Perhaps it's because of how excited Wally is that Barry finds himself looking forward to their visit to Gotham City.
But that excitement died not even a minute after they entered Gotham when an arrow buried itself into the ground where they would have been if they were a step quicker.
"Dude! What the hell?" Kid Flash yelled as he glare up at where the arrow came from.
Roy, going by Arsenal now, landed in front of them with a grim look on his face. "You can't be here." His eyes were hard and cold even though he tried to keep his voice soft and gentle.
Kid Flash is confused. "What are you talking about? You invited us remember?"
Flash noticed the eyes on them now, unfriendly eyes, and he want nothing more than to grab his nephew and run out of there but stayed to hear what Arsenal has to say.
"Gotham is mourning the loss of its people who lost their lives in the hands of people who were supposed to protect us." Arsenal growled, remembering how depressed Bruce was, remembering how it had affected the people he now sees as his family once they managed to get the truth. They had to stop Jason's rage-filled rampage before he could leave Gotham to wipe out America's Government for their trespass against Gotham and for making their precious Father feel like a failure.
Jason had become protective of Bruce after an incident that those who were there refused to speak of, all he knows is that it had something to do with Joker and even though Jason had forgiven Gotham's Chaos; he would never forget what happened.
Dick, Cassandra and Tim were also there but even though they weren't as closely involved as Jason was, they had become protective as well, not as violent as Jason but just as dangerous if Bruce is hurt in any way, especially Dick.
Barbara wasn't there even though she was a part of their life at that time because she was in the hospital but she is still protective of Bruce. Even if he isn't her father, even though she still has her father, a sweet loving father, she had come to see Bruce as another father to her, her second father figure and she is protective of him, especially after being told what happened to him. She is the only person who wasn't there but was told the whole truth.
Duke is still new so he isn't as protective of his new father...yet. Barbara, Dick, Cassandra, Jason and Tim will make sure he is protective of him by the end of the month as they had with himself and Stephanie. Damian is still young, but growing up with Talia as his mother and then being raised with his siblings had made him just as protective of their Father as his older siblings even if he doesn't know about the incident.
In the children's eyes, even though their Father is capable of being merciless to the evil that littered the streets; he also possesses the biggest heart they have ever met, a kind and loving man they have to protect as he protects them, with their all and with no mercy to the one who hurt them.
And there are also the adults in Bruce's life, Joker isn't protective and more than happy to let Bruce deal with his problems but Alfred and Edward...they are scary on their own but together they make a deadly team. Alfred, who had raised Bruce as his own and watched him suffer throughout his childhood would not stand to have someone else adding to his pain while Edward, who loves Bruce more than anything in the world can't stand his Love being anything but happy.
It is only Bruce's insistence that they don't make enemies with the Government and cause more trouble than they can handle that stops them from letting out their anger but with the heroes here so soon after the news is announced to the rest of Gotham...Arsenal is surprised they haven't been attacked yet.
Kid Flash's eyes widen in horror. "The Bat killed them!?" He did not make the connection that Gotham should be protected by more than The Bat and his Colony.
"No!" Arsenal snapped at his friend in anger for thinking that The Bat can kill one of their own. He had to force himself to calm down because it isn't his fault that he doesn't know the truth. "The U.S. Government kidnapped Joker's victims and essentially withheld treatment so they can experiment on them. They were put down by Uncle J as an act of kindness so they don't have to suffer anymore."
"Why would he? Can't they administer the treatment?" Flash furrow his brow, not liking what he's hearing.
Arsenal shakes his head sadly. "No, the gas has been in their system too long. It is impossible to reverse it and it is much more merciful to end their lives." He pulls out a USB stick and throws it to Flash. "Everything you need to know is in there, nothing more, nothing less. You can come back one month from now, The Flashes are more than welcomed in Gotham as long as they are invited." He said before turning around and walking into the shadows where a pair of glowing white eyes are waiting to whisk Arsenal away.
