CW: Fanon characterization + OOC + Mild angst
Bruce cherished these days. Days where it’s not too loud, but it’s not too silent. His kids all getting along in the other room, some engaging with each other, others doing their own thing. Regardless, they are all together and enjoying each other’s company.
He takes this moment of quiet, but not silence, and stores it into his memory. He “rests his eyes” as fathers do while listening to playful banter. Just listening, remembering.
Growing up, Bruce was an only child. He did not have the luxury of having an older or younger sibling to rely on. He never got to experience the late night gaming, the “don’t tell mom’s,” the long serious conversation when he needed someone to listen.
Of course, there were many other children who didn’t have siblings. The difference between him and them was that they had friends. Bruce never really had friends, not close ones at least.
He’d have a best friend for a school year until the next year came and that friend had found someone else. He talked to people at school, engaged in conversations, smiles, laughter, but they weren’t friends. Not really, if anything, they were acquaintances at best.
They never invited him to their lunch tables. They never acknowledged him in the hallways. This never bothered him, he was aware they were friends. His classmates were just people he was on good terms with, he understood the difference.
Bruce’s memory wanders farther into the depths of his mind. All the way back to elementary school. It’s funny how he recalls good memories from this time. Looking back at it, he was getting bullied.
He didn’t notice how the other kids intentionally leave him out of group reading. He didn’t notice how the other kids would look in his direction then giggle before returning to whatever they were doing. He didn’t notice how people were laughing at him and not with him when he’d act out in class.
Maybe it’s because he didn’t notice that he was so fond of those times. He’s much more self aware now. Much more conscious that he’s friendless.
He opens his eyes once he hears one of his kids change the channel. A soft, fond smile forms on his lips. He’s grateful his children get along. That they have someone to lean back on. To be their friend if no one else will.
Bruce takes the remote from Jason’s hand. “I’m still watching that, Jay.”
Jason jumps slightly at the sudden touch before whining. “You were just a sleep a second ago!”
Dick and Tim snicker at the playful banter that follows and Bruce smiles again.
