Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Bruce woke up confused.

He was in an unknown apartment. There was a blonde woman he didn’t recognize next to him. Bruce couldn’t remember having taken someone home.

While it was rare he still had one night stands they were more infrequent since he and Selina were more ‘on’ than ‘off’. They had been ‘on’ when he’d fallen asleep in the manor. His stomach churned at the thought he had lost not only time but consent. It brought back unpleasant memories.

He got out quietly.

Bruce grabbed his clothes on the floor then snuck to the restroom. He could sneak out. Bruce froze at the sight of his reflection.

He was at least a decade younger than he remembered. He realized his body didn’t ache. He touched his back. There were no surgical scars from Bane. His chest was largely unblemished.

Bruce fumbled for a phone in his clothes. He didn’t recognize the phone or the case on it. Bruce usually carried whatever phone Alfred or the kids would have bought him. Their extracurricular activities meant they changed phones often. It meant for easy Father Day gifts as a ‘back up’.

The picture on the screen was of him and the unknown women. She was kissing the side of his face like Selina would sometimes do. The date was ten years in the past. Bruce’s finger unlocked it.

He went through the phone. He went to pictures. There were intimate pictures of this unknown women to him in an album with a heart. She must have made it. Bruce didn’t text like this and to have it so open…

Bruce had had his phone stolen so many times by his children it would have been reckless, downright perverse for him.

Bruce deleted the album. Permanently. If his other self didn’t like it then—wait other self. This version of Bruce, what happened to him? Had he woken up in an aching body with a mountain of children demanding things from him or ignoring him (but still wanting him to fix whatever argument was brewing between them)?

Bruce frowned only to suddenly realize he knew that woman. He’d been so focused on finding out what was going on he hadn’t let his mind settle. He took a breath and just let himself remember.

Her name was Meredith. She was was from one of the rich families from Metropolis. (Seriously other Bruce?) They were engaged. Childfree. (What had happened to Dick? Had the Court gotten him? Jason? Tim?)

His parents were alive here. They’d stayed home that night. Instead it had been—Oh god, no. Bruce let out a pained noise.

Alfred.

The other Bruce had loved Alfred but hadn’t been raised by him. It had been a tragedy but not life altering as losing his parents. At least not to that Bruce. This Bruce- he had been raised by Alfred Pennyworth.

Bruce had been loved and supported by Alfred all his life, he’d stayed to help his children when Bruce was thought dead. Alfred was one of the few powers in the universe Bruce feared.

Bruce steadied himself. If this was permanent Bruce had work to do. He had to contact the League. They still existed according to his memories.

The other Bruce Wayne might be a physician like his father but this Bruce Wayne was Alfred Pennyworth’s son, the Batman. He had to get back to his mission. Most importantly, he had to find his children.

If his children didn’t exist then….Bruce would deal with that when it came. First he had to make sure this wasn’t permanent and avoid his parents.

He grimaced, his parents. Bruce was both overjoyed to know they lived in one universe but also dreaded seeing them. It would only hurt more if he was going back to his life.

Martha worried about Bruce. Her son seemingly had a mental break almost three months ago. Thomas had been tried to pry what had been bothering him but her son had not said anything.

Bruce had visited Alfred’s grave, cried, then spent two weeks almost drinking himself to death. He broke up with his fiancée of two years. Martha had worried she’d wake up with him dead. Thomas researched rehabs. Their Bruce had seemingly become a different person over night.

Bruce quit his position from Gotham General.

The Manor, that had been transferred into a trust that was intended to turn it into a museum, was released. Bruce moved in. He began updating it, including a surprising amount of alarm systems.

He took up a position at WE. Lucius had been surprised but welcomed him. Bruce had majored in business and biology after all. He’d only gone to med school like Thomas. Martha helped in most of it’s everyday operations. Bruce joining had been surprise.

Joining WE also signaled him stopping drinking, at least as much as he had. Thomas would take his son joining the family business to him dead of alcohol poisoning or worse. Martha had agreed with him.

The most surprising change was Bruce starting the process of becoming a foster parent. He’d been “childfree” before. It’d had been a sour note for Martha and Thomas who had wanted grandchildren. They couldn’t have more than Bruce.

Now Martha wondered if that was why he and Meredith had broken up. Maybe Bruce had really wanted kids. Bruce had been very open about it though.

Bruce had loved her. There hadn’t really been a compromise between children and none. Bruce had chosen her over hypothetical children.

The universe really wasn’t making sense anymore.

First Bruce having a breakdown. Now Gotham was getting it’s first vigilante. Who knew what was next?

Chapter Text

Thomas frowned at the title on the newspaper. Batman had broken up another crime syndicate. The vigilante was efficient. That was for sure. Since his arrival months ago he’d lowered the crime rate in the area.

