Things aren't so bad for Damian thanks to Roy being there to take on some of the heat and Bruce is thankfully for that even though he is sorry that Roy has to go through this on top of everything else. He's also thankful the kids didn't try to lead Roy to the cave, he's not so thankful that the kids carried Damian to the cave. Their argument? Damian is his biological son, he deserves to know what his father and siblings are up to.
Honestly, they just want Damian to join them and the only reason why they didn't show Roy is because he is still healing from Oliver's... parenting.
At least Damian and Stephanie are enjoying training to be Robin together.
Jason hasn't been on patrol since the explosion, instead, he spent his night learning to move like The Bat with the help of Cassandra, who had taken time off to train Stephanie, Damian and Jason.
As to why Jason is training to move like The Bat...well...ever since that day he no longer feel comfortable being Robin and had chosen to be a Bat, of course, he isn't going to be called Batgirl and he doesn't really like the idea of being called Batboy so he settled on the name Batling.
Their training is going slow because they are only training at night so they can spend the day with Roy...until Roy decided to sneak out while he's about to bust a drug deal.
Luckily he placed a spell on Roy so he managed to catch him before he can escape out his window, he left his kids to take care of the drug bust, the criminals know better than to hurt his children by now.
"What are you doing?" The Bat chirped, having teleported into Roy's room as he is climbing out of the window.
Roy is so surprised by The Bat's sudden appearance and voice, he did not expect someone the world had deemed a Demon to sound like this. "I-I..." He swallowed nervously but pushed on because if he is planning on being a hero in Gotham City, or even just living in Gotham, he can't be afraid of the one Gothamites see as their guardian angel. "I want to help protect Gotham. It is my home now and I can't just sit back and do nothing." He said, with each word he grows more confident and determined to protect Gotham.
The Bat is studying Roy closely and perhaps it's because he's looking so closely or maybe it's because he's more in tune with Gotham, but there is no denying what he saw. He saw the very moment Gotham claimed Roy as hers and he felt relief wash over him.
"Roy," The Bat reach up to pull off his mask to reveal Bruce Wayne. "If you want to go out on the streets you'll need a lot more training." He smiled in amusement as crashed then try and fail to reboot for a few minutes.
He let out a chuckle when he can't hold it in anymore and quietly lead him down to the cave where Jason, Stephanie, Damian and Cassandra are more than happy to see him and let him join their training.
The bad thing about Roy finally joining them is that his children are now spending both day and night training so they are improving much faster than before. It also means they are begging him to let them out and as he had said many times before, he is a weak man, that's why he is currently leading Roy, now going by the name Arsenal, into The Riddler's hideout.
"Eddie!" The Bat chirped to get his attention and smiled in amusement as Edward, Jonathan and Jervis turns to him, Edward with delight in his eyes, Jonathan with anger in his eyes and Jervis with tired annoyed eyes. "Tea party?" He turns his amused smile into an innocent one.
"And you're uninvited." Jonathan hissed, he still hasn't forgiven him for calling his work junk food.
"Missed you." The Bat ignored Jonathan as he walk straight to Edward and nuzzle him gently while purring.
"Isn't that someone's sidekick? That stupid one who dressed up as an off coloured Robin Hood?" Jonathan growled, not liking how Edward melts under the attention he's getting from The Bat.
"I am no one's sidekick! Not anymore, I'm Arsenal now." Arsenal growled back at Jonathan, he is surprised to see how The Bat interact with his villains, even though he had been warned by his Colony.
Arsenal is wearing what seems like a normal black hoodie at first but closer look you can see that his gloves are actually connected to the hoodie and there is a big red bat on his chest with its wings spread to his fingertips, an idea he had gotten from Dick, that he wears with pride. He wears a black utility belt, blood-red pants and black combat boots. The only thing from his time as Speedy that he kept is his bow and arrows but that is only until the custom made ones Bruce had ordered for him are ready and even then there's a possibility he won't be using bow and arrows for long. He has been training in more weapons and he had taken a liking to bolas, The Bat and his Colony used fear more than they fight and the kids have been warming him up to the idea of how funny it would be to watch criminals fall onto their faces because their legs got entangled.
