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watchtowerindistress · 2 years

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we are not our demons (6/24) - bruce wayne x batmom

Author’s note: For Vicki Vale's character, I used the comic version of her who has red hair. I was a bit reluctant about using her as a character because I don't really like her and how she was depicted in Batman (1989), lol. But I needed a Gothamite reporter who was a bit more familiar. [Read more at the end.]

Beta-read by Heidi and gnomewithalaptop

Warning: language

Words: 3.9k

Please reblog/leave a comment.

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Hurts like heaven, lost in the sound

Buzzcut season like you’re still around

Can’t unmiss you and I need you now

-i’m so tired… by Lauv & Troye Sivan-

“I’m sorry, Miss Vale, but my private life is called private for a reason.”

A jolt ran through her body when Bruce’s distinctive voice filled the other room. It felt like hearing a ghost. Ellie’s heart jumped wildly in her chest from the unexpected noise. Almost absentmindedly, her eyes caught the brown liquid she had spilled on the table.

She hissed under her breath when the heat stung her fingertips. “Damn it.” Ellie placed the cup of coffee back on the hard surface and shook her hand to get rid of the twinging ache before taking the mug in the hand still intact.

The warmth of the morning brew gave off a distracting sensation on the palms of her hands. Clasping the cup safely in her hands, she slowly padded on naked feet into the living-room, with her wet hair falling in tendrils to her shoulders from her morning shower.

Feeling her towel droop from her chest, Ellie anxiously readjusted the fabric covering her up before fixating her stare on the screen.

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. It seemed that Bruce finally succumbed and delivered the first video proof that he was indeed alive by agreeing to a TV interview.

Vicki Vale tilted her head curiously. Her long, straight ginger hair fell over her shoulder. “Of course. That’s perfectly understandable, Bruce—may I call you Bruce?”

Narrowing his eyes by an inch, Bruce’s whole aura changed as his body stilled. His whole demeanor felt so surreal to Ellie. Displaying the typical smirk usually reserved for the media, Bruce curved his lips, blinking slowly.

“Mr. Wayne is fine, Miss Vale.”

Vicki’s body shook with amused chuckles, not seeming to take offense to this declaration. Her blue eyes wandered to her notepad.

“Anyway,” Vicki’s eyes sparked with mischief, “Mr. Wayne, would you care to reveal if there are any new upcoming projects Wayne Enterprises is pursuing? Or even some joint venture with another company? I seem to remember your firm’s successful endeavor with Booster Gold International in the past.”

Bruce’s hands stretched on his lap before he folded them together. Ellie nibbled on her lower lip as soon as his dexterous fingers caught her eye. She felt the heat rise in her body from the memories hitting her all at once.

How his calloused hands had slid over her hips in his quest to explore her body. Ellie’s fingers brushed over her overheated neck when his knuckles came into view and how he used those strong digits to lightly thwack her⎼

“That’s true.”

Ellie swallowed thickly when Bruce’s voice yanked her out of her carnal musings.

“Booster Gold and I both share our interests in creating technology to improve our society.” A one-sided smirk tugged on his lips. “But I’m sorry to disappoint—the answer is no. Trust me, I know how much the people of Gotham love those partner projects. At the moment, I am working on a secret undertaking—more of a passion project—which will hopefully offer support to a lot of people. It’s not that news-worthy, to be honest.”

Vicki smiled, despite the vague news Bruce just delivered. “Well, I, for one, can’t wait to find out what you have planned. Now, onto the next question: did you have the chance to see Oliver Queen’s latest interview?”

Bruce raised an eyebrow in amusement. “No. I hate to admit it, but I do not follow every billionaire, in spite of everyone seeming to think we’re all best friends.”

The redhead pursed her lips as she tried to wrap her head around that tidbit of information. “Wait, you’re saying that you aren’t aware of what he told the press this morning?”

Bruce narrowed his eyes suspiciously, letting his hand rub his mouth. “Something tells me I’m not going to like it, whatever it is,” he grumbled with his gravelly voice. Ellie took a swig of coffee to quench her sudden thirst.