Martha was not a fan of him. Gordon had done a good job cleaning up the GCPD. Gotham might need a vigilante but she did not approve of it.

Park Row in particular had been targeted. Bruce had seemed to sense an opportunity to help uplift the community. He’d set up women and homeless shelters. He’d set up charities to help children with education. He’d donated to the local branch of the Gotham public library.
Between the two they’d made a deep impact.

“Honestly, Thomas, don’t put you have better things to do than read up on that maniac?”

“He’s doing good work, Martha.” Thomas said as his wife came in with a drink for them to share.

“Jim’s done so much work to get the city less corrupted. I would like for the system to work. A vigilante just screams Gotham isn’t workinf despite it.”

“Most cities have vigilantes.” Thomas countered. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the Justice League would want to recruit him soon.”

“He certainly has money. I’m guessing he either had to wait to make it or he came into it recently and now is doing his vigilante dream.” Martha criticized.“Not all of cities have a vigilante. We could’ve done without them.” Martha said then drank some of the coffee. Thomas savored his own cup. “Bruce is going to a public event for the donation to the Park Row library.” She said effectively changing the subject.

“Yes, it’s tomorrow. Lucius thinks it’s a great idea and looks good for the company. Bruce’s move to the company brought a lot of criticism.”

“Oh you mean our son looking like he suddenly doesn’t care about people but is more interested in making money?” Martha said. “I hadn’t noticed.”

“Whatever caused the shift in Bruce isn’t completely clear but he isn’t money driven. He’s gone through a lot of classes to become a foster parent.”

“It’s taken time.” Martha said. “I wasn’t sure he would go through with it.”

“The classes aren’t held all at once.” Thomas reminded her. “He’s going to be a foster parent at least.”

“Do you think he’ll adopt?”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to push him and him quite. He’s gotten better these past few weeks.”

“Better isn’t well.” Martha said. “We’ll check on him after the meeting.” Thomas agreed.

The event had gone well. Bruce had a brilliant PR smile and given a small speech about helping all of Gotham’s citizens. The newspapers had reported the event positively. Bruce had spent time with the children of the neighborhood. He’d looked happy at the event but Thomas saw a haunted look in his eyes when it was over.

Martha had been right to follow up with Bruce after the event. They were currently in the manor’s office. Thomas was making Bruce drink some water. Martha was cleaning up the bottles around Bruce’s desk.

“I wish you’d tell us what’s wrong, Bruce.” Thomas said as his son winced at the light as Martha pulled open the curtains.

“You wouldn’t understand,” Bruce said softly. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t look or act fine.” Martha said harshly as she came in with her full anger. “You drank half a bottle of expensive whisky.”

“I know.” Bruce sighed. He pulled himself away from them. “Can you take the bottles? Lock the wine cellar with a new code.” This made him smile like a new code was just a joke. “I completed the home study for foster care.”

“Are you sure you are fine to foster?” Thomas asked because the drinking was worrisome. Bruce laughed here.

“Yes.”

“Then we’l take them. You can’t do this again, Bruce. Not with children.” Martha said harshly. Something like grief came across his face.

“I know.” Bruce said.

“Get showered. We’re going to get lunch.” Thomas said. “We’re going to discuss your future as a foster parent. I’m proud you’re looking into that but we need to be assured you aren’t going to drink or turn to use or something if you feel the urge.”

“I’m not an addict.” Bruce groused his voice deep and full of anger.

“Like I said we’ll discuss it.” Thomas said. “Go take a shower.” Bruce glowered but left to shower.

“He moved into the main bedroom.” Martha said softly as the door closed to their old bedroom. They lived at the penthouse after Alfred’s death. Caring for the manor was difficult and replacing Alfred had been too hard at the time.

Bruce had done a good job cleaning up the place and repairing it.

The two went to the household kitchen to wait for their son.

“This is certainly cleaned up well. Wow the appliances are new.” Martha noted. The staff kitchen for galas had always been well maintained but the private kitchen had aged when they’d moved out. Bruce was clearly been determined to be a foster parent if he changed this area.

“I’m surprised he knows the brands to buy.”

“Alfred liked these brands.” Martha said softly. Thomas dropped it. They didn’t want Bruce to come in as they brought up Alfred. Alfred had become a touchy subject for Bruce. Thomas suspected some buried form of survivor guilt had reared itself which is why Bruce had a sudden change of behavior.

Bruce dragged himself into the kitchen. He looked presentable. Thomas noticed the change in his style a few months ago. Bruce had always dressed well but his outfits were more formal when he went up. It reminded Thomas of the things Alfred had liked convincing him to wear.

“I’m ready.”

Thomas drove them to a dinner in Midtown. Thomas was a fan of their brunch food. It’d also help with Bruce’s potential hangover. Martha liked their dessert.

