Chapter 23: A Change in Me
For many years there was nothing Bruce hated more than being Bruce Wayne. This was because to the world Bruce Wayne was your stereotypical rich playboy, few took him that seriously and he had to constantly act mildly interested in women he knew were just interested in his money. Now there were some perks to this facade and at times he did enjoy this lifestyle, particularly the favors he got from the ladies. But most of the time it was the bane of his existence, as he would have to drag himself to another party where everyone self congratulated themselves for what "good" they were doing. He'd have to plaster on a smile and pretend he was the party boy he truly wasn't, that was until he had Dick.
Dick brought new meaning into his life and made it so he could change his whole image to something far more genuine and easy to maintain. He got to transition from frivolous playboy to doting daddy, which was a much more fulfilling role to play. He was taken more seriously, viewed more respectfully, and he felt happier thanks to a sweet little boy who loved him. Thanks to his precious baby bird he didn't have to go to as many parties, and even if he did go he got to leave earlier to go take care of Dick. For the most part he got to donate to the causes he wanted and go about more important business, do things that really meant something.
For example, today he was planning a gala for a foster and adopted children society and he didn't even have to attend. Or that's what he thought until he got a call from the president of the society he was helping out.
"Ma'am I'm sorry but I really can't attend tonight, Iâ" Bruce tried to say to get out of the party.
"Please Mr. Wayne, one of our speakers got sick and we can't think of anyone else who would be able to inspire donations, especially considering your own wonderful relationship with your adopted son. Not to mention that wonderfully inspiring episode you did on Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood last year.I know it's not convenient but we would so appreciate your help." The woman on the phone begged.
Rubbing his temples in frustration he knew he had to do the right thing.
"Alright I'll come up with a few words to say, I know this is an important cause." Bruce relented.
"Thank you Mr. Wayne, we couldn't appreciate your help more. The gala is tonight at 8 please don't be late." The President suggested as she ended the call.
"Of course, I'll see you tonight then."
"See you tonight, goodbye bye Mr. Wayne."
"Goodbye."
With that Bruce put the phone down and groaned quietly, he had been hoping to spend some quality time with his son before patrol but it looked like that wasn't happening. As he stewed over this fact Lucius came in with a clipboard and a knowing look on his face.
"I see the President contacted you about the gala tonight." Lucius said to his boss.
"Unfortunately, but that's the life of a billionaire philanthropist I'm afraid." Bruce said as he got from his chair.
"All good things come with responsibility I'm afraid Mr. Wayne."
From there the two walked around the office discussing Bruce's upcoming speech and the events that were going to take place that evening. It was all quite annoying to Bruce, till he received an unexpected surprise.
"So then I'll conclude with thank yous and encouragement to donate and then watch over the rest of the festivities for the night." Bruce said as he read over the notes Lucius had for him.
"Sounds about right sir, I'd there anything else I could do to help?" Lucius asked.
"No thank you Lucius, I think I have thisâ" Bruce started to say before a sweet high voice interrupted him.
"Daddy!" Dick squealed as he ran from the elevator to his father.
Immediately knowing his own child's voice, Bruce turned and crouched with his large arms open and a huge smile on his face. Within seconds he held his baby in his arms and began to cover him with affectionate kisses and tickles. He was so distracted doing this he didn't even notice Alfred walk up to him, Dick's backpack slung across his shoulder, with a very cheeky smile.
"Baby what are you doing here?" Bruce asked as he ceased his kisses and tended to Dick's now messy hair.
"I wanted to surprise you daddy, I missed you." Dick explained as he hugged his daddy.
Normally Bruce would pick him up from school, but he hadn't for a week and that made the little boy quite sad. He and his father didn't get a lot of normal father son bonding time so losing more of it only made him more forlorn for his father.
"I miss you too baby, I'm sorry I haven't been able to pick you up lately. I've just been very busy planning this gala." Bruce apologized, missing the bonding time he got with son as well.
"Daddy, could we get lunch together today?" Dick asked sweetly.
"Uh wellâyou see DickâI.." Bruce tried to answer, desperately wanting to go to lunch with his baby boy but knew there was still much to be done for the gala.
But then he saw his child's sparkling and pleading eyes, begging him to spend time with him. His heart about shattered at the sight so he looked to Lucius to see if he would be good on his own. Lucius winked at the billionaire, knowing all too well his boss could barely resist his son. Smiling widely at the fact he got to spend some time with his precious child he turned back to Dick.
"I would love to little bird."
"Yay!" Dick squealed happily as he tightly hugged his fathers neck.
Bruce felt just as happy as held his son a little tighter to his chest and smiled.
"I'll try to be back within the hour Lucius, call me if you need my help with anything." Bruce said as he started walking with his family to the elevators.
