But I love him, Mother- Batfam AU
It's a little late at night and this little blurb just appeared from my sleepy mind. I can't recall the post but please someone link me it if you recall it too, so I can give proper credit. ~ It was a rare night in for Bruce, as both Brucie and Batman, being confined to the manor via Alfred's orders and the rare alliance between Dick, Jason, and even Barbara. How Jason managed to get the elder two to guilt him into staying home, he'd never know, but it felt good to hear his eldest nag at him to stay home and tend to his bruised ribs and broken arm. They'd handle Gotham. And, of course, it just so happened to be Halloween, and he admittedly hoped kids would make the long journey to the manor. It was no secret to those who knew him that he loved kids. Loved how blunt they were, how unashamed they were to be themselves, how bright their eyes got with happiness... Sue him, becoming a dad/uncle was the best thing to ever fucking happen to him. But it looked like only a few kids were willing to make the journey this year, each one walking away with a pumpkin lantern worth of treats. Assorted candies (he had a set of pails set aside for those allergic to nuts), a bag of popcorn or chips, five jumbo candy bars, a glowstick or flashlight, a gift card, and fuzzy socks. He'd do more, but Jason and Dick both managed to wrangle him in. It was getting late when he saw the Drake's heir wander up, Timothy Drake dressed up like a little Sherlock Holmes, his mother not too far behind. Though Janet wasn't one to do these journeys, he'd seen the kid out by himself or with a nanny more often than not, it was clear she was enjoying some time with the kid, even so late in the night. The little seven-year-old climbed the steps up to the manor, grin shy but excited, pale blue eyes gazing up to him with something more than just the usual "It's Bruce Wayne!" kind of glint, but he didn't have time to look more into it. "Trick or treat!" "You're just in luck, Mr. Holmes, looks like I got a pail with your name on it." He smiles, passing over the pail to small, pale hands. The expression Tim gave looked akin to recieving the highest treasure trove. Instead of the typical "Thank you!" however, he heard a very soft, very genuine, "I love you." "Timothy!" Janet looked flustered, giving Bruce a weak smile that did nothing to stop the stutter in the Billionaire's heart, "We say 'thank you', remember? Are you tired, my sweetling?" It was nearing ten at night. "But Mother, I do love him. Look, he got me gummy bats, my favorite! And, and he even got the flashlight with Robin on it!" The almost disgruntled pout on the kid had his heart aching with want. Fucking hell, he was getting too sentimental with age. Janet chuckles, shaking her head as she gives Bruce a "what can you do?" smile, before leading her son away. The slight sway in his step a clear sign of his honest opinions, at least. Fuck, he misses his kids now.