Their talk about Bruce’s future as a foster parent went surprisingly well. Bruce must have done a lot of research because he had well detailed answers to nearly all their questions. They were making their way out in better spirits when a woman bumped into Thomas. Bruce expression sharpened.

“Oh, sorry.” Thomas said as the woman walked away.

“Dad, were you wearing a watch?” Thomas looked at his wrist. His father’s watch was gone. He hadn’t even noticed it was missing. Who—-? Bruce was after the woman already.

Thomas and Martha followed. While his father’s watch was important to Thomas it wasn’t as important as Bruce. With his most recent change they weren’t sure how he would confront the woman.

Bruce seemed surprised they appeared after him in the alley. The woman who’d bumped into him was standing against the wall with an ease that made Thomas envious. He was generally worried about something

“I was hoping you would follow me.” She said her expression hopeful. Bruce’s expression mirrored it at that.

“Cat?” The name had the woman’s face crumble in relief. The ease she’d held herself at was fake. She’d played it well though. Thomas saw actual relief and ease now.

“B.” She said so relieved. She looked at Thomas and Martha. “I’m sorry about taking your watch, Dr. Wayne. I just had to make sure it was who I thought it was.” She said and offered his watch. Martha took it back suspiciously.

Bruce stepped between them.

“Cat.” He said again sounding so lost and hopeful. The woman moved forward to him. “We need to talk.”

“Yeah. We need to see if we’re…on the same page.” He looked at her clothing. “What?”

“That’s not what you usually wear.”

“I’m a waitress.” She said simply as if that explained it all. Bruce looked surprised before understanding came over her face. Bruce took his wallet out, the woman snatched it then pulled out money and his credit card. Bruce took the wallet back. He was amused.

“You read my mind. I’m in the manor. We can talk there.” The woman nodded. She looked back at Martha and Thomas.

“Are you going to introduce us to your friend, Bruce?” Martha broke in. Her tone was stone cold. Cat smiled.

“Right. Sorry. We can explain later but Mom, Dad this is Selina.” Thomas wondered how Selina had become Cat. Maybe her middle name?

“Hello, I hope we get an explanation why you took my husband’s watch?”

“I just needed to confirm Bruce was who I thought he was.”

“By taking my watch?” Bruce smiled at Thomas’ question.

“Yes.” Bruce said. “I need to speak with Selina first, Dad.”

“I can make it this evening. I have so things to buy.” Selina said.

“Wait a minute.” Martha said but Selina slipped by her with an ease that was not feigned. She blew a kiss to Bruce. Bruce smiled an honest smile for the first time in months. “Bruce?”

“I need to speak with her, Mom. Then we can talk.” He licked his lips. “If we are on the same page she’s your future daughter in law.” Even Thomas couldn’t have guessed that. “I wasn’t cheating on Meredith. It’s complicated but I think you’ll like Selina. Alfred did.”

Alfred had known Selina? Thomas couldn’t recall a girl named Selina from Bruce’s childhood. Martha gave a soft huff.

“You had me worried, Bruce. You could have let us know she was your childhood “fiancée”. It is cute when you’re little but without that context I was really worried.” Bruce looked amused.

“So was I.” Thomas said. “I guess you two will catch up?”

“Yes.”

“Was it wise for her to take your credit card?” Martha asked as they walked back to the car.

“She’d have taken it if I hadn’t given it to her.” Bruce said good naturedly. Thomas hoped they got to hear the childhood stories of a little girl pickpocketing Bruce. But with the recent changes it was hard to know if they’d get anything detailed.

Thomas heard Selina met up with Bruce and returned his credit card. The need for an explanation fell away as Bruce had to take in an emergency foster placement. A little girl who they didn’t get to meet while her family made arrangements to take her in a different state.

Thomas’ contacts at social services had let him know that by all accounts Bruce had been an excellent foster parent. The little girl had hugged Bruce before she left to be with relatives. It made Thomas proud of his son.

After that Selina became a new figure in Bruce’s life.

Chapter Text

Bruce looked at his new set up. He couldn’t get to the cave under the house as much as he wanted. His father had barricaded the entrances after this universe’s Bruce had fallen into the cave system a a child. He still got a fear of bats but it was going to take time to set-up the old cave set up going.

Sometimes Bruce wondered if this was better. There wouldn’t be any echos of Dickie bouncing around as a small Robin naming everything this time around. There’d be no cases of uniforms of his protégés old and new (his children). There’d be no two Batman suits.

Bruce had been so goddamn proud of Dick when he’d come back. His son had literally stepped into his shoes and guided Damian like Bruce had done for him.

He missed his children so much.

His children just did not exist here.

Haly’s Circus had stopped existing in 1834. There was no way Dick could have been born. The Court still existed. Bruce would get evidence on their locations before he got the League to prosecute them.

Lady Shiva had died in a fight against Cain. Therefore no Cassandra. Thankfully Cain had apparently decided against breeding a child weapon after Shiva.

