Bruce’s entrance to the public was an a necessary sacrifice he would have to make if Dick was going to be in his life.
The child couldn’t be hidden away in the ivory tower like he had, too bright to ever be kept there anyway, and Bruce wanted him to have the opportunity to see the world himself.
So what better excuse to finally make his own debut into society.
He started with a large charity party to help raise funds to rebuild Gotham after the flooding. Several buildings needed to be renovated and even more buildings needed to be reconstructed or torn down incase they suffered damage and became a hazard.
But even though he choose this for himself. He was still surprised by how out of place he felt.
Whenever he would bring up the charity funding, the elites would look at him with a shrewd smile and move on. Like it was beneath them.
They would praise him, hug him, touch him even when he almost vehemently tried to deny the unwanted attention.
He wanted nothing more than to return to his old way, hiding away and doing the justice dealings himself.
Although even he knew he would need these scumbags help to fully restore Gotham to its glory. He couldn’t do it on his own. He had been letting the Wayne name fade too far into the background in his grief and solitude.
So after each stupid gala, fundraise, company announcement and news conference. He would find himself standing outside his child’s door.
Reminding himself that he wasn’t doing this for him. Not even really for his parents. But for the little life he had forced to be connected to his own.
Dick would grow up in a happier Gotham.
With opportunities like never before.
He could go to a good school, and find good friends that weren’t only after his money, or status. He would be able to forge his own path in life. Unburdened by the pressures of the name now associated with him.
Bruce would do whatever it took to see it happen. Even if that meant catering to those thoughtless vultures circling him like they had always been there for him.
Even if that meant putting on a stupid smile and losing a bit of his soul to play the part.