Vicki’s eyes sharpened as she focused on something just out of frame behind the camera. “Joey, can we roll that clip?” She twirled a finger in the air and an unfamiliar video footage filled the entire screen.

Ellie folded her arms, tilting her head with a knitted brow.

The words ‘Oliver Queen breaks silence’ and ‘For the third time in six years, Oliver Queen has been accused of being a vigilante’ were highlighted on the lower half of the display.

There was something about the concept of billionaires that would remain an unreachable enigma. Just like Bruce.

Ellie could detect the emblem of the news station 'Gotham City News' in the right corner of the screen while Oliver remained the main focus. The high quality of the video revealed Oliver holding the organized press statement in some conference room.

Queen’s vaguely familiar scruffy face met the reporters head-on.

“Okay, first things first: I’m not the Green Arrow,” Queen said, leaning forward against the podium which held several microphones, effectively cutting off the onslaught of questions from all sides.

Queen offered his infamous playboy smile. Despite the onslaught of cameras flashing, Oliver’s expression remained composed, added with the suit and tie being perfectly in place.

“Number two: photos can be doctored. They could’ve put anyone’s head on that body. Like…” The foyer of his company filled with a sudden silence as he paused, the reporters all round him waiting expectantly, before—“Bruce Wayne. Has Bruce Wayne left Gotham to hang out in Star City recently?” His blue-eyed gaze turned to a few reporters on his left.

“No, he hasn’t. Not to mention, that concept of being accused as a vigilante is just ridiculous to me. I mean, you wouldn’t ask Bruce Wayne if he’s Batman, right?”

Ellie’s mouth opened in shock and felt her hand tense near her head. Oliver Queen totally just did that. Her mind was still reeling from what she had just witnessed. Judging by Oliver’s vehement denial and insistence to condemn Bruce, Ellie was convinced that the businessman was in fact the Green Arrow. Who… apparently knew Batman’s identity.

And he’d just unveiled him to the world.

“Oh shit,” Ellie whispered quietly to herself.

Did they feel some sort of loathing for each other? Why did Oliver just decide to name-drop him out of the blue?

They cut back to Bruce and Vicki, with the camera focusing on the man’s reaction. Any other person might have missed it, but Ellie could have sworn Bruce’s eyes darkened.

Then his public persona took over and he was all smirks and charm again. “Are you asking if I’m Batman?” An amused smile made his lips quirk.

With a few chuckles leaving her lips, Vicki shook her head. “No, of course not. Just wondering why Mr. Queen chose to use your name as an example.” Her eyes sparkled, but there was something cold hidden underneath those perfect lashes.

“Miss Vale, I have stopped trying to understand why Oliver Queen does anything since he tried to make a Viking funeral out of my bed back in boarding school. Don’t presume there’s any bad blood between Ollie and me. Ollie’s just Ollie. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that he changed the subject quite admirably.”

Bruce would be really amazing at poker, Ellie thought, as he sent a bemused smirk at Vicki without revealing his true feelings. “And no, I’m not Batman, Miss Vale,” he said, looking directly into the camera.

Ellie blew the air through her mouth and rubbed her hands on her yoga pants. For their get-together, she’d chosen to wear simple, casual clothes, including a soft burgundy long-sleeve t-shirt to complete the impression of a serene night. Her fingers hovered over her face as a reflex before she remembered she wasn’t wearing her glasses. No matter, her fidgety nature couldn’t be helped now.

With slow steps, she inched closer to the door, feeling her heart beat wildly in her chest, before looking through the peephole.

Just as she had expected, the hazel-brown eyes of Bruce roamed the hallway, giving her the opportunity to watch his side profile. His hair had a few more gray strands at the sides and was slightly tousled, giving him a casual look. Not to mention he was wearing a black Henley and jeans and not his usual business look.

“You want to let me in, or not?”

His teasing words breached the closed door and shook her out of her stupor. Ellie cleared her throat. “Yes, sure. Wait a second.”

She struggled with her lock at the door jamb until she could finally wrestle the door open. Seeing him again after all this time unsettled her. Ellie knew that it was just yesterday when she encountered him, yet it still felt like ages ago. Like seeing him for the first time and getting the breath knocked out of her chest all over again, just from him standing so close to her.