Willis Todd had died at six so Jason had never been born. His mother was married and survived the cancer that had taken her from him in his world. Bruce tracked his biological mother and found she was in jail, life sentence. Bruce wished he hadn’t felt a deep sense of vindication. This woman wasn’t Jason’s mother in this life. She hadn’t been complicit in his death.

The Drakes existed. Janet had a pregnancy when predicted. Tim hadn’t been born at all in this universe. The Drakes had a daughter, Janet Junior, called June. Bruce found that weird. She wasn’t a female variant of Tim either. She was a unique person. Stephanie had the same fate as Tim, another sperm had won the race. She did not exist despite her parents had a son. Bruce had hoped the Stephen Brown would be her but it wasn’t either.

Bruce couldn’t find any trace of Duke’s mother. He looked for any variant of her even as a man but her parents had never gotten together. There was no Duke.

This Bruce had never gone out into the world. He didn’t know the League. Damian wouldn’t be born as he didn’t know Talia.

Bruce had gone to what he knew: WE, fostering, and Batman.

Now he had Selina back.

While his new cave didn’t have the bat computer yet it had the basis of one. It looked very much like it did when he started except there was no Alfred to help him on coms. Selina had rejoined him in the evening. Her costume joined his in a parody of their former glory.

She wasn’t going on heists. She joined him on his fight on crime. Selina wasn’t happier to be there than he was.

Perhaps the only bright side was the lack of Joker.

Bruce was glad his parents had sealed the alcohol. Even if he could break the lock the small it was enough to dissuade him from drinking himself to death like when Jason had passed. Selina stayed with him a lot now.

At least his parents liked her.

Chapter Text

Selina was leaning against a wall when Bruce reached her. She looked up to him. She had a bag next to her. Bruce smirked. They’d had committed a break in and investigation against Sionis. Roman had too big of a head in this universe for all he lacked a face. This had been successful evening.

“You ready to turn in?”

“After I send the information to Gordon.” Bruce said.

“You can do that in the car.” He pointed to the bag she held. “Fine. I never used this anyways.”

They broken into the GCPD and left their evidence for Gordon.

They made their way back to the cave.

The adrenaline of the night faded on the way back. Selina looked out the window wistfully. Bruce knew she was thinking of back home.

“It feels like we’re redoing a lot of things.” Selina commented a while later.

“Yes, it does.” Bruce sighed and had to remind himself he didn’t have automatic drive set up yet. Alfred had helped him create that and used some of his old connections to get him some technology he needed. The League was working with him to get him some tech but there wasn’t the same trust and relationship as back home. “We’re also missing a lot.”

“I have it easy compared to you, Bruce. I have everything the same except I was working a day job at a restaurant and night job at a pharmacy. Never turned to crime in this life.”

“Until now.” He said with a tight smile. Selina’s hand dropped on his arm.

“Tomorrow’s Dick’s birthday.” Bruce said. “He’s not here. None of them are here and it gets harder every milestone. I have my parents but they don’t know anything about who should’ve been their grandchildren. There’s no brilliant Dick, no—there’s Jason, no witty Tim, no clever Duke, not sarcastic Damian, no insightful Cassandra or determined Stephanie. It’s just all empty.”

“It’s not all empty. You’ve helped make the lives of a lot of kids better. You’re helping making better social networks for other kids.”

“I don’t regret that. I never will but a large part of my own personal oversight into these things was my children. The way Dick was treat is something no child should ever experience. I am campaigning for better conditions in juvenile halls too. Children, even those who have lost their way, deserve a chance at improving themselves and to feel safe.”

“Speaking to the choir, Bruce.”

“I know, Cat. I just have to remember I’m doing it for them.”

“We’ll find a way back.”

“They League says it’s permanent merger.”

“We’ve seen more than enough to doubt those things from stopping us.” Bruce felt his mouth tick up lightly.

He wanted to go home so badly. No matter how much he loved his parents and the memories of this world’s Bruce were now his, they were no his children or Alfred. Bruce had been a father so long that no longer being one felt like he’d been hollowed out. Trying to survive that was the hardest thing he did each day.

Taking down Sionis was good though. He had far less specialized brutes since he hadn’t been in operation when he set up. Picking them off was a job a Robin could hand-could have handled alone.

There wouldn’t be any future Robins. That was Dick’s legacy. Without him the name would be meaningless.

Bruce wondered if he and Cat would ever have children the old fashioned way. The idea never appealed to him but he needed children to continue Wayne Enterprises. Dick and Tim had been the ones who had been at the helm of that family affair. Jason and Cassandra helped the foundations in their unique ways.

Duke and Damian had been too young to help directly but Damian had helped set-up more animal shelters or support lower income neighborhoods access vet care. Duke had targeted his own neighborhood and people who had been victims of rogue attacks. Duke had personal insight that helped target things that might have been overseen. Duke had started thinking what he wanted to study in college.