The USB stick is pure black, inside is proof that the Government had kidnapped Gothamites and experimented on them. It is a copy of the original that is kept in the Batcave, ready to be used one day to keep Gotham safe from the Government.
"You need to go home and I need to call for a meeting right now." Flash said seriously and followed Kid Flash home and make sure he'll stay there before calling for an emergency meeting.
As much as Bruce wanted to stay home and hide from the world; crime doesn't stop just because he's not in the mood to be The Bat and he can't let his children go out alone.
But never in a million years would he even think that he would be kidnapped by a Talon...is it kidnap if he went willingly but his kidnapper doesn't know he went willingly?
Anyway, he went because he wants to deal with the Court of Owls as soon as possible...and he doesn't want to risk them going after Dick or his other children, in or out of costume.
So here he is, growling and snarling like a caged animal at the people surrounding the cage he's in. People wearing white owl masks are looking down at him and he's sure if he can see their eyes he would see the hunger in them, the hunger for power and control.
"This...is The Bat everyone is so afraid of? The one Gotham created to be Order? How...primitive. I can see why it managed to fail Gotham." One of the male members spoke.
The Bat continued growling, not letting his surprise or anger show as he crouch down to make himself as small as possible, letting his wings pool around him and hiding the fact he is positioned to attack once the door is opened.
"Now now, as primitive as it is it's still powerful and it has a growing number of...'children' we can use so it is good for...something." Another male member said mockingly.
It made The Bat angry, not that they keep calling him it or the fact he had failed Gotham, it's the fact they think they can use his children for whatever they have planned, that they can control his children. It made him so angry that he didn't care to find out what they have planned for him, he disappeared right in front of their eyes and before they can even panic he appeared in their view again as he's tackling the member that suggested using his children. "If you dare touch a single feather or fur on their heads, I will make you wish you were never born." He growled demonically as he keep the scared man pinned under him and ignored the screams around him.
"You don't kill..." The male member said in a shaky voice.
The Bat grinned maliciously, looking very much like the demon everyone outside of Gotham think he is. "There is more than one way to make someone regret being born." He growled as he dig his claws into the member's neck but did not break the skin...yet. "I can inflict so much pain onto you without you dying~" He doesn't enjoy hurting people...unless the person he's hurting had angered him, and he's someone who's rarely angry. Annoyed, yes, but not angry...unless it has to do with people he cares about, especially his family.
"What are you doing just standing there?" A female member screeched at the Talons standing around them.
The Bat tighten his hold on the man's neck but that is the only sign he had tensed up. He sends out waves of his magic to use like echolocation as he keeps his eyes on the man under him, it is a technique he used whenever he's hunting with his children so he'll know where they are at all times.
"We are the Talons, we were created to serve Order as their weapon. You, The Court of Owls was created to serve Order as their hands that guide their weapon. We have overlooked your crimes for too long and you have grown bold, thinking the servants can control their Master is unforgivable." One of the Talons spoke as he stepped forward. "I am the first Talon lucky enough to be chosen by Order. I fought alongside him for years, I was from before all of this, from when the city was brick and wood. The first Order left his Legacy in my hands and I have failed him. But I, Uriah Boone, will not fail his successor and the first order of business is to cut away the rot." He pull out his custom scythe with a chain hook on the bottom, a gift from the First Order he had kept well maintained. "Talons, kill off every single member of the Court of Owls. Leave not a single one of them alive." He ordered before launching forward to take down the members now running away in fear.
The Bat was not expecting this at all but even so, he doesn't show his surprise as he lets go of the man and takes a step away from him so he can watch the bloodshed around him.
The man immediately clings to The Bat's leg as his fellow members are slaughtered around them. "Ple-please save me. I'll give you whatever you want!" He begged. "Killing is against your rules!"
"I do not kill." The Bat growled as he look down at the man who was so arrogant before begging him on his knees. "But it doesn't mean it is against my rules." He grinned as the horror of the situation finally settle in for the horrible man. "I do not allow my children to kill because they are still young. But once they are grown they will decide for themselves if they wish to kill and I will not stop them as long as they only go after the worst criminals crawling around Gotham's Street." With that, he disappeared from the man's hands and watch the massacre from the shadows with only his narrow glowing white eyes visible.