The Bat nods in agreement. "Partner in training." That is what he sees all his children, as partners in training instead of sidekicks.
"Is he the one you brought to see me?" Edward asked, he might used to be someone's sidekick but he is now a Gothamite and under The Bat's wings so he will treat Arsenal as one of The Bat's Colony.
"Yes...and no." The Bat took a step back and lift up his wing.
A black blur shot out from the shadows and attached itself to Edward's chest while singing a mix of bird songs and bat chirp.
"Little Wing?" He might look different now but Edward can still tell it's his Little Wing, the Robins have nicknames to tell each other apart and he had picked up on them. The first Batgirl is just called Batgirl, the second is called Black Bat and together they are called Batgirls.
The one called Little Wing grinned as he jumped off Edward and spin around so he can take a better look at him. He looks like Batgirl with black fur instead of dark purple and blood-red instead of yellow. "Batling now." He proudly pats his chest, the scarf Edward made him is wrapped snuggly around his neck.
All their scarfs are well-loved and only Dick's scarf has ever been damaged. A criminal has the bright idea of shooting near Dick but not actually hitting him to scare him off and accidentally hit his scarf instead. Dick was so heartbroken and distressed, he couldn't be comforted by anyone but Edward who fixed it up for him on the spot. And as for the stupid criminal...well he'll heal...sooner or later. Until then, he has a nice comfortable room in Arkham all to himself.
Edward smiled softly. "That's a very nice name, Batling, but do you mind if I continue calling you Little Wing?" He's the only one outside of the Colony who calls them by their nicknames and it makes him feel special.
Batling trill in delight. "Yes! Call me Little Wing, Eddie!" He attached himself back to Edward's chest all the while purring happily.
Edward smiles as he places his hand on Batling's back to hold him steady even though he knows Batling won't fall off even if he starts thrashing around like an angry bull, The Bat's children are all very clingy.
"Quit hogging Eddie!"
As their attention is all on Batling; they didn't notice that the rest of the Colony had arrived and there is two new members, both of them are Robins.
Jonathan groans loudly. "Great. There's more of them..." And let out a shout when Jervis hit his side with his elbow.
"Hush now, Love. None of that." Jervis said to his boyfriend before turning to Edward. "We'll be going now. We can continue this unbirthday party another day." He drags his pouting boyfriend out before he can do anything to piss off The Bat.
The Colony as a whole ignores Jonathan and Jervis as they gather around Edward.
"This is Baby Bat," The first Robin, Aka Big Bird, pick up the mini Robin and put him and Edward's lap once Batling had climbed onto the backrest of Edward's chair to make space for the youngest in their Colony. "And this is Changeling." He gestures to the only blonde female Robin.
"Baby Bat and Changeling? That's curious names for birds." Edward studied the two new little ones.
"Changeling is Changeling because she can't settle on a form yet." The third Robin, Aka Baby Bird, explained, completely ignoring Edward's curiosity towards Baby Bat's name.
Baby Bat look up at Edward with wide innocent eyes that tells The Bat that his children had planned something and now his youngest is going to put it into action.
He was proven right when Baby Bat let out a loud cheerful "Mama!" Before hugging Edward tightly while purring joyfully.
Edward's bright green eyes widen and his jaw drops as runs into an error it's unable to process. Did he just...
The Bat is just as speechless as Edward. He knew that his children had planned something, and the smug look on all their faces is enough to tell him that they are all in this.
To be fair to the children, they have been watching the two lovesick idiots for a long time now and they are sick of it, especially Big Bird. He has been watching them the longest and he would like for them to get together before he is old enough to move out of the nest, not that he would move out even if he can.