It all hurt to think about but their memories were something he’d never give up.

Bruce and Selina unsuited and retired to the manor. Bruce had thankfully managed to reconnect the manor to their new set up.

They retired in the main bedroom. Bruce woke up to his ring tone. He answered. It was his dad. The Bruce of this world and his dad had worked the same shifts. His dad always called him at the end of his shifts.

“Hey, Dad.” Bruce answered sleepily. He got out of the room to let Selina sleep. He tried not to linger on the large bruise on her face. Someone had gotten lucky. They’d likely payed in blood for that.

“Hey Bruce, did I wake you?”

“Yeah, had a long night.”

“You weren’t drinking were you?”

“No, Cat and I were just out. She doesn’t let me drink.” While Selina was no teetotaler his mom had let her know of his binges. Selina hadn’t wanted to tempt him to do it again until he was…able to not do that.

At least he stopped thinking about throwing himself off WE Tower.

“Okay, just checking in. Can you come see us today?” His dad said. Ugh small talk. Alfred never made this kind of small talk. The other Bruce had been better at it but Batman Bruce had the stronger personality. It didn’t come out as well anymore. Where was the stiff upper lip when he needed him? Bruce missed his other father.

Bruce checked his league communicator as he talked to his dad.

Nothing urgent at least. He sent some information he had from the other universe in case it was still pertinent. His mouth ticked a bit as Clark sent a thanks. He was quickly becoming his best friend again.

At least somethings stayed the same.

After he hung up he headed to the kitchen. He needed coffee. That was an addiction Selina still permitted. G-d knows she loved her imported Parisian— Bruce stopped. In the cabinet was a Wonder Woman mug.

He hadn’t placed it there. Had his parents or Selina? He took it and flipped it over. It was new and impeccable. Maybe one of his kids had done it when they stayed with him and he hadn’t noticed?

It reminded him of Jason’s first purchases. Bruce closed his eyes and put it in the spice cabinet. He wouldn’t open that.

He needed whiskey.

He made his coffee extra strong.

Chapter Text

“I didn’t put a Wonder Woman mug in your kitchen,” Selina assured him.

“I don’t remember one of my kids bringing it.”

“They probably snuck it in,” she assured him. Bruce sighed and placed his head against her shoulder. Her fingers ran through his hair. “I know it’s hard for you, Bruce. You have to remember I knew Dick since you got him. I wasn’t their mom, but I still worked with them and interacted with them regularly. Damian wanted to know how I cared for community cats,” she said quietly. “I was getting him the information I used to set it up when I woke up here.”

“I’m sorry for being selfish. I know you lost things too.”

“I know you, Bruce. If I thought you didn’t care, I wouldn’t be here,” Selina said. “I’m glad you’re here and that I can stay here because that apartment wasn’t home. It wasn’t mine. Even the me here spent more time out of it than not. Rent isn’t as cheap as it was back home. No Joker attacks or fear gas to lower prices.”

“Yes, I noticed that when I was getting the community outreach together. The data was not as good as back home.”

“Jason would be proud,” Selina told him. Bruce smiled. They were both going to see his parents later that day. Bruce didn’t want to bother, but he was likely to break the lock to the cellar or just have alcohol delivered if he had to think about the mug and Dick’s birthday.

“Thanks, let’s get ready. I plan on a long patrol tonight.”

“I can’t say I’ll join it all, but I’ll go with you again,” he kissed her in thanks. He loved her and was so glad he wasn’t completely alone.

“Mom wants to know if we’re dating.”

“I thought it was clear with me living here,”

“She wants us to say it. I think she’s not sure if we’re going to simply be casual,”

“Shame you can’t just propose to me again,”

“So you could leave me at the altar again?”

“It’s tradition,” Bruce smiled despite the old hurt. Selina didn’t feel ready to be married then, and he had pushed. He was sure she’d marry him now.

“We’ll go slow. It won’t look good for you to marry me after leaving Meredith.” Selina said the name with a hint of amusement. Bruce knew she had broken into Meredith and her family’s homes to make a point to him that Meredith wouldn’t be suitable for their lifestyle.

No, they weren’t now. Meredith didn’t just not want to be a parent; she actively disliked children. Bruce was not going to give up fostering.

It had given him a lot in life. He wasn’t sure if he’d adopt again, but Bruce knew his kids would want him to help others like he’d helped them.

“Yes, we’ll go slow.” Bruce agreed. “They know you’re staying here; we have to do something about that.”

“My lease ended. I moved in to keep you company while I looked for a new one. Our relationship devolved quickly.”

“That’s as true as it will get.” Bruce agreed.

“I will need a place of my own downtown too. We might as well be looking.” Bruce knew it was for their “off” periods of their volatile relationship and for her to keep her cats. Alfred wouldn’t ever allow more—Bruce cut off that thought and focused on the present.