Ellie opened the door further, leaning against the hard edge.

“Hey,” Bruce whispered as he slightly ducked his head. He gazed into her eyes through his eyelashes before stepping into her apartment.

Ellie was glancing over her shoulder at him after he entered her home. “Hey, Bruce,” she breathed. The door slid shut behind her.

He in turn had his hands in his pockets as he assessed his surroundings.

Ellie snorted, prompting him to turn in surprise. “There’s a fire escape, just so you know,” she said, “just in case, this conversation is enticing you to jump out the window after all.”

Bruce chuckled with her before his gaze flicked toward the exit. “Good to know.”

“Oh!” Ellie stuck her finger in the air when she remembered and rushed into the kitchen.

“What’s wrong?” Bruce called from the living room.

“It’s nothing. I just made something to eat,” Ellie said with a raised voice, hoping that her words would reach him while filling the thick risotto in two bowls.

“You didn’t have to. You could have told me, and I would have taken a wine bottle from the cellar.”

Ellie chuckled low, carrying the food into the living room. “Oh please, and risk Alfred’s disgruntled mutterings about taking all the vintage tastes away?”

Bruce tilted his head with narrowed eyes. “That’s a really uncanny impersonation.”

“Thank you. Besides,” Ellie strode back into the kitchen and came back with two glasses and a red wine bottle. “I got wine,” she said, waving the empty glasses with a flourish.

“Well, you’re definitely prepared,” Bruce mentioned with a rumbling noise, taking notice of the already opened bottle.

Ellie glanced at everything through Bruce’s eyes and pursed her lips with heat blossoming in her cheeks. A self-deprecating chuckle left her lips as she explained, “I swear, I’m not trying to get you drunk. I just thought…” Ellie helplessly shrugged her shoulders, but her worries were soon appeased when Bruce’s warm hand lingered on her arm soothingly.

“It’s okay. I get it.”

Ellie cleared her throat. “Take a seat,” she said, taking one herself and waving a hand towards the couch cushion beside her.

He did just that, stapling his hands in front of himself while he leaned forward with his upper body.

“Let me.” Bruce took the bottle and poured the Pinot Noir into two glasses. “So, what did you make?”

“Mushroom Risotto.”

Bruce raised his eyebrows, his wine glass ceasing near his lips before he took a sip. “That’s not a small snack you just prepare.”

Ellie shrugged. “What can I say? I wanted to try it out sometime.” She offered Bruce a spoon while taking a bite of her own.

Ellie used the opportunity to let the taste distract her from this loaded energy and how close Bruce was sitting next to her. His heat felt invigorating to her senses and made her mind feel all hazy simultaneously. Ellie’s skin was on fire from their sheer proximity, and she could only wiggle in her seat.

After humming to himself, Bruce nodded. “It’s pretty good.”

“Thanks. I stuck to the recipe. You know, for someone who lets his butler prepare all of his meals, you have a lot more cooking insight than I would’ve expected. It’s astounding.”

Bruce arched an ironic eyebrow. “Not all of my meals,” he protested. “Besides, when you grow up rich and under Alfred’s guidance, you tend to pick up a few things along the way.”

Ellie felt herself chuckle at his confession. At least Bruce could admit the rich privilege and make jokes about it. It almost felt normal again, to be with him. Like the old days. Then Bruce’s eyes darkened, the smile fading from his lips.

Ellie leaned forward and touched his upper thigh in comfort. Knitting her eyebrows together, she felt a spark of concern when she asked, “What’s wrong, Bruce?” She took a sip of her wine.

His hazel-brown eyes met his lap and a fond smile played on his lips. Like a distant memory. “It was actually my mother who taught me that,” he said gruffly.

“You never talk about them.” Ellie’s words sounded pointless to even utter out loud. And almost unnecessary to state who ‘them’ were. After glancing down, a jolt raced through her body and Ellie reminded herself to let go, and she brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear instead.

Bruce folded his hands tightly. “I rarely think about them,” he said. His upper body slumped forward until a wayward curl fell into his forehead.