Once all every single Court of Owls member is killed; Uriah turned to the shadow The Bat is hiding in, he walks over towards him and kneels down in front of him with the other Talons following his lead. "We, The Talons, are yours to comment and do as you please. We will accept our punishment for our crimes under the Court's order." Uriah kept his head down and tried to seem confident with his words but The Bat can hear the nervousness under his confidence.
The Bat keep his eyes on The Talons as he reaches out to Gotham for the first time, feeling her joy that her youngest is finally asking her for help. He asked if they could be trusted and got a wave of fondness and loyalty from his Mother, it took him a long time to accept it but he can't deny that Gotham is his Mother and she has been his Mother long before he knows about his role as her Order.
His Mother's fondness for The Talons, the only thing that remain of her first Order, and the loyalty that took him a second to figure out did not come from her but from The Talons. They are loyal to him in ways that the League of Assassins would never be and they are all Gothamites. He knows that he can trust them and with the Government closing in on them he needs more people he can trust.
"Weapons are not to blame for the crimes committed with it, if you truly are acting as the Court's weapon then the crimes committed are not sins for you to bare." The Bat said softly as he step out of the shadows. "If you wish to serve me raise your head and look at your new Order."
Every single one of them lifts their heads, he wonders if Calvin is among them or if he had already escaped.
"Last chance, if you wish to leave I will let you go free to live your life." The Bat does not want them to think they have to stay but when no one moved to leave; he reaches up and pulls off his mask.
He can see the shock in their body language as he gives them his TV worthy smile, having already scan the area to make sure it's safe before removing his mask. His eyes sweep over the group in front of him and pause at one Talon for their body language has devastation mixed in with shock.
Before he can do anything with that information that Talon shake his head while whispering 'No, it can't be, it can't be.' over and over again as the Talon next to him tries to calm him down "He can't be The Bat!" He yelled and shot up to his feet before the other Talon can stop him. "He is supposed to be safe and living his life happily with his growing family! You promised!" He screamed as he rip off his mask and throw it at the other Talon, who is probably his mentor with how they are interacting.
But that's not what Bruce is focused on, it is the fact the angry Talon looks like a copy of his father...but it can't be, his father died...didn't he?
Now he knows how people he has shown his identity to...and he doesn't like being on the other end of that stick.
Bruce clears his throat to get their attention before their screaming match turns into a fistfight. "Excuse me, if I can have an explanation it would be very much appreciated." He said calmly even though he wants nothing more than to demand answers.
"Do you really not know who I am?" The Talon who looks so much like his dad asked as he walk towards him while taking off his gloves. "Did our parents erase me from my baby brother's life?" He gently cups Bruce's cheeks in his hands as he looks down at him like he is something precious that needs to be protected and yet his voice holds so much anger and sadness.
"...I was raised as an only child, I didn't know I have an older brother..." Bruce said softly, wondering why Alfred never told him as he examine his brother. He is a perfect copy of their Father is not for his eyes, they are ocean blue like their Mother instead of their Father's sapphire blue eyes.
"My name is Thomas Wayne Jr., I'm six years older than you." Thomas gently stroked Bruce's cheek. "You have our Father's jawline and eyes but everything else is from our Mother...you're such a beautiful mix of our parents." He smiled sadly as he greedily take in every single detail of his brother.
"There's so much I want to tell you, do you know that I was your first word? ...Right, they erased me from your life." Thomas said bitterly, their parents erased him and let his baby brother forget about him, how can he forget them for that?
"I'm sure they have their reasons." Bruce takes in all the new information. He has no plan for this, he never even thought this could happen to him but apparently, his life isn't complicated enough.
Thomas shakes his head. "It would be nothing but excuses. They thought me dead so the least they could do is keep my memory alive through you but they didn't." He is so angry that if their parents were still alive they won't be for long.