“Yes, we’ll can bring it up. I’m sure Mom will mention something. She has a lot of friends in real estate.”

“I’ll remind her I’m just a waitress.” Bruce laughed. Selina was making money the old-fashioned way for her during their investigations. Sure, some things might go missing, but Bruce wouldn’t let a stolen Rolex come in the way of a murder investigation.

Some things just were more important. Bruce knew it was hypocritical. He’d known that when taking in back Jason and not sending him to Black Rock after evening, including a duffle bag of heads. Jason had mostly stopped killing. It was as good as they would get.

Bruce knew he was not as black and white as people expected. Jason was always going to Bruce’s Achilles heel in some ways. He’d failed him, and nothing would ever be enough to make up for him.

Now Bruce had to make sure he didn’t fail the things that were important to Jason and his other children, even if they weren’t there.

It gave him something to live for when he wanted to wallow in despair and follow it to the abyss.

Bruce kissed her.

“We’ll let them know I’m helping you with the cost too.” She raised a brow. “They’ll wonder why it’s more elaborate otherwise.”

“Okay, you have a point.” She agreed. She kissed him softly. “Let’s get ready to see them. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can come back. You should nap before tonight. It will help you focus and stay on the mission.”

“That’s a good idea.” Bruce kissed her, and they went to get ready. He’d donate to the local gymnastic and art groups for Dickie today. He thought. Dick would have liked that.

They headed to town. He met his parents at a nice dinner. His dad was craving greasy food. He ordered a deluxe platter. His mom was clearly humoring him and ordered a chicken sandwich. Bruce got a burger, and Selina got chicken Parmesan. As their food came, Bruce was hit with a wave of nostalgia for Batburger. A Robin meal for his first Robin would’ve been a welcome sight.

They waited for the food.

“So what did you two get up to last night? Bruce said you went up.” His dad said.

“Yes, we were up talking about our future.” Bruce said. Mom predictably jumped in there.

“Oh, and what can we expect? I’ve noticed Selina is staying at the manor.” Mom said. She was trying for sly. Dad smirked into his coffee.

“I’m between places right now. Bruce is helping me look for a new apartment, but I don’t have to rush it at the moment.”

“So you’re not dating my son?” Mom flat out asked now.

“I didn’t say that, but Bruce and I know that we have moved rather quickly.”

“Selina will need her own space.” Bruce added. “We enjoy this now, but we still need more time to decide if we want to live together permanently.”

“Yes, while I like Bruce, I want my own space. I don’t have a real space in the manor. It’s all Wayne space.” Selina said. His mom looked happy at that. Selina wasn’t acting like a gold digger.

“Martha has plenty of friends who are working in real estate. I’m sure they’d be happy to help you find a place.” Bruce almost snorted at the predictability. Mom wasn’t discouraged by Selina’s income, saying they’d set her up somewhere nice, especially after Bruce brought up he’d help with the upkeep.

When the food arrived, the discussion was cut short with a quick “I’ll talk with you later, Selina.” from his mom. His parents got on well with Selina. Meredith had been more *Metropolis*-causing, causing a bit of tension between them. Selina was a multigenerational Gothamite as well. It was in her blood like it was with the Waynes. She might not be rich, but she was more in touch with the city culture.

Bruce stared at the burger, then grabbed his knife and fork. The other Bruce had been taught to eat it like this, like he had. That Bruce stopped that habit within six months of Alfred’s death. This Bruce had had the habit ingrained into him.

His children might not follow it; Alfred had been content to have Dick sit and eat than bounce around to enforce the rule. His other children had been too old to pick that up. Instead, they poked fun at him for it but seemed to take it as something their father and grandfather did.

They knew his parents were starting. Selina smiled.

“Alfred would be proud of that.” Bruce shrugged. There wasn’t more to it, even if it felt like something he had from Alfred to cling onto in the emptiness of it all.

“I’m sure Alfred would be proud, Bruce.” His dad added in support. Bruce looked at him and could only guess what he thought. His mom gave him a sad smile.

“We all miss him, Bruce.”

Bruce felt the burn of his sinus but ignored it to take in the first bite.

A true actor never showed their hand.

Alfred had also taught him that.

Chapter Text

Thomas yawned. It had been a long day. He wanted to go home but had another few hours of administrative work at the hospital. At least he wouldn’t be needed for surgery as tired as he was. He sent Martha a text message that he was doing okay and getting snack.

There was a cafe near the hospital that wasn’t too far off. Thomas exited the hospital. This area was pretty safe. They had plenty of security guards and patrols. He’d made this same trip for twenty years.

