't see a Robin without Batman. Even though John does have a partner in Bane, I don't see it as the same. To me the idea of Nightwing is slightly more independent so that's why I chose it for John.

3. Is Bruce really dead?

I followed canon closely for this story, as I always do. Bruce is still alive and well with Selina in my story as he is in the movie. The reason I didn't write him in is because as far as John knows in the movie, Bruce is dead. Alfred knows otherwise, and Gordon and Fox have a suspicion, but no one else has any clue. So for now I maintained that point of canon.

I also feel that John might've approached the idea of taking up Batman's mantle differently if he knew Bruce was still alive out there. He might worry about intruding, or wonder if he should find Bruce instead. Since I wanted John's reaction to be the same in this story to finding the cave as he had in the movie, I kept John's knowledge (or lack thereof) of Bruce the same.

Thank you so much for reading!

owswtt