That single strand did things to her, rendering her immobile. Her fingers tingled with the compulsion to stroke it back, press her lips against that brow-creased forehead—she cut herself off, letting her hair fall like a curtain over her eyes. Taking away his allure from her sight all at once.

A barely visible smile hid in the corners of his mouth. “I can’t believe I’d nearly forgotten that memory.”

Curiosity etched itself into her features as she leaned forward on the couch. She whispered her next words carefully, afraid of breaking their fragile connection. “What do you remember?”

“I barely remember anything about her.” Deep aching longing echoed from that statement. “It’s funny how that was one of the few memories I still have of her. Mom just showed me how to do the perfect Eggs Benedict. I mean, I doubt I was much help, but…”

Surprised chuckles left Ellie’s mouth. “I’m sure she still appreciated your interest in learning something new.”

Bruce’s lips twisted into a wry smile. “Nah, during that time, my interests lay firmly with researching the Wayne family history.”

Her eyebrows arched at this small reveal of Bruce as a kid. “How come I’m not surprised by that? Who knew that you were a little geek even then?”

Bruce sent her a blank expression with the tilt of his head. “Says you.”

“Hey, easy there, buster!” She pointed at Bruce in faux accusation, her other three fingers still gripping the stem of her wine glass. “I meant it as a compliment.”

A playful smile spread across his lips before he took a hearty gulp of his drink. Ellie couldn’t help but keep her gaze fixed on the bobbing of his Adam’s apple. Like it was some sort of fascinating display of masculinity she just couldn’t ignore.

His eyes wandered to her right hand, and Ellie’s muscles tightened in her stomach when she noticed the purple bruises around her wrist.

An unspoken question shone in Bruce’s eyes which prompted Ellie to soothe his worries before he decided to get all growly on her. “Oh, that’s nothing. You don’t have to worry about me, Bruce.”

His eyes darkened and, sure enough, when he next spoke, Bruce’s voice was almost an octave lower. “Did someone hurt you?”

Of course, he would make that assumption—with those finger-shaped contusions. “Bruce. Look at me. Listen to my words. I’m fine. No one jumped me in an alley or anything. So, you can drop any additional threats you have that may or may not be aimed towards the criminals of Gotham.”

Bruce pursed his lips like he was still not satisfied with her answer but dropped it. “Okay, fine.”

“So… uh,” Ellie bit on her lower lip, “are we going to address the bat-shaped elephant in the room?” There was a part of her that just couldn’t stand this small-talk and beating around the bush any longer. Needing something for her hands to do, she lifted the wine glass to her mouth.

The sudden reminder of Bruce’s reason for being here hit them out of nowhere. He clenched his jaw and tightened his hands into fists on his knees. Now that he was here, Ellie had no idea how to start. Prior to their second reunion, she hadn’t been able to help but let possible conversation scenarios ring through her head.

Despite the resigned expression on Bruce’s face, he answered, “And here I was hoping we could avoid that for a few more minutes. I’m sorry about what happened. That I lied to you.”

The glass lingered at Ellie’s lips. If she was being honest with herself, she hadn’t expected an actual apology from him. If anything, Bruce didn’t seem the kind of guy who would ever utter the words ‘I’m sorry’ to anyone.

“Wow,” she said. “That’s—I didn’t actually think you were going to apologize.” Ellie shook her head, Strange’s face, Bruce’s face, half hidden by shadows and Damian’s pain, flashing across her mind in a sequence. “It’s not your fault for what happened. I just never wanted Damian to get hurt.”

A perplexed expression crossed his face and Bruce snorted. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you have a soft spot for him.”

Ellie turned towards him as a curious sensation grew inside her. “How’s he been?”

Bruce arched his eyebrows with uncertainty and exhaled a heavy breath. “Damian’s been like… Damian. Maybe a bit more impatient than usual.”

“Listen, I understand why you didn’t tell me. But I want you to know that I would never reveal your secret to anyone. You wanted to be certain you could trust me. Maybe I was more hurt that you didn’t.”

Bruce pinched his brows. “I never wanted you to feel that way. Believe me, it wasn’t like that. I was afraid of how you would react.” A bittersweet smile played on his lips. “I’d like to believe I would’ve confided in you eventually.”