"I'm sure we can manage without you, now go enjoy some time with your son. You enjoy your daddy to Richard, it's nice to see you again little one." Lucius said as he ruffled the boy's dark hair.
"Bye bye Lucius it's good to see you again too!" Dick responded adorably.
Lucius couldn't help but smile at how adorable the little orphan boy was nor how much he had changed his boss. He remembered how Bruce was before he had adopted the sweet baby boy. His life was one of distraction and deception, either distracting himself with endless hours of work or liking to the world that he was some frivolous playboy seeking his next pleasure girl. Then came Dick and suddenly he made a total 180 with his life. He took time off of work, he displayed genuine love and affection, became the picture of the perfect father, and most importantly he actually looked happy. Not the fake smile and happiness he used to plaster on, but a real happy smile that couldn't hide how much he loved his boy. This was the new and almost true Bruce Wayne he had become, the one that he was changed into by one tiny little boy.
With all that out of the way the three drove to Dick's favorite restaurant The Mac'n'cheese Bar, the most popular family restaurant in Gotham, it was a welcome sight for a city that should be so scary and gloomy. Anyways the three were immediately given a table and greeted by their favorite waiter.
"Tony!" Dick squealed excitedly.
"Hey little guy, good to see you here, hello to you too Mr. Wayne." Tony greeted happily.
Tony was a tall slender young man of about 24, he'd known the two since they started going there a little under a year ago.He knew first hand just how much Bruce Wayne and Dick had changed over the last year of them being together. When he first met them on a random rainy day when business that day was a little slow he saw a lost man trying to figure out how to take care of a child and a sad little boy who was trying to process his own troubles as well as learn if he could trust and love this man who took him in. He watched as the two grew closer and closer and their bond in turn stronger and stronger with each visit to the restaurant he worked in.
He watched Bruce Wayne first hand become one of the most loving, doting, and protective fathers in all the families he had waited on. Tony remembered how all the media thought this was just a simple PR stunt meant to make him look better and that Dick was merely a toy for him to use as he pleased. But they didn't see what he saw, they didn't see the light and joy that radiated from little Richard's eyes and the love that was undeniably within Bruce for this tiny little boy. He knew their bond was as strong as any father and son he'd seen, if not stronger.
"The usual I'm guessing Mr. Wayne?" Tony asked as he began to jot down the Wayne's usual order.
"You know us too well Tony."Bruce said with a smug smile as he settled into the booth with Dick on his lap.
"What can I say? I'm just really good at my job. Plus my wife's pregnant so I gotta make all the extra tips I can." Tony joked as he went off to submit the order to the kitchen.
Once he left Dick and Bruce enjoyed some quality time together talking, coloring, and snuggling at the table together. This continued even after their food arrived as the two soaked in each other's company. But like all good things they must come to an end as Bruce had to return to work.
"Are you sure you don't want a ride back to work sir, it truly is no trouble." Alfred insisted as he watched Bruce strap Dick into his car seat.
"I'll be fine Alfred, I can take a taxi back." Bruce said as he checked on the tightness of the seat belt and straps around his son.
"But daddy I don't want to say goodbye yet." Dick whined as he sniffled a bit.
"Hey now don't cry baby bird, daddy's gonna be home soon, I promise. Can you be daddy's brave big boy and wait till then?" Bruce tried to say with a brave face, his son's tears almost always making him cave in.
"Ok daddy." Dick said as he tried to suck up his sadness and be brave like his daddy said.
"Good boy, now I'll work as fast as I can so we can have some play time before bedtime and I have to leave for the gala tonight. Goodbye till then." Bruce said as he kissed his son's head."
"Bye bye daddy, I love you." Dick said as he kissed his father's cheek.
"I love you too." Bruce said with a breaking heart as he kissed his son one more time and watched them drive off.
Once the two drove out of sight, Bruce went back to Wayne Tower to work. He and Lucius continued talks of new designs for both Wayne enterprises and his nightly activities. Then he made a call to the children's society to get the last details of the event. Following that he had his secretary help him write a speech for that night and then sent the transcript to the society to put it on the teleprompters. After he was sure all was done Bruce made his way back home having a whole 2 hours to spend time with his baby after only getting less than an hour earlier that day.
Together the two played a few make believe games Dick loved to play, had a lovely dinner, worked on homework, and Bruce gave Dick his bath. Once sure his son was all clean and clad in soft footie pajamas it was time for Bedtime. As was customary on non patrol nights Bruce tucked Dick into his large bed and read him a bedtime story. Today he read The Kissing Hand to the sweet little boy, but as he did Bruce failed to notice Alfred watching the two with a warm smile.