Don't get him wrong, he loves his parents but his baby brother is everything to him. He was only able to hold on for so long because of him so for them to let his memory fade... It is unforgivable.
"I would like to know more about that, is you are supposed to be dead then how are you still here? And why are you a Talon?" Bruce doesn't like the dark look in Thomas's eyes, it reminds him of Harvey when he learnt that he was being bullied by his classmates...it did not end well and if he didn't throw his name around Harvey could have gotten into big trouble.
"The Court wanted a Wayne under their thumb so they faked my death so they can train me. You were only two when I was taken so I don't blame you for not remembering me." Thomas pulls Bruce into a hug. "I've never forgotten you, I've done everything they wanted just so I can keep you safe."
"...Were they behind Mom and Dad's death?" Thomas would have been a teenager when their parents were killed and teenagers can be rebellious so it won't surprise him if they ordered their parents' death to keep Thomas in line.
"Yes, they did it to keep me in line because I was trying to escape from them." Thomas hug Bruce closer. "They would have gone for you next if I step one toe out of line..."
Bruce closed his eyes as he wrap his arms around his brother. "It's not your fault, it is theirs for being greedy." He pulls back and smiles at Thomas. "I would like to know more about you, especially about our time together."
"You have such a beautiful smile..." Thomas gently stroked Bruce's cheek again. "Your first smile was directed at me, the first time you started crawling, your first step, it was all to me. You were my little shadow, always wanting to be close and copying everything I do. I still remember you crying your heart out when I have to leave for school and only stopping when you're in my arms clinging to me." He smiled at the memories.
"It must have been annoying." Bruce can't believe that's how he used to be as a baby.
Thomas shakes his head. "I would give up everything and go through the hell the Court put me through again just to go back to that time." He gently holds Bruce's hand in his. "Look at you, you've grown up so well... Do you know that you were a premature baby? Our Mother was in an accident when she was only five months pregnant with you and they had to deliver you so they can save her life. I remember the first time I saw you, you were hooked up to so many wires and you weren't able to breathe on your own. You were so tiny and no one thought you would be able to make it through the night but now look at you." Thomas smiled like a proud parent. "You've done so well for yourself and done so much good. Looking at you, no one would think that you were born fighting for your life."
Five months? That's cutting it close, isn't it? And for him to grow up without any health problem...was he chosen before he was even born?
The hum from his Mother confirmed he hit the nail on the head.
"I was only able to make it without any health problems because of Gotham. I was chosen before I was even born." Bruce watched as the smile fall from Thomas's face.
"So there was no way for you to avoid this fate..." Thomas is pained at the thought his brother was born to carry such a heavy burden. "I guess I can't be too upset when it was the only reason you were about to grow up strong and healthy." He smiled slightly.
"And with a growing family, I want you to meet them and I'm sure Alfred would be happy to see you again."
"In my memories, Alfred has always been protective of you but I guess he got over it seeing as he lets you run around fighting crimes." Thomas isn't happy that the same man who would scold him for not being gentle enough towards Bruce would in turn let him run around cleaning up the streets of Gotham with his children.
Bruce chuckles softly as he shakes his head. "I didn't give him much of a choice. I told him I was going to do it with or without his help and he decided that it's better to help me rather than let me do it alone." He turns towards Uriah. "I am going to spend time with Thomas tonight but I'll be back tomorrow if there's nothing my kids can't handle. In the meantime I would like all of you to get rid of any remaining Court, the Court of Owls is over." He gives the Talons one last look before teleporting his brother to the Batcave.
~Batcave~
Barbara was training with Alfred and Edward as she would be moving out of Gotham to study soon but doesn't want to stop helping her family so she would be helping behind the scenes and she had even picked a new name for herself!
Her job was to keep an eye on Bruce while Alfred and Edward focus on the children; thus she saw Bruce's kidnapping and everything that happened after...well not really everything. Bruce turned off the camera on his mask when the killing started since he is aware that Barbara had stayed behind today and is probably the one watching over him. He did turn his camera back on right after the killing and she immediately request that all the children return when Thomas pulled off his mask.