Bruce rubbed his fingers together when another thought crossed his mind. “Or you might have discovered the Batcave all on your own, and I’d have found myself explaining everything myself later on.”

Ellie rolled her eyes. “Why? Is security that lax at your place?”

He groaned, rubbing a hand down his face. “No, Alfred would’ve just shown you the entrance.”

Ellie tilted her head to one side. “Well, he kind of did, so…”

“So.” Bruce paused. “Everything okay between us?”

Slowly nodding her head, Ellie decided she felt too tired to continue holding a grudge. Her body could only contain so much bitterness. With a small smile on her face she assured him, “We’re good. So, I don’t know how to phrase this because I don’t know if I have the right to even ask, but…”

His eyebrows pinched with confusion. Perhaps a part of him was concerned she would ask him to stop this vigilante business.

As if Ellie would ever harbor such thoughts.

“What do you want to know?”

Ellie’s mouth opened before she finally uttered out loud the second reason for Bruce’s presence.

“I was wondering if it’d be okay to come over from time to time. For the boys. I know I sort of forfeited those privileges when I broke up with you, but—”

“Of course.”

A long breath whooshed out of her like a deflated balloon at Bruce’s rapid-fire response. “Really?” Ellie cocked her head to the side in surprise, her eyes widening involuntarily as the relief really hit her.

“I just don’t want to waste any more time being away from them. I miss those guys. I know it’s a weird thing to ask for.”

Bruce let out a deep chuckle. “It’s only weird that you’d willingly want to spend time with Damian.”

“You keep on complaining about your own flesh and blood, but my instinct tells me that a small part of you at least likes your son. You’re more similar than you know.”

One corner of Bruce’s lips twitched in humor. He lifted his hand in the air and pressed his thumb and index finger close together without them brushing. “Well. Maybe a very small part.”

Ellie shook her head and found herself gazing at Bruce’s sparkling eyes. Electricity danced between them and heated her up even though her body felt like it was already burning up. Chills raced up and down her arms despite the comfortable warmth in her apartment.

A vibrating sound coming from the front pocket of his pants jolted her from her thoughts and made her lean back against the couch cushions.

“Dammit. Just a second,” Bruce grunted as he pulled his phone out of his trousers.

Ellie felt the sensation of the leather couch at her neck and just waved a hand to give him the chance to pick up the call. Her lazy hand brought the glass of wine to her mouth and let the smooth and sweet liquid sink to her stomach like warm molasses.

Bruce’s long legs were next to her when he stood up and took a short glance at the display. “What now?” He muttered to himself with an annoyed voice.

He held his phone to his ear after accepting the call. “Something the matter, Queen?” he muttered sardonically. Bruce comically narrowed his eyes, his lips pursing.

Despite the low speaker function, a low angry voice filled the living room. “What do you mean by ‘what’s the matter’? How about you and your little stunt this morning, that’s what?”

Bruce’s furrowed brow revealed the agitation he was feeling. “Huh, that’s fascinating. Since you basically insinuated that I was Batman to the world!”

“Jesus, I only changed the subject by implying it.”

“Uh-huh, I merely sent you back the courtesy you had given me. Especially when you didn’t even give me a heads-up. You blindsided me with your little stunt. If you’d just told me, my PR team could have given it their own spin. But this?”

“I couldn’t control that the pictures got leaked the night before. God, you just had to make everything worse with your interview, didn’t you?”

Bruce turned around until he was facing Ellie again. For her sake, he rolled his eyes. “Well, I’m so sorry, Queen. Was it my fault that you got caught on fucking camera while wearing your Robin Hood costume? No, I don’t think so. To be honest, I can’t recall ever being implied to be the Batman or even to have incriminating footage against me. Makes me believe you’re doing something wrong in Star City. Being accused three times? That’s harsh.”

Oliver’s guttural voice increased in volume. “I can’t believe you. You undid everything I tried to save in one press statement.”

“You’re welcome,” Bruce muttered before hanging up.

A teasing smile played on Ellie’s lips, and she could totally understand the source of Bruce’s anger.