He couldn't believe how much his charge had grown and changed in the last year. Before Dick came along he was a brooding, reclusive, and angry man who lived his life like clockwork. He stuck to his routine, never strayed unless it was an opportunity to help him with a case. But now he smiled, he laughed, and was what Alfred had always wanted him to be, happy. In many ways he saw Bruce's father in him as he cared for the tiny boy and it never failed to put a smile on his face.
"Alright I've gotta go baby, sleep well and call Alfred if you need anything." Bruce said as he tucked in his baby and kissed him on the head.
"Ok good night daddy, I love you." Dick said as he kissed his fathers cheek and closed his little eyes, cuddling into Peanuts.
"I love you too Dickey." Bruce said with a happy smile as he closed his son's door behind him.
With all that complete Bruce went down to the garage and got in his maserati. Immediately he made off speedily to the gala to insure he wasn't late, it was the one disadvantage of the change of his Brucie persona, he had to be timely and very responsible. Within minutes he found himself in the valet parking line and was soon enough giving his keys back as he walked into the ballroom hall.
"Mr. Wayne! Thank you so much for coming, I know it was last minute but we very much so appreciate you coming!" A middle aged woman in a nice conservative dress came up to him.
"Of course Mrs. Calloway, now where shall we sit?" Bruce said as he offered the woman his arm.
"Follow me this way." Mrs. Calloway instructed as she had the billionaire follow her.
She led him to the ballroom which was absolutely packed with just about every socialite and wealthy person in Gotham. As they moved through the crowd Bruce could feel the eyes of nearly everyone looking at him.
"Is that really Bruce?"
"I haven't seen him around these types of events since the adoption!"
"Oh yes when he took in that foreign thing right?"
"He's ignored us since he got that brat, who else am I supposed to get to buy Prada for me!"
Bruce clenched his fists, using every muscle in his body to keep himself from beating up every person in that room. He hated it when people talked so derogatory of his baby boy, it was one thing to insult him, but another entirely to speak ill of a child. But ignoring them in order to keep up his Brucie façade he continued to follow Mrs. Calloway. Eventually they made it to a table and the two spoke for a little bit till the festivities began. Music started and the lights focused on a podium on the set up stage as Mrs. Calloway came up to it.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight's gala for the foster and adopted children's society. An organization that has helped millions of children find good and loving homes for the past 50 years. My husband, who unfortunately couldn't join us tonight due to an orphanage groundbreaking in India, and I have been honored to be with this wonderful charity for the past 20 years. Together we have seen the lives of both children and adults, changed forever by the selfless acts of adoption and fostering. We have the highest success rate of any government or other nonprofit organizations, due to our meticulous pairing process and background checks. This year alone we have already had over 100,000 families made. But don't take my word for these successes, today I'd like you all to hear from our speaker for the night. Who is not only a recent benefactor to our society but also a proud participant in our adoption process. Welcome everyone, Mr. Bruce Wayne!" Mrs. Calloway said gleefully as she led the clapping and walked away from the pulpit.
Bruce followed his signature Brucie smile on and laid his speech on the pulpit looking at the crowd.
"Thank you Mrs. Calloway for that flattering introduction, but this night is not about me. It's about the millions of children worldwide who face the death of loved ones, are abandoned, abused, and cheated by government systems too busy to help them. These poor orphaned and lonely children are not as fortunate as I who had money left behind by my parents, a plan for my care, and the luxuries I have been afforded. They suffer daily from starvation, abuse, dangerous situations, and untreated mental demons and struggles. I witness this first hand through my precious little boy Dick, who after the tragic murder of his parents the flying Graysons was subjected to the horrors of our crumbling foster and orphan care system.
He was subjected to poor food quality and nutrition, zero care for the trauma of watching his family die, unlivable living conditions, no protection from bullies and abusers, untreated illness, and a plethora of unfortunate and unspeakable horrors. However, thanks to the generous and caring work of this important charity I was able to find one of the most unexpected and greatest treasures of my life, my son. And I'm not the only one, millions of other infertile parents, generous benefactors, selfless foster families, and many others have been blessed by being given one of the greatest gifts one can be given in this by this charity, children. So please if you have any desire in your heart or room in your home, consider taking in one of these children. It won't be easy, believe me taking in Dick was a challenge, he needed so much comfort, love, guidance, and so many needs I thought I couldn't fulfill. But it was so worth it in the end, and if you can't adopt or foster for whatever reason, donate. These children need our help, we can make their adoption and foster experience so much easier by providing better initial care after their traumatizing experiences. They are our future and we need to help them grow into that responsibility today. Thank you."
After Bruce finished a roaring applause sounded off, many people crying and inspired, with a few condescending and callous laughs and glares from the self centered individuals in the crowd. Ignoring all of them with the exceptions of a few quiet thank yous as he got off stage. From there the party went on swimmingly Bruce mostly just talking with Mrs. Calloway and a few of the board members. At the moment they were finishing the dinner portion of the gala and we're in deep conversation.