Alfred looked like he saw a ghost when he saw Thomas and had to sit down with a cup of tea to calm his nerves as Edward help the children finish up their work to return as soon as possible.
Edward managed to get the kids back just as Bruce return with Thomas and they are more curious than surprised to see their father with his brother but they kept quiet and let Alfred stumble to his feet as he rush to Thomas's side. "It's you. It really is you, Master Thomas..." He lifts his shaky hand to stroke Thomas's face with tears in his eyes. "But how..."
"My death was faked and the body was stolen before anyone can take a closer look at it." Thomas said softly as he look at the man who had stayed to raise his brother. He can't be mad at him even if he had hidden him from his brother but he has to know. "Why did you hide me from Bruce like a dirty little secret?"
Alfred's eyes saddened at Thomas's question. "Your parents never stopped looking for you, Master Thomas, but with how heartbroken Master Bruce was; they have decided it would be best to let him forget and introduce you to him once more when your body has been found so they can give you a proper burial. I've wanted to tell him once he had come into my care but the time was never right and I couldn't bring myself to tell him that he had a brother who passed when he was younger, not when he's already in so much pain..." Alfred looked ashamed as he continued. "He was so much happier when he returned even though he had become The Bat. I have never seen him so happy since he saw his parents being gunned down in front of him and I selfishly wanted to protect him from any more pain even at the cost of keeping you hidden from him forever."
Thomas sigh softly and gives Alfred a slight smile. "I can't be mad when you are just trying to keep Bruce safe and happy." He still doesn't like it but he understands and he would do the same in his shoes.
"Now that is out of the way, you should meet your nibling, they are dying to meet you." Bruce is glad Thomas isn't mad at Alfred anymore and would have given them more time together if his children doesn't look like they are a second away from busting with curiosity.
"I already know everything I need to know about them." Thomas smiled as his nibling rushed over to meet him. "I've heard from the others that your oldest looks like his great grandfather."
Dick stopped in his tracks when he heard that. "My great grandfather...?" He asked in surprise.
"Oh...right. You couldn't have known about it..." Thomas rubs his neck. "Your great grandfather was a Talon, he was ordered to kidnap your grandfather to be raised as the perfect Talon and he killed himself once he learnt what his actions did to the one he loved with all his heart." He sighs softly. "You have to understand, he couldn't go against the Court because they threatened to kill your great grandmother if he didn't do as they say. The only reason your grandfather isn't a Talon right now is because your great grandfather was the only one who knows how to contact Haly's Circus and he took it to the grave with him. It was the only way he knows he can make it up to the family he failed to protect."
"Wh-who? Who was he?" Dick asked as he appeared in front of Thomas instead of taking a few more steps.
He loves his family but he has always been curious as to where he came from. He didn't tell Bruce because he doesn't want him to think that their family isn't enough...but he has a chance to find out now...
Thomas smiled softly. "I didn't know him personally, he was gone long by the time I become a Talon, but I've heard about him from the other Talons. His name is William Cobb and your great grandmother's name is Amelia Crowne."
Bruce already knows that from his past memories and he watches in amusement as his children, Alfred and Edward try to process the bombshell that is dropped on them.
"Holy shit! You're a Crowne! You're related to Oswald!" Edward is the first to snap out of it and is excited for his friend. "He's going to be so happy! He has been looking everywhere for you, he has even joined all the DNA tests on the market."
Bruce walks over to his son who is still in shock and gently rests his hand on his shoulder. "We don't have to do anything with this information, Dick. We can continue life as it is." He said softly as he hook his finger under Dick's chin and lift his head up. "But no matter what you do with this new information the fact that you are my son would never change. I will always love you with all of my heart." He gently kisses the top of his head. "Nothing can change my love for you."
"I-I...I don't want anything to change but..." Dick rubs his arm as he looks down at his feet. "If people know who I am... If Cobblepot knows who I am... He would stop commenting crimes and take up your offer, won't he?"