The newcomers, Roy, Stephanie and Damian were told stories of their interactions and Stephanie was fully on board from the start. Roy was a little sceptical at first but warmed up to the idea while Damian outright refused to be on board...at first.
Every child wants their parents to be together, Damian isn't any different but the longer he stays in Gotham the more he had come to realise that his daddy is too good for his mommy.
"If Mommy can't stay in Gotham to be with Daddy then she doesn't deserve him." Damian had once told his siblings and gotten angry when Dick pointed out that their Dad could have left Gotham to be with her. "To even think that our Daddy, The Bat, would leave Gotham for anyone is stupid. There's no one in the world good enough for him to leave Gotham for." His words made his siblings so proud of him, he had spoken like a true Gothamite.
It is the realisation that his Mommy isn't good enough for his Daddy that allowed Damian to open up to other options, he might have wanted his parents together but he would want them to find happiness elsewhere if they can't find it with each other.
He gave everyone a chance but in the end, only Edward is truly worthy of being with his Daddy.
Which is why he is currently clinging onto 'Mama' for his dear life and shrieking his displeasure when his Daddy tries to pull him away.
The Bat sigh and send his other children away when Baby Bat show no sign of letting go. "I'm sorry about him, Eddie." He said once his other children are gone. He isn't worried about them, the criminals know better and his children know who they should stick with and how far they can be from one another.
Edward leans back and gently rest Baby Bat's head against his chest. "It's alright, Bat. I don't mind." He hums softly as he gently pats his back and smiles when he falls asleep.
The Bat watched with fondness in his eyes. "You're good at this." He said as he pull Jonathan's chair over to Edward's side so he can sit next to him. "I could never get him to sleep so quickly." He's always fighting him for more time to train...
"You're a wonderful father, Bat. You're raising more kids than most people can handle and raising them well." Edward hopes The Bat can't hear his heart speeding up as he hides his face in Baby Bat's hair so he doesn't see his blush.
The Bat is silent for a while before speaking up. "You're a good man, Eddie. Why don't you take up Bruce Wayne's offer?" He's an idiot, a smart idiot but an idiot nonetheless. He can track down criminals, figure out who the killer is with little to no clues and yet he is unable to tell that Edward is head over heels in love with The Bat.
Edward's hand stopped mid pat at The Bat's question. "There is someone I might never be able to meet like we used to again." He said softly as he rest his hand on Baby Bat's back.
"He doesn't care if you visit your friends as long as you're not planning anything illegal with them." The Bat hopes he would be able to get Edward to reform where Bruce had failed.
Edward shakes his head. "It's not one of the Rogues...I know I'll be able to see them again..." After all, Ivy still comes to their gathering and she is still welcomed even though she isn't a Rogues anymore.
The Bat frowned as he tries to figure out who Edward could be talking about. "Then who?"
Edward sighs softly as he lifts up his head to look into The Bat's eyes. "You, I'm afraid I won't see you again if I reform." His eyes tear up at the thought of never seeing him again and he let his emotions get the better of him, he spill the secret, not so secret, that he was planning on taking to his grave. "I love you, Bat. I've loved you from the beginning. I know we can be together because I'm human and you're...a creature of the night," He's unsure of what The Bat is, no one is sure what he actually is."But being able to spend time with you like this? I don't want to give it up..."
The Bat's eyes widen in shock. Edward likes him? Was it obvious? Why didn't he realise it before?
His heart is pounding in his chest, he can continue to pretend to be a creature of the dark and not know what he's talking about or he can reveal everything...
Over the years he had found himself falling for the Prince of Conundrums but he had always been afraid to act on it because he has never shown any signs of wanting to reform and he can't risk his children's safety by acting on his love only for it to backfire but now... He could give it a chance...
The Bat gently cup Edward's cheek and gently wipe his tears away as he uses his magic to scan for cameras or unwanted people before he starts speaking. "What if I am no longer a creature of the night?" He asked softly.