"I'm just saying the Batman is a vigilante, no better than those criminals he claims to be against. If anything he's worse, not only does he interfere with the law, he brings a mere child into it as well." A make board member pointed out.
"I can see your point but him and the boy wonder have done much good for Gotham and I hear the bat is fiercely protective of the boy. I'm sure he didn't just bring him along for fun in a city like Gotham."
"Exactly, he should know better then, if he reallyâ"
"Gentlemen please there must be a far more interesting topic to discuss at this fine gala." Mrs. Callaway intervened, tired of the subject of Batman.
"I apologize madam but this is of great importance, it involves a young child and part of our mission as an organization is to ensure child safety and security in the hands of loving and safe adults."
"Precisely and I say the child is in perfectly safe and loving hands after almost a year of being at Batman's side. Mr. Wayne, surely you can weigh in on this!"
Immediately Bruce tensed up inside, but tried not to show it outwardly.
"I'm afraid gentlemen I must agree with Mrs. Callaway, it has been a wonderful evening and I don't thinkâ"
Bruce was then interrupted by the orchestra suddenly playing a waltz.
"I see the evening's dance portion has begun, Mrs. Callaway, would you do me the honors of the first dance?" Bruce said very debonair.
"Why Bruce Wayne you truly are as charming as they say, but yes I will, I don't think my husband would mind in this case." Mrs. Callaway said as she took Bruce's extended hand.
Together the two dance the waltz, both doing quite well till near the end Bruce's phone went off.
"I'm so sorry Mrs. Callaway I'm getting a call from Alfred, if you'd please excuse me for a moment." Bruce said knowing only one person called him on his cell, as he pulled his cellphone out of his suit coat.
"Of course Mr. Wayne, I'm sure it's important, take as long as you need." Mrs. Callaway told him kindly.
"Thank you." Bruce said as he walked towards the nearest corner of the ballroom.
He hoped the call wasn't dark knight responsibilities, he didn't want to look suspicious. Nonetheless Bruce flipped open the phone and pressed the answer button.
"Helloâ" Bruce said till a shrill wail entered his ear.
"Master BruceâI'm afraidâplease calm down Master Richardâ.we have an issue here at the manor." Alfred tried to say as calmly as possible all while he tried to hold Dick in his arms.
"What happened us Dick alright?!" Bruce asked frantically, knowing his child's crying anywhere.
"He had a terrible nightmare I'm afraid, he's been unable to calm down for the last half hour. I hate to spoil your evening butâ" Alfred started to say before the phone was seized by Dick.
"Daddy please come back, I'm scared!" Dick wailed through the phone.
He'd had the worst nightmare yet and no amount of help could seem to calm him down, he needed his daddy to come make it all better.
"I'm on my way Dickie, just keep calm, Daddy will be home soon." Bruce affirmed his scared little baby, his daddy instincts screaming at him to get to his child ASAP.
Bruce quickly walked over to Mrs. Callaway to explain the situation.
"I apologize Mrs. Callaway but I have to leave this instant." Bruce said with the utmost seriousness.
"Oh my so soon, is everything alright dear?" Mrs Callaway asked with great concern.
"My son is having a massive mental episode, he needs me to calm him down. Thank you so much for the wonderful gala, I look forward to future work with you." Bruce said as he shook her hand.
"The pleasure is all mine Mr. Wayne, your speech was simply inspiring, now go to your son. I'm sure he needs you desperately by now." Mrs. Callaway said in earnest.
Bruce was about to thank her once more when a loud drunken voice and a flaccid hand found itself on Bruce.
"Bruce*burp*Wayne, long time no see buddy, what's kept you away so long."
Bruce turned with a deep grimace to face his old Gotham academy class mate and infamous alcoholic playboy Derek Schroeder. He was the person that was as crass and uncouth just because he could be, and liked Bruce for some odd reason, though Bruce did not reciprocate those feelings.
"Derek Schroeder, I'm fine thank you, but excuse me I must go." Bruce said only to be stopped by Derek again.
"Hey what you leaving so soon for, come on have a drink with me." Derek slurred as he sloshed the open bottle of champagne he had in his hand.
"Maybe some other time, for now my son needs me so I have to go." Bruce said as he pushed past him.
"Your son? You mean that cheap foreign thing you got last year." Derek asked as he about puked on the floor.
Bruce stopped in his tracks and slowly turned around, his fists clenched.
"What did you just say?" Bruce asked in a deadly serious manner.
"You know that cheap foreign brat you got last year, thought you would have given the damn kid back by now. Or are you using him for some real kinky shit, that's what you're doing right?! Come on you can