Bruce tilted his head, a tired expression taking over his face. “I swear, that guy…”

Ellie arched a daring eyebrow. “Did you just out Oliver Queen in front of me?”

Bruce rolled his eyes. “Oh please, Rhodes, give me some credit. You’ve known his alter ego since this morning. Queen wasn’t even subtle about it.”

Tagging: @mellowstatesmanhandsempath @ravenmoore14 @alwayshave-faith @ikranfuad @daydreaming-gemini @bluegalaxyprime @liadamerondjarin @steph21369 @andrewswifes-blog

A/N: I had to add more details to that Arrow scene from Season 6 (when I was still watching that show before I couldn't take it and thankfully didn't see that series getting worse) to make it more obvious that Oliver totally insinuated Bruce was Batman, lol.

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watchtowerindistress · 2 years

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we are not our demons (5/24) - bruce wayne x batmom

Author’s note: The whole Batfamily is back, baby! God, I love Tim. Not to mention, Damian, my sweet little murder child.

I don't know any American junk food, so I just picked some that I found on an online shop, lol. Oh man, it’s Jason Todd’s birthday.

Beta-read by Axolotyl Alot and Heidi.

Words: 2.1k

Please reblog/leave a comment.

Series Masterlist | Want to be tagged? | Read on AO3

And it’s easy done

Our little remedy

And the reason comes on the common tongue of your loving me

-Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue) by Hozier-

Okay, easy. Deep breaths.

It probably won’t be so bad.

Jeez, please, Bruce, be crime fighting.

With these thoughts running in her head, Ellie sucked in a deep breath before ringing the doorbell to Wayne Manor.

Her body felt like it was crawling through molasses when she lowered her arm against her hip.

The heavy wooden doors didn’t hold back Barbara’s yell, “Hold on, Alfred, I got it!”

Muted chuckles erupted from Ellie’s chest, right before the door was wrenched open. Barbara’s blazing red hair fluttered in the air at the light draft.

Ellie raised her eyebrows, seeing Barbara try to appear unruffled by her appearance.

“Oh hey, you,” Barbara said, leaning against the doorjamb after a few awkward attempts to find the right position.

Ellie sent her a grin in return, eyes narrowing. “Hey yourself. I brought food.” Plastic bags rustled in her arms when she raised them in the air. She tilted her head, correcting herself just as quickly, “Well, candy.”

Barbara snorted, inspecting the various products of Sour Patch Kids, Twizzlers and Doritos. “That’s the best food for a movie night. Come on in.” She waved her inside.

Ellie looked around, seeing everything still in place since she left. The brunette smiled in appreciation when she saw Alfred standing in the kitchen, making drinks.

“Miss Ellie,” the gray-haired butler said with a small smile on his face, his white apron still fastened around his neck. The words “Your opinion was not in my recipe” were displayed on the cloth. “It is wonderful to see you grace us with your presence.”

It felt like she never left.

Ellie’s mouth quirked into a lop-sided smirk. “I hope that wasn’t sarcasm.”

Alfred shared a small smile with her. “I have used that phrase before but with you, it is not meant ironically.”

A herd of feet ran down the stairs. “Trust me, Alfred here used that sentence on Damian and me before, and you would notice a difference.”

Ellie turned as soon as the voice of Dick reached her ears. She sent him a grateful smile. “Hello, Richard.”

“Hey.” The dark-haired young man stepped closer to wrap her in a short but tight hug, enveloping her in his warmth. “Nice to see you again.” Ellie felt instantly at home again when his familiar blue eyes twinkled with delight.

“You too.” She momentarily stroked his side affectionately.

Ellie felt someone’s eyes on her and slowly distanced herself from Dick to find the rest of the Batfamily gathered around the living room.

Wait, what did she just call them in her head?

Damian was standing a few feet away from her while Tim—sweet Tim—was standing by the couch, unsure how to react around her.

“It seems you do remember us.”

Ellie sighed and closed her eyes in defeat upon hearing Damian’s biting words of condescension. It appeared as if all the progress they had made together, all the hardships they went through, was for nothing.

However, Ellie knew of the one thing they both shared: stubbornness for days.

She didn’t consider the Wayne heir as unimportant. Before everything went crazy, Ellie wanted to get to know this anger-fueled kid and help him.