Edward closed his eyes and lean against The Bat's hand, dangerous claws gently brushing against his skin as he wipe his tears away. "I don't care what you are. I fell in love with your beautiful brain," He open his eyes look right into The Bat's eyes. "I continue to fall deeper in love with you as we spend so much wonderful time together, as I keep learning more about you, and I don't want it to ever change."
"Everything's got to end sometime. Otherwise, nothing would ever get started." The Bat said softly, more to himself than to Edward. He should take the leap and trust Edward.
Edward shakes his head desperately as he clings to The Bat's hand. "No, I don't want to change anything if it means losing you." He can't help the tears that are now flowing non-stop. The thought of losing The Bat...he would rather die.
The Bat's heartache as he watches Edward cry. How could he ever doubt his love? How could he walk away without telling him the truth?
"Eddie..." The Bat whispered and gently lift up Edward's head. "We have to end this so we can start something new." Once he's sure there isn't anyone around and he won't be recorded he removes his mask.
The look on people's faces when he unmasks in front of them for the first time will never fail to amuse him. "Edward, I love you as well and I want you to take up my offer so you can be by my side." He said softly as he gently hold his hand.
"Ho-how..." Edward managed to stutter out.
Bruce knows that Edward is asking how a human can do everything The Bat can but he decides to take it as Edward how he can fall for him. "The time we've spent is precious to me, Edward. I've always looked forward to your challenge and I don't know how or when but one day I realised that my feelings for you had bloomed into love. It continues to grow every time I see your handsome face, hears your beautiful voice, see your wonderful brain at work. I've never been so in love with anyone as I am with you."
Edward blushed at Bruce's words, they are sweet but it's not what he's asking and he managed to stutter it out while trying to hide his bright red face.
"You'll be surprised what someone can do with the right train, enough creativity and magic." Bruce smiles at how cute Edward is and leans closer until their lips are almost touching. "May I?" He whispered.
Edward answered by closing the distance and kissing him gently. He has to fight back his moans as he wraps his arms around Bruce and deepen the kiss.
Bruce purr softly as he return the kiss but before he can do more the sound of a picture being taken filled the room and he pull away and look down to see his very awake son grinning on Edward's lap with Tim's camera in his hands.
"Don't mind me." Baby Bat chirped innocently. "I'll just be going now." He quickly dives off Edward's lap and into the nearest shadow to teleport away.
Bruce sighs softly. "I am so sorry about him. He must have planned this with his siblings."
"Wait a minute... If you're Bruce Wayne then... What are you doing letting children fight crimes!?" Edward yelled in anger as he shot to his feet and glared at Bruce. He might love him but letting children run around fighting crimes? He won't allow it! He has come to love the children as his own and he won't stand to have them hurt. And he knows for a fact he only has one daughter so there is the problem of him letting someone else's daughters fight crime with him.
Bruce let out another sigh as he rubs his face. "I really don't have a choice, they have made it very clear that this is what they want and they aren't going to stop." He understands Edward's anger, he isn't happy that his children want to be crime fighters but there's nothing he can do to stop them. "I've done everything to make sure they are protected and safe, as you can see they are all healthy, happy and safe."
"But still! Isn't your youngest only 4?" Edward argued as he cross his arms.
"He was raised by his mother to be an assassin, this is actually a huge improvement from what his life could be." Bruce can't help feeling like he did when Alfred first found out he's allowing Dick out with him... He doesn't like the feeling.
"Wha-" Edward shake his head. "Clearly I need more information here."
Bruce nods in agreement and holds out his hand to Edward. "Yes, but not here."
Edward still blushes even though he's mad at Bruce for putting his children, and other people's children, in danger as he reach out to take his hand. He blush harder as he's pulled closer and rested on Bruce's chest as he cover them with his cape for a second.
Which is all the time needed for their surroundings to change. Instead of the warehouse he's using as his hideout they are now in a cave that is remodelled with a training area, medical wing, a huge high tech computer and an empty space filled with trophies from The Bat's more interesting cases.