"He would if you ask him to." Edward said softly as he gently rest his hands on Dick's shoulders. "Family is more important to him than money and I want you to acknowledge your relationship with Oswald because it would make him happy but I won't ask it of you if it makes you uncomfortable and I won't love you any less if you don't do it."
"Can I have some time to think about it?" Dick asked in a small voice as he look everywhere but the two people who had become his parents.
"Of course, take all the time you need." Bruce gently kisses his forehead again. "I'll show Thomas around the house." He said to give Dick the space he need.
"Well, it is about time for my meeting anyway so I'll be going." Edward said as he ruffle Dick's hair.
"The Rogues Gallery at the Iceberg Lounge, right? Don't get too drunk and call if you need anything." Bruce said as he drag Thomas to the changing room.
"How did..." Edward trailed off when he realised it was the wrong question, of course, he would be able to figure it out, he's The Bat. "How long?"
Jason smirked. "Since the first time, you guys met up. Dad was worried you guys were planning something big but when he saw you were just hanging out he let it go."
Tim nods. "Dad said that you'll cause less trouble if you are just hanging out and it's good that you're all socialising."
Edward froze, since the beginning...that means... "How many times did Bruce check in on us?"
"Only the first time, he sent us to check on the meeting after." Barbara smiled in amusement, knowing why Edward is so worried.
Edward sighed in relief, at least Bruce didn't hear him singing his praises as he didn't open up to the rest until months after their first meeting. As much as he loves being praised and praising Bruce it would be a little embarrassing for Bruce to hear him fanboy over him.
"You know~ We could always tell Bruce what you said or have him look through the recordings~" Stephanie smiled innocently as she play with her hair.
Edward narrow his eyes. "What do you want?" He isn't as naive as Bruce when it comes to the children even though he still gives into them pretty easily.
"Less homework. We're getting more than enough from school already! We don't need even more from you!" Stephanie narrows her eyes as well as she points at Edward.
Edward crosses his arms. "They are for your own good, the ones your school gives you are below your level."
"Then get them to give less homework!" Stephanie throws her hands into the air. "I want to bring Cassandra out and I can't if we are stuck home doing homework!"
"I can talk to your teachers about giving you less homework if you continue to do the one I give." Edward was going to have that talk anyway, he isn't happy with how below their level their schoolwork is.
"Yes!" Stephanie cheered as she jump for joy. "I'm going to take Cassandra shopping for a new makeover!"
Edward chuckled softly, he'll keep the fact that he was going to do it anyway to himself so he doesn't ruin the mood. "Then I'll be going now." He teleports away before the others can blackmail him.
Unlike Bruce, he enjoys driving but he can't deny how convenient it is to be able to teleport to the nearest shadow of the location he wants to go.
Edward hum to himself while swinging his cane as he walks past the bouncer, who is smart enough to let him in without any trouble. "Oswald! It's good to see you again!" He had to hold himself back from telling him what he had found out.
Oswald is shocked to see him at first but it soon turns to nervousness. "No one else could make it so how about we do this another time?" He tries to shoo Edward out.
Edward raises an eyebrow, too curious to leave without answers. "What's going on? Are you planning something? Maybe I can help?" Bruce won't ask and he won't tell so it won't hurt for him to look over Oswald's plan.
"Oh, you can help me." Edward heard Harvey's voice behind him as a gun is pressed up against his back. "I have a little problem you can help me solve." Harvey growled into Edward's ear.
"Now Harvey, let's calm down and think this through before you do anything you'll regret." Oswald said calmly as he tries to diffuse the situation before the young Riddler lose his life.
"Oh but I am calm and thinking clearly." Harvey said calmly. "I'm just going to have a talk with Eddie over here, isn't that right, Eddie?"
Edward swallowed nervously and forced a smile for Oswald. "Yeah, we're just going to talk, don't worry about it, Oswald. I'll see you at the next meeting." He gives Oswald a wave as he's being led out by Harvey, knowing that he won't step in to save him because he doesn't want to start a war.