Unfortunately, it was her pride that got in the way when she abandoned all of them. After some time to contemplate what happened, maybe time was all she needed to move on. Not only for herself, but for the sake of these boys.

Ellie bent down, putting herself at eye-level with the youngest Wayne. Damian’s black hair had grown longer at the front, and he was clenching his jaw.

“How could you ever think I would forget you? I would never,” Ellie whispered fervently.

Damian inhaled a deep breath, crossing his arms over his chest while staring head-on at her. “Yes, I’ll believe that when I see it.”

Ellie shook her head with deep regret. “I’m … sorry, Damian. I didn’t mean to hurt any of you. If you thought that I stayed away–”

“Oh, please.” The raven-haired boy rolled his eyes, which were shining with hell-bent determination, refusing to believe anything from her. “Don’t pretend to care for any of us.”

“Damian,” Dick admonished his little brother.

“No, it’s …” Ellie bit her lip and waved a hand, mulling over her next words. Her gaze remained on his eyes. “You have no idea how truly sorry I am that I hurt you, but I’m willing to … come over more often. Make an effort. Whatever it takes to rebuild our trust again.”

Just as long as Bruce gave his okay. She was so not looking forward to having that conversation. A very much needed one, but still.

Ellie shrugged, sending the young boy a soft smile. “Trust me, I got all the time in the world, Damian.”

His big brown eyes were staring back at her, analyzing her facial expressions to determine if she was being deceitful. Finally, he only shrugged, giving her the only answer she would get out of him.

A snort freed from Ellie’s lips before she straightened again. Her gaze landed on the second-youngest child in the household. Ellie’s smile turned bittersweet while watching the boy twist on the balls of his feet, swaying nervously by the furniture.

“Tim, do you want to say ‘hi’ to Ellie?” Barbara’s voice inquired softly next to her, who leaned forward with her hands on her knees.

Tim remained silent as his wide eyes were gazing back at Ellie with heavy uncertainty.

“I’ve missed you, Tim,” Ellie breathed with a breaking voice, sending him a small smile. She watched with bated breath as Tim slowly moved towards her, like he was testing the waters. Ellie was afraid to move even a single muscle, trying not to scare him away. Before she could process what was happening, his arms wrapped tightly around her middle, seeking comfort.

Tears pooled in her eyes as she knelt to the ground, hugging his body in return.

“Missed you too,” Tim whispered into her neck.

Both of them tried to ignore the soft-eyed gazes lingering on their touching moment.

Ellie cleared her throat, venturing a look around. “So, uh, Babs…?”

“Yep?” All of them were gathered on the couch and its armchairs when the first movie of the evening started. Alfred’s drinks were spread out on the coffee table while they were munching on their snacks. Ellie thanked God that she had taken into account the huge stomachs of the boys to be filled, especially Dick’s.

“So … where is Bruce?” Ellie whispered quietly. Her head was leaning down while facing the TV screen.

Barbara sent her a brief glimpse before saying, “Well, the usual, you know? Crime fighting and stuff.”

Ellie quietly exhaled a breath of relief and tried to quench that rising feeling in her belly that felt like disappointment. Barbara studied her facial expression when she opened her mouth to say something.

The elevator made a dinging sound down the hallway.

Betrayal was shining in her eyes when she slowly turned her head at Babs who only raised her arms in surrender, like she truly didn’t know. Ellie felt her heartbeat thumping rapidly in her chest when she turned her head at the sudden noise. Her eyes widened comically in shock.

Heavy footsteps echoed against the walls. Ellie was slowly looking up—and hoping to evade this situation as long as possible—to discover Bruce in his comfy clothes he tended to only wear at home.

He was wearing his dark-brown sweatpants and a gray Henley with the sleeves rolled up, Bruce’s well-toned arms on full display, popping veins included. Tension was reinforced through his whole body with the way he was standing ramrod straight in front of her.

Oh.

They must have painted a funny picture.

Ellie’s expression resembling a character from a horror flick while Bruce stopped in his tracks, rendered speechless and motionless. Barbara bit her lip in anticipation, and Ellie was sure that Alfred was literally eating his popcorn and enjoying the show that was unfolding before his eyes.