"Dick insisted that we keep them as memories of the cases but I am pretty sure he just thinks they are cool." Bruce chuckle softly when he saw Edward staring at their trophies.
"Master Bruce, Master Edward, how nice of you to join us." Alfred greeted from his place in the middle of Bruce's group of children.
Bruce has a tired look on his face as he looks at the grinning faces of all his children. "Were you in on it too, Alfred?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about, Master Bruce." He might say that but the slight smile gave him away. "I've baked some cookies, why don't you have some before going to bed? I'll prepare a set of pyjamas for Master Edward and leave them in your room as it is too late for me to prepare a guest room." He said before leaving. Bruce knows that's a lie, it is never too late for Alfred to open up a guest room for their guest.
Bruce sighs loudly as he covers his face. "Okay, so everyone was in on this..."
Barbara smiled sweetly as she gently pat Bruce's arm. "It's for your own good, Bruce. You're not getting any younger."
Bruce looks offended. "Are you calling me old?"
"Noooo~ I'm just saying that by the time you finally work up the gut to ask him out you'll probably have white hair~" Barbara giggled with the rest of the children.
Bruce turns to Edward. "Do you see what I have to deal with?"
Edward rolls his eyes. "You're the adult here, Bruce. You have to be firm." He turns to the children and places his hands on his hips as he lists out how dangerous it is to be fighting crime and why they should stop.
"Bu-but we want to help..." Dick pulled out his sad puppy dog eyes.
"Gotham our home..." Cassandra followed her big brother's lead, looking like a sad kicked puppy.
"Daddy made sure we're safe!" Tim makes himself look smaller than he actually is as he looks up at Edward with pleading eyes. "Please don't take this away from us..."
They learnt, to the delight of the children, that Edward is as much of a pushover as Bruce. Edward is horrified at how quickly he gave in as the children cheered.
Bruce gently pats Edward's shoulder, he knows very well how he feels. "You'll get used to it. The best we can do is to make sure they are safe." He gently kiss Edward's cheek and left to change as his children run towards Edward and tackle him to the ground.
"Thank you, Eddie!" The children chirp happily as Edward struggle to free himself from the pile of children.
"Okay, that's enough," Bruce said as he walk back to them in a simple white shirt and sweatpants. "Go change and go to bed." He shoos them away and helps Edward onto his feet. "Come on, let's get out of here before they come back." He whispered to him as he lead him upstairs and to his room.
"I can't believe that I gave in so quickly!" Edward whined once they are alone in Bruce's room and drop onto his bed. "How are they able to do that?" He groaned and buried his face into one of Bruce's pillows.
Bruce laughed softly as he sat down next to Edward and gently pat his back. "They are good kids, Edward."
"Oh there is no denying that but it doesn't explain how they got me to give in so quickly." Edward roll to Bruce's side to cuddle with him. To others, they might seem to be moving fast but they spent years thinking they have no chance with each other, they have a lot to make up for.
Bruce smiled softly as he wrap his arms around Edward and can't help thinking how perfectly he fits in his arms. "They are cute children and it's hard to say no, especially when they work together." He leans down to kiss Edward.
Edward returned the kiss as he use Bruce to pull himself up so he can push him onto the bed and deepen this kiss. "You should make it up to me for your children ganging up on me." He smirked down at Bruce as his eyes take in his body.
Bruce smirked as he gently tag Edward's shirt. "If you really want me to make it up to you don't you think you are a little too overdressed?"
Edward is quick to strip off his clothes at Bruce's words. "Do you have some ropes?" He asked innocently.
Now Bruce has been with both man and woman before but his sexual encounter has been limited because he had been more focused on his training and in his past life he had been happy to stay single and had no interest in sex his whole life so his experience with sex is limited and he never thought to look it up so he has no idea what Edward would want ropes for but he summoned the ropes with his magic anyway. "What do you need it for?" He asked curiously.