With the rising crime rates in some areas of the city Thomas knew his luck couldn’t hold forever. In the gap between a parking lot and administrative building a man came out with a gun. Thomas raised his hands immediately. He had his phone and sixty dollars. His watch. He didn’t want to lose his father’s watch but it’d be useless if he died.

“Give me your shit.” The man said jerkily. Thomas wasn’t sure if he was on something or nervous. The man had a desperate appearance about him.

“Okay, I’m going to reach for my phone and wallet.” Thomas said slowly. The man twitched. Thomas really hoped he wasn’t about to get shot.

A shadow fell across them from above. They jerked in surprise at it. Thomas spared a look up. A lithe figure with pointed ears appeared in the car park above. Their arm moved surprisingly fast.

Thomas heard the crack of a whip. The mugger let out a pained shout. Thomas turned to him to see the gun had fallen and his hand as now bleeding. The figure dropped down in front of Thomas in that moment.

It was a woman. She was dressed in black, a tight suit that looked ridiculous but also imposing. She had a whip at her waist and Thomas as the tips of her fingers were shining like blades.

The recent vigilante in the city had been a man, going by Batman. Thomas had only seen the few blurry pictures the papers had gotten. The only thing in common between the two were the pointed ears and black.

“I suggest you lay down and surrender or I will make you wish you did.” The woman purred. Thomas swore he’d heard her voice before but it might just be the surprise of the situation. She had a common Gotham accent.

“Make me, bitch.” She let out a laugh before she kicked the man in the face with a leap that showed fantastic athleticism. Thomas heard a crunch of bone. The mugger let out a pained yelp as he fell. His hands automatically rose to his face. The woman’s hand went out and grabbed one arm. Her claws dug into the man’s arm, eliciting another pained shout but she pulled him quickly on his front to secure his arms behind him.

She rose and looked at Thomas.

“Doctor Wayne, are you okay? I will call the police. You can get out of here.”

“Are you kidding, me? You hurt him. I’m doctor. I’m not going to leave him to possible drown in his blood.” While unlikely that a broken nose would cause that it was not like he knew his entire health history.

Thomas never assumed a simple injury was that until he had the full story. The woman looked surprised from her slightly open mouth. It was all of her face he could see. He saw more of her cleavage than her face. Honestly, he supposed the sex appeal was something some female heroes did to distract their foes. Thomas had seen too many naked people in his work to find it distracting.

He checked out the mugger while the woman contacted the police. She didn’t use a phone. She must have access to advance technology. Whoever funded the vigilantes was probably rich and well connected to set-up an untraceable network.

“Do you want me to stay with you?” She asked. She’d pulled up her zipper at least. Thomas made sure the mugger could breathe and that his wounds weren’t bleeding too badly. She’d used excessive force.

This was the exact reason Thomas hated vigilantes. He’d seen the victims of the Batman. They might be criminals but there was rarely a reason to beat a man unconscious or to break as many bones as he’d seen.

“Do whatever you want.” He said instead of giving a true response.

The police came rather quickly The woman got out of there before they were on scene. Thomas watched her loom over them before vanishing into the shadows. Thomas sighed as he saw the beat cop gawk after the woman.

“Do you know who that was?” Thomas asked. The cop looked at him.

“Uh, the commish said she’s calling herself Catwoman.” That explained the Ears and claws at least.

“Batman and Catwoman. Guess we should expect a rat themed vigilante soon.” Thomas said as he helped the mugger up. The cop coughed to prevent a laugh then lead the mugger to the back of his car.

“Get home safe, Doctor Wayne. You’re one of the few good things in this city.” The cop said. “I’m sure you’ll hear form the commissioner later today.” Jim was close friends with Martha. Thomas wouldn’t expect less.

“I will keep an eye out for him.” Thomas said then took out his phone. He should let Martha and Bruce know he had almost been mugged then saved by a cat themed vigilante. This city was getting ridiculous even for him.

Thomas wasn’t hungry or tired anymore.

His phone rang on his way back to his office. It was Martha. He answered. He spent the rest of his walk reassuring his wife he was safe and sound. Bruce did not respond right away. He was probably out with Selina.

He got back to his office to finish his paperwork when the phone rang again. He sighed. It was Bruce. Well he couldn’t exactly brush off his son after that message. He answered.

“Hey, son.” Thomas said.

“Hi, Dad. Are you all right?” The background audio sounded rather windy. He wondered if he was on Selina’s balcony. She lived on the top floor of a building that was prone to wind tunnels. Martha had spent a while convincing Selina to get it as it was close to WE and had the most space for the price range Selina was look into. The balcony was just a perk.

“Yes, I’m fine. That vigilante, cat lady, saved me.” It wasn’t that Thomas was ungrateful to be unharmed but someone had been harmed and he was never a fan of that. It wasn’t an ideal world.

“Catwoman.” Bruce corrected. “I heard her name is Catwoman.”

