Hey. Do you ever think about Bruce's love language being acts of service. I just did. You're gonna listen to me now.
Bruce making things for his loved ones and leaving those things around so they can find them and take them. Bruce refusing to ever give it to them by hand because the last time he did that it was with Alfred and Alfred never ever accepted one of his gifts without the reminder that they were not family. Bruce with his silent acts of service that are thoughtful and sweet and something you'd probably not expect from him but that's only because he makes you think that.
Bruce making the most subtle adjustments to the Robin suit every time something rips in it. Insulation, anti chaffing material, breathable material, more insulation, some bulk padding, the latest tech in their comms and gear, even more armor, pockets, pockets, pockets galore. Bruce making things like scarves and mittens and sweaters by hand because it was something he learnt during his travels and it felt nice to make things for people. Bruce cooking Dick and Damian's favourite traditional food when they miss home. Bruce packing lunches with his own clumsy touch to it, unrefined and loving in a way Alfred’s never quite manage to be. Bruce knitting warm clothes and sweaters for Jason the first winter he spends at the Manor because he hasn't caught up from the malnutrition yet and doing the same for Tim. Bruce immediately making the Manor wheelchair accessible in case Barbara wants to visit, and helping her set up her apartment to her liking. Bruce helping Cass with her speech impediment and being one of the only ones who she never ever has to worry about communicating verbally with. Bruce bonding with Damian over their affinity for the arts, crafting side by side in silence with no obligation to talk. Bruce making sure Duke's parents are unharmed and safe. Bruce offering to help Steph with her bills and the likes and getting rebuffed everytime, and resorting to making small payments wherever he can.
Bruce manufacturing high calorie food specifically for Barry and his family's enhanced metabolism. Bruce discreetly helping out with the Kent farm and spending some time with Martha Kent when Clark is off world. Bruce sending relics he finds to Diana's museum. Bruce making sure Hal isn't completely down in the dumps and struggling when he returns from Lantern business. Bruce making sure Billy is well fed and taken care of when he finds out that Captain Marvel is a kid. Bruce looking out for the JL and its younger members, training them and listening to their complaints and silently acting on them. Bruce keeping tabs on his children and their friends so nobody is actively suffering under his watch.
Bruce doing it all in silence because he knows they won't accept his help straightforwardly without thinking he has an ulterior motive. Bruce looking down at the gifts he made Dick, unable to give them to him because Dick just stormed out of the Manor and is refusing to take his calls, refusing to acknowledge his existence. Bruce making little gifts that end up unused and stashed away because their recipient is dead and buried underground (dead children don't feel cold, dead children don't need new shirts). Bruce cooking some food and accidentally making too much and eating it alone because all his children have left the Manor that day for some reason or the other. Bruce sitting in front of Clark's grave, holding a prototype for a super reinforced everyday object for Clark to use without the fear of breaking it because he refuses to believe Clark is dead.
Bruce making regular visits to Arkham to make sure Harvey is doing okay. Bruce taking Harley shopping on her good days, spending time with her and letting her be herself, spending money on her happily. Bruce offering Pamela opportunities to turn her ecoterrorism into something that helps Gotham, setting up charities and foundations that align with her goals and helping her with her good goals. Bruce offering rehabilitation for his villains, formulating cures for Nora Fries and Mr Freeze and Clayface, because he wants them to be happy and safe most of all. Bruce offering the goons jobs in WE so they don't have to resort to a life of crime. Bruce having a relationship with the working girls and prostitutes, keeping the young ones off the streets and taking care of them along with Selina.
Bruce doing so much for Gotham, bleeding himself dry over and over again for that cesspit of a city because he loves, and loves, and loves. Bruce crying because after so many long years of blood and pain and tears, Gotham is improving, crime is lowering, his crusade wasn't for nothing.
Bruce Wayne and acts of service.