Now Edward is a proper genius, but it doesn't take a genius to realise that Bruce has no idea what he has planned and it delights him. "Oh you'll see, take off your clothes." He ordered, licking his lips and watching with hungry eyes as Bruce obey him immediately, taking off his clothes and kicking them to the ground. His smirk grows wider as he repositions Bruce's body to his liking, something dark inside of him purr in happiness when Bruce moves obediently and stay in position as he ties up the curious man.
He loves Bruce Wayne with all his being but he would be stupid to gloss over the fact that he is The Bat, the one being that criminals in Gotham fear more than anything. A powerful being even if he turned out to be human, and for him to have the most feared being in all of Gotham tied up under him, looking up at him with so much trust in his eyes... Well, it does things to a man and let's just say they won't be getting much sleep tonight.
~Next morning~
"Good morning everyone~" A cheerful Edward entered the dining room with a limping Bruce following behind him.
Bruce tries to walk as normally as he can and put on a turtleneck to cover his neck, note to self, the spell doesn't protect the person from any marks left behind by sexual activities, but his children's, the ones old enough to know about sex, grin tells him that he isn't doing a good job at hiding anything from them.
"At least we know who's the bottom in the relationship." Dick is looking too smug for Bruce's liking.
"What does that mean?" Jason looks up from his breakfast curiously.
"You'll find out when you're older." Bruce quickly said and slowly lowered himself into his seat as Edward happily take the seat next to him.
"Dad okay?" Cassandra asked with worry in her voice, she's able to see his discomfort by his body language.
"I'm fine, Sweetheart." Bruce gives his daughter a smile.
"He's more than fine, he had a wonderful time with Eddie last night~" Barbara giggled, she had stayed over because her dad had the night shift and they, as in her dad and Bruce, had agreed it isn't safe for her to be alone at home for a long period of time.
Bruce cover his face to hide his blush as Edward grinned proudly and thank Alfred for the breakfast.
"I'm going to get you released into my custody later," Bruce said when his blush is finally gone and he was able to lift up his head. "You'll be helping my children with their studies until we can agree on a job you'll enjoy." One of the reasons Edward keep rejecting his work offer is because none of them was to his liking, or at least that's what he had said.
Edward shrugs his shoulders. "I'm fine with that, it means I can spend more time with the little ones and get to know them out of costume."
Stephanie scrunches up her nose. "I'm not part of this, right? I'm not your kid." She had stayed because her mom works night shifts so no one would know she isn't home.
"If you want to keep your scholarship and run around with us at night." Bruce isn't going to let any of his children sacrifice their studies for their nighttime activities no matter how much they beg.
"Don't worry, it'll be fun." Edward still has a grin on his face as he digs into his breakfast, too happy to let anyone or anything ruin his day.
Stephanie groan. "Fine." she grumped as she play with her food until she is corrected by Alfred.
"You know, I'm technically not your kid as well and Oliver is still paying for my school fees..." Roy said in hopes of getting out of studying more than needed as Stephanie throws him a look of betrayal.
Bruce smiled in amusement. "My house, my rules. You'll have to keep up your grades if you want to join us." He chuckled when Roy let out a loud groan.
"It isn't so bad," Dick speak up. "Eddie gave us some lessons in the past and he always made it fun and easy to understand for us."
"Of course, you're my student, not my intellectual challenger. I won't make it unnecessarily hard for you." Edward promised.
"And what about last night while you were teaching all those new things?" Bruce whispered into Edward, making sure to cover his mouth so his children can't read his lips.
Edward smirked as he run a hand over Bruce's thigh. "You're still my intellectual challenger even though I'm teaching you new tricks~" He purred, doing nothing to hide what he was doing as he lean closer to Bruce.
