What about an AU where Talia's car breaks down conveniently close to an autoshop.
Gotham is built and divided by shady places and dark places, but this neighbourhood takes the shit cake.
Damian's been fussy the minute they got here, wooden toy sword waving dangerously from his tiny fist, aimed perfectly at three dark-haired boys arguing about directions,
One of them is named Jason. He reminds Talia of a black kitten she used to feed right under her father's nose, mischievous and sweet, " How can I be lost on my own turf?!"
Dick, from what she's seeing, likes to think of himself as the leader. She has the fond suspicion that he doesn't trust her one bit. Smart boy.
" Look, clearly, she's a very capable, independent woman who doesn't need a baby like YOU."
" I'm not a stupid baby! Tim's a stupid baby!"
Tim, who's nursing on a red robin pacifier, stomps his foot, '' I'm not a baby!"
"As adorable as this insult tournament is. Isn't this the place?"
Damian shakes in his baby carrier the second Talia steps foot in the autoshop. It smells faintly of oil and green tea and fresh, bitter coffee.
" B is gonna fix you right up. And then you can go," Dick is trying to wrestle Jason off, who's not in the least bit happy about being called a baby for the 10th time, " Just, -- OW, biting is againts the code! Tim, go get dad."
Damian and Tim, who have been sticking their tongues at eachother for the past minute, both roll their eyes at the order.
Their father looks nothing like she expected.
But then again, she never dared to hope she'd see him again.
Time changed, but he didn't. Those big brown eyes still put an uncomfortable knot of affection in her stomach, glowing softly with painful tenderness under long eyelashes.
Talia physically tastes the feeling of safety shivering down her back in warm chills. His name is on her lips like a silent prayer, a contrast to Damian screeching and wiggling and trying to break free from her arms to his.
Jason climbs on Bruce, who hasn't blinked once in the time he studied her with a frown, held onto his father's neck protectively. Bruce hugs back, pressing a kiss to the boy's temple. Damian hisses with jealousy,
" Bruce can't speak, but don't you think you can scam him because of it! Even pretty ladies have to pay."
Talia doesn't know what pain she prefers,
That either her beloved remembers her and hasn't searched for her,
Or the fact that he doesn't.
Either way. Explanations are owed.