Harvey leads Edward to an empty alleyway, knowing that it will stay empty because no one dares get between two of The Bat's Rogues, even if one of them is no longer in the business.
"Now, let's talk." Harvey growled as he slams Edward into the wall. "I know that I have told you to stay away from Bruce." He pins Edward to the wall with his free hand as he presses his gun against the side of his head. "And what did you do? Worm your way into his heart and home. Why? To get closer to The Bat?"
"I truly love Bruce with all my heart, Harvey." Edward said as calmly as he can as he did the magic equivalent of spamming the button. This is Bruce's problem and he really should have told Harvey a long time ago...besides, he isn't about to test Bruce's protection spell to keep his secret.
The Bat appeared before Harvey can reply and knocks the gun out of Harvey's hand while pushing him away from Edward and placing himself between them. "What are you doing?" He growled, as much as he loves Harvey as a brother, he isn't happy that he was threatening the love of his life.
"It is none of your business, Bat! Stay out of this!" Harvey snarled as he pulls out another gun and point it at The Bat.
"Actually, it is very much his business." Edward cut in before The Bat can speak as he rests his hands on his hips. "You need to tell him the truth, I am not going to deal with your overprotective brother figure just because you are scared."
The Bat let out a sigh as he scans the area and pulls off his mask because Edward is right. He shouldn't have to deal with Harvey because he's afraid of being rejected.
Harvey's eyes widen and he dropped his gun when he saw his little brother smiling at him nervously where The Bat was just a second ago. "WHAT THE HELL!?" He yelled, his undamaged side of his face turn red in his anger.
Bruce's face fall but before he could do anything Harvey continued. "Why didn't you tell me you were The Bat? God I've shot at you! I've tried to kill you and you still visited me like nothing happened!" Harvey is angry at Bruce for not trusting him with his secret and pissed at himself for attacking Bruce even if he doesn't know it.
Bruce's eyes soften and relax now that Harvey doesn't hate him for being The Bat. "You've always joined me in everything even if you have no interest in it and I didn't want you to join this life I've chosen so I've never told you. After you have become Two-Face I fear that you would hate me if you know that I am The Bat." He gives him a small smile. "And I could never blame you for attacking me, even if you knew who I am. You've always been there for me and I will always be there for you even if you hate me..."
It is impossible for Harvey to stay mad at Bruce, especially when he looks nervous and scared of being rejected by him. "I don't hate you, Bruce." He stroked Bruce's cheek. "I could never hate you but I do wish you would have told me sooner."
Bruce smiled and throw himself into Harvey's arms now that it is confirmed that he doesn't hate him. "I'm sorry, Harvey. I really am."
Harvey chuckle softly when he found his arms full of Bruce still dressed as The Bat. "I forgive you for not telling me but don't do it again." He hugs Bruce close and narrowed his eyes when he saw how pleased Edward is. "I'm still not happy that you're with Edward, but at least you're not his plan B." And he had lost his reason to kill Edward and dump his body into the ocean.
Edward smirked as he cross his arms. "But if it wasn't for me you won't have known Bruce's little secret, no one else was going to give him the push he needs."
Harvey grumped unhappily because he knows it is true but doesn't want to say it to Edward.
Bruce chuckles softly as he lets go of Harvey. "But now that you know, how about coming home with me and taking up my offer?" He gives Harvey a pleading look, the very same one his children are always giving him.
Harvey crumbles under that look, but only because it's from Bruce. "Fine, but only because I miss Alfred." He actually misses going over to Bruce's house to hang out with him. It always feels more like home than his place because Bruce is there.
Bruce smiled brightly as he wrap his arms around Harvey again. "Alfred would be so happy to see you and the kids would be excited to meet you!"
In Bruce's excitement, he had forgotten his big brother who is waiting patiently for the return of his baby brother, but Edward didn't forget. He's happy that Harvey and Bruce are closer than ever but with everything he has seen of Thomas and what he knows of Harvey? It's probably not going to end well.