“Bruce,” Ellie breathed unevenly and instantly felt like an intruder.

Bruce still looked the same and yet so differently. He still had that stubble which was driving her absolutely crazy, and his thick hair was framing his face. Dark circles weren’t present when they were still together.

“Ellie,” Bruce murmured quietly, “I did not know you would be here tonight.”

The brunette cleared her throat, putting her bowl of chips back on the table before standing up. “Yes, it was … kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing.” Nervously, Ellie twisted her fingers and felt the epitome of unease all of a sudden. “Can we talk?”

For a few suspenseful seconds, Bruce was gazing at her with blinking eyes before finally answering, “Sure.”

They wandered into the hallway, just around the corner, in hopes of maintaining some privacy. Yet she could definitely hear the volume of the TV being lower than before.

Ellie chewed on her lower lip at the same time her hand brushed through her hair. She fixed her eyes on his hazel-colored ones and tried to ignore how her racing heart only emphasized her emotional turmoil. “I’m sorry, Bruce. I should have let you know that I was going to be here.”

He furrowed his eyebrows and cleared his throat. “No, uh, it’s fine. The boys have missed you.” Bruce seemed to bite back his words and shook his head. Instead, he rolled his eyes when he remembered something else. “And probably Barbara too since she misses the female company around here.” His hands were hidden in the pockets of his sweatpants, Bruce rocking on the back of his feet.

With the way he was standing so close to her, it was hard not to get swept in his musky scent. Oh God, he still smells so good. His bulging arms only coiled her stomach in tight knots.

Ellie snorted. She could only guess how hard it must have been for the woman to grow up more or less with no female companionship around. Only full-blown testosterone, 24/7.

“And…” Bruce was trying to wrench something from between his teeth. “I have missed you as well.”

Ellie stared up at him. Her affliction was a dry throat after swallowing thickly. Her throat felt raspy with her next words. “I have missed you too. I mean, all of you guys. The boys were on my mind all the time.”

Bruce turned his head away briefly, composing himself. “Okay, sure.” He revealed a tense smile.

“Look, do you think we can stay civil with each other? If it is okay with you, of course. Trust me, I don’t want to make things weird between us.”

Bruce nodded, hiding his hands in his pockets. “Of course, I’ll be out of your hair then.”

“No,” Ellie exclaimed and shook her head vehemently. Almost like a reflex, her hand touched his arm. Both of their gazes met Ellie’s stroking hand, right before she wrenched it away like his skin set her body on fire. “You should stay with us.” She smiled softly at Bruce. “Come on, the boys would really love this.” Ellie rolled her eyes in humor. “And Babs. It would really mean a lot to them. Please.”

Their gazes brushed when Bruce probably understood the deeper meaning to her unsaid request. That this would mean the world to her as well.

Bruce blinked, and his face softened at this newly found revelation. “Lead the way.”

As soon as they walked together back into the living room, the rustling sounds of pillows reached their ears. Once they finally entered everyone tried to appear nonchalant.

Weren’t these guys, with some exceptions, supposed to be vigilantes operating at night?

During the rest of the movie Ellie felt her cheeks redden with embarrassment when quick and conspicuous glances were thrown their way.

Real smooth, guys.

Once movie night ended, Ellie found herself so tired that she did not even make a fuss when Bruce followed her to the door. But she was lucid enough to draw the line at accepting his offer to stay in one of the guest rooms of his house.

“You know, it’s really late, so I was wondering—” Uncertainty coursed through her on how to phrase her words and if Bruce would even accept what she was asking from him. “—if we could talk tomorrow.” Her next words sounded like a stutter. “At my place. If you want. I mean, we probably did just now … a bit, but still–”

The corners of Bruce’s mouth twitched. “I’ll be there.”

And just like that, Ellie could finally release the breath she had been holding the whole evening. It was hard for her not to let pessimism and worst-case scenarios run rampant through her head.

“Okay, cool.” She nodded. “That’s great.” Before she could talk herself out of it or him, Ellie ventured down the stairs and stepped into her car to drive off.

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