“And our male vigilante is Batman. Very animal themed names.” He responded. “I’m fine, I promise, just a bit bothered by it. I don’t like people getting hurt even if they are misguided. She broke his nose and hurt his arm. I stabilized him. He should make a recovery.”

“Hmm.” Bruce answered. Thomas rolled his eyes, Bruce had gotten less wordy since dating Selina. He saw them move around each other with minimal words. It worked for them in a way Bruce never had with Meredith.

Meredith was fine.

She clearly had loved Bruce but his son had compromised more for her than she had for him. It was one of the things that Thomas hadn’t liked about that relationship. Selina and Bruce worked in tandem more than not.

Thomas and Martha hadn’t said anything though. It wasn’t their place. They had made it known they were not happy they wouldn’t get grandchildren but they couldn’t force the issue. A relationship with Bruce had been more important than imaginary grandchildren.

“I hope that means you understand. I have to finish some paperwork then head home. Your mom called she’s worried. Give her a ring, okay? You know how she is.”

“I will dad. I’m glad your okay.” His voice was thick with emotion there. Thomas felt himself soften a bit. Yeah, Bruce might not be as open with words any more but he was honest about his feelings with the ones he gave them.

“I’ll see you soon, son. Goodnight.”

“Night, Dad.” Bruce hung up. Thomas went to finish his paperwork.

He got to his car shortly after and headed to the penthouse. Martha would be waiting up for him with coffee he was sure. Jim would likely show up soon. His eyes flickered to the skyline during red lights. He caught a sight of a whip and cape. Catwoman and Batman were trailing him or at least it felt like it.

Honestly, this city.

Bruce watched his dad get home. Selina leaned against him. He relaxed as his dad stepped into the elevator up to the penthouse. He turned to her.

Selina read his mood and reached to pull him to her. He kissed her with a desperation he didn’t know what to do with. He couldn’t lose his parents again. He had already lost so much. Her hand cupped his face.

“Let’s go home.” She said. “I don’t think we’re needed out here anymore for the evening. It’s been a slow night.”

“That man—“

“Was a drug addict. He needs rehabilitation and help. He’s in police custody. We can look at the police setting up more patrols around your dad’s workplace.” Bruce sighed and nodded.

Yeah he was not the most clear headed right now. He could fight to his last reserves but right now he felt like he didn’t have any.

“Do you need to feed your cats?” He didn’t want to go back to the manor. Selina smiled.

“What cats? I haven’t had the chance to get any. I’m sure we can invite your parents to help me get a few tomorrow.” Bruce smiled. Yeah his parents would like that. They liked Selina.

“Let’s go.” The two vanished into the shadows back to Selina’s new place. It was both easily accessible for their night job and secured against enemies. Mom had chosen an ideal place without knowing their full requirements as vigilantes.

Bruce took off his cowl and placed it into the false wall panel that had been installed shortly after Selina had gotten the place. Selina slinked out of her outfit and placed her own suit into place.

He raised a brow as she took off the rest of her clothing and headed to the bedroom.

Well Bruce didn’t need to be a detective to know what Selina was hinting at.

He followed her.

Thomas was pampered by Martha the next morning. She was worried. It was natural. He’d have done the same thing for her if he’d had heard her almost being mugged.

“Jim is going to increase the patrols around the hospital.” Martha repeated Jim’s words from last night. True to the beat-cop’s words Jim had paid them a visit. Barbara must be with her mother then if he hadn’t gone home after work.

“I know, Martha. I was there.” Thomas said good naturedly. She kissed him softly. The years together had been hard but good. Thomas loved her so much it ached some days. Decades didn’t seem enough time for the amount of love they had for another.

He wished Bruce would find someone who would give him that. Maybe it would be Selina. Thomas knew better than to say more to not jinx it. At the least Thomas was sure Bruce and Selina would be friends if their relationship fizzled down.

“Well, I think it’s important to repeat.” She said sternly. The phone rang. Martha got up to answer. Thomas drank from his coffee. He hadn’t slept well. As much as he had acted calmly the situation had unsettled him. He closed his eyes and let the warmth sit in his stomach while Martha talked.

“Let me ask him.” Martha said. Thomas opened his eyes and looked her. “Selina and Bruce are going to the animal shelter later today. She’s getting a cat or two. They want us to go with them to get our minds off the situation.”

Ugh, cats.

First Catwoman and now his potential daughter in law was getting one with his son.

He didn’t work until later that day. It would take his mind off the evening at least. Maybe the new cat would make him more comfortable with a cat themed vigilante.

“Yes, I’ll go with you lot.” He said. Martha smiled and turned back to the phone.

“He said yes. What time are you going? Yes, we can do that.” Thomas finished his coffee and took his dishes to the sink. The cleaners would tidy up later but he wouldn’t leave it on the table. Alfred wouldn’t have liked that. Bruce wasn’t the only one who missed his old friend.