"Seriously? There are children in the room, Dad, Eddie." Dick looks annoyed, he wanted them together but he didn't think it'll turn out like this! At least his dad has the decency to be embarrassed, Eddie still has that smirk on his face. "Changing the subject before we throw up, Barbara and I got together."
Bruce turns to his oldest in surprise. "Really? Since when?"
"We've liked each other for a long time now but we agreed to only get together once we got you together with Eddie because you needed a lot of help." Barbara give them a pointed look. "And we will be taking it slow like we are meant to, unlike some people who shall not be named." She smiled in amusement when Bruce blush in embarrassment again.
"You know, you look very cute when you blush like that~" Edward purred, not at all bothered that there are children in the room and is pleased when Bruce blush brighter.
"My god... Get a room!" Roy demanded, he wanted them to get together as much as the rest of Bruce's children but not if they aren't going to keep it PG when they are around!
"That's a very good idea~" Edward press himself against an alarmingly red Bruce. "How about we go back up to your room? You can take some time off work and worry about everything tomorrow~" He playfully nibbles his ear, there is still so much unmarked skin.
"And that's it." Dick got up and with the help of Barbara and Roy they got the rest of the kids out. "How about we go to the park?"
"But Daddy!" Damian whined and pouted, reaching for his father with grabby hands as Dick carry him away.
"I'm not done eating..." Tim grumped, looking at his pancakes longingly as Roy carry him out. He's not a morning person so he should at least be allowed to finish his breakfast if he is going to be awake at this time.
Once Bruce can no longer hear his younger children complain he turns to Edward with an unimpressed look. "Did you really have to do that?"
Edward smiled mischievously as he shrug his shoulders. "Payback for piling on me last night."
Bruce furrows his brow. "Didn't I make it up to you all of last night?"
"They still need a small punishment." Edward gently kisses Bruce. "Besides, now we have time for just the two of us."
Bruce hum softly, he won't deny that it is nice to spend time with just Edward. "But still, don't do that again in front of the children."
"Meaning I can do what I want with you when we are alone?" Edward grinned as his hand move dangerously close to Bruce's crotch.
Alfred entered the dining room and clear his throat to get their attention as he gives them an unimpressed look. "You have a meeting in an hour that you still need to get ready for, Master Bruce."
"I forgot!" Bruce shoves the rest of the food into his mouth to the displeasure of Alfred before standing up. "Do you mind filling Edward in? I didn't get the chance to tell him anything." At least he knows better than to talk with his mouth full.
"Of course, Master Bruce."
Bruce smiled. "Thanks, Alfred." He turns to Edward and kisses him gently. "I have to go but I'll be back as soon as possible." He promised before rushing out to get changed, leaving his lover with his father figure.
Edward smiled as he watch Bruce leave, enjoying the view until Alfred place his hand on his shoulder.
"We have plenty to talk about, Master Edward."
Edward does not like the hand on his shoulder nor the tone in Alfred's voice, he has a feeling they will be talking about more than what Bruce had in mind...
~That night~
Bruce didn't manage to return home early but Edward didn't mind, he was still able to spend some time with Bruce before he left for his patrol... And he's also still a little nervous because of the talk he had with Alfred so he's behaving himself, especially with the man in the same room as him.
"Take care of each other and come back safely." Edward gently kisses Bruce's cheek.
"We will." Bruce promised as he steals a quick kiss before putting on his mask.
It still amazes Edward how quick the change is. Once the mask is on Bruce no longer moves like a human but each and every moment still comes so naturally to him and it is the same for all his children, even Roy's movements are different now that his mask is on.
He watched them step into the shadows and disappear before turning to Alfred, he'll be helping him while they are out fighting criminals.
~On a rooftop in Gotham nearing the end of their patrol~
Edward did a great job feeding them information through their comm line and keeping them updated on each other but now it is time for them to wrap things up and head home.
Or at least they would have wrapped things up and left if it wasn't for the superhero now flowing in front of them, a very nervous superhero who's smart enough to know that he is unwanted yet stubborn enough to be floating right in front of them.
