A/N: I started this on 11/11/2022. I just had to write something for him.
A Difference
"C'mon, Bruce!" Dick was leaning against the computer console with his arms crossed.
"I said I don't," Bruce kept typing.
"Not even a little."
"No."
"You don't think about your death at all?!" Dick said, disbelievingly.
"We do what we do and I think about it?" Bruce asked.
Dick considered that. "Okay, I kinda see your point."
Bruce stopped typing and leaned back, "Listen, Dick," he turned toward Dick, "be it the Joker, a mercenary, or an alien invasion, I'm not immortal. Of course, it can happen."
"Okay, what about old age?"
Bruce slowly raised an eyebrow. "Old age? Me?"
"Yeah, you. If anyone could survive to then, it's you."
"Not likely."
"Humor me. If you make it that far… what do you wanna leave behind? Like… when your time comes."
Bruce thought it over for a minute. "A difference."
"A difference?" Dick asked.
"Yes. A positive one. People may never know I was Batman. In fact, I prefer they didn't. But, be it Batman or Bruce Wayne, I'd rather leave behind a positive difference."
"In the world?"
"If it all possible. But… to be honest… if I leave behind a positive difference in a single life… that's enough for me."
"You think you haven't for me? Or Barb? Or Tim?"
Bruce shrugged, "I hope it'll be positive. But only time will tell."
Dick smiled. "I'm sure it'll be way more than one life. As Batman and Bruce Wayne."
Bruce huffed. "As I said… time will tell."
"Thanks for telling me this, Bruce."
"Can I get back to work now?"
Dick chuckled, "Sure thing." He pushed himself off the console, "I'm gonna go see what treats Alfred's cooked up."
"Fine." Bruce turned back toward the computer.
Dick was almost to the stairs and stopped. He looked back toward his mentor, "Bruce."
Bruce turned and looked at him.
"It is way more than one life. I promise."
Bruce stared at Dick for a moment then smiled.
For Kevin
Rest in Peace, Kevin Conroy (November 30, 1955 – November 10, 2022)
Thank you for being Batman