Arsenal is willing to do all the talking so The Bat stood back and let him do all the talking.
"What are you doing here, Superman?" Arsenal asked as he cross his arms. "I'm not going back no matter what Green Arrow say."
Superman shakes his head, looking very uneasy. "No, I'm not here to talk to you about going back, Speedy. I'm here to speak to The Bat about joining the Justice League."
Arsenal glare at Superman. "I go by Arsenal now and you're not going to speak to The Bat." He knows there are people around them so he raises his voice. "I WON'T ALLOW YOU TO TAKE THE BAT FROM GOTHAM!"
This would never work with criminals but against a hero? It is probably the best weapon they can use against them.
And what is this weapon? Why the innocent citizens of course!
Superman is confused as to why Arsenal would yell and was going to ask but rocks being thrown his way and bouncing off his back stopped him.
"Get away from The Bat!" Superman turn around and is surprised to see the people who throw the rocks is a group of children.
Before Superman can say anything a black figure appears in front of the children and he felt fear for the children when he realised who the figure is. He's going to protect the children from...the Bat Demon? They aren't sure what he is but they know he is dangerous and he won't allow him to hurt innocent citizens! But he's surprised when he heard what The Bat is saying to them, he is teaching them the correct way to throw and stepped aside to let them continue trying rocks at him!
Superman floats down to have a word with the children throwing rocks at him. "You really shouldn't be throwing rocks at people, it isn't nice."
The sound of a shotgun being pumped made him turn to the sound. "It also isn't nice for an alien to trespass and try to take what doesn't belong to him." The old man with the shotgun growled as he slowly move to stand in front of the growing crowd of people standing protectively around The Bat without taking his eyes off the unwanted hero.
"Get out of our city! You're not welcome here!" A woman in the growing group yelled.
Superman holds up his hands to show that he means no harm. "I am just here to invite The Bat to join us in protecting the world together."
Someone in the group snorted. "Yeah, protect the world together, too bad Gotham isn't part of that world."
"That's not true! We'll be helping each other if there is ever the need." Superman said quickly even though it is obvious he wants to be anywhere but here.
"Yeah right!" A girl in the group of children that threw the first rock at Superman yelled. "Where were you when Gotham is stuck in a gang war? I know you have been flying around helping everyone but Gothamites for years by the time the war started so where were you? Where were you when my big brother who looked up to you as a symbol of hope for a better future died? Where were you when my Big brother died protecting me when one of the gangs blew up the building we were in? Do you know what his last words were? 'Don't worry, I'll protect you until Superman comes to save us.' But you never did." Tears are flowing down her face now but she continues. "You never came even with so many people screaming for help and you're supposed to have superhearing, you made yourself to be a symbol of hope for everyone in the world but you ignored the one city that needed help the most because you are a coward!"
"All those so-called heroes are cowards." A man spits the word hero in disgust. "None of them has ever bothered to lift a finger to help us. I've lost my wife in the gang war and would have lost our baby, the only light left in my life if The Bat didn't save him. After years of the world as a whole turning its backs on us; Gotham decided to protect us herself by giving us a protector and you think you are entitled to take him away from us? Over our dead bodies!"
The crowd of people cheer in agreement as they form a tighter group around The Bat, who is now comforting the crying girl.
Superman is speechless, for all the world's joke about The Bat being a Demon they never stop to think how Gothamites see their protector, a Dark Guardian Angel is Gothamites' needs after years of bright shiny heroes ignoring their cries for help. After all, when the light turns its back on you and you have no other hope; you turn to the dark.
But...it couldn't be...right? He knows that he has never been to Gotham as Superman before this day but surely the others have...
"I-I'll give you some time to think about that offer." While he heads back to find out how badly they had messed up a city that was rotting from the inside.
"Don't bother showing your face here again! He won't accept it!" Someone yelled as Superman sped away from the city the world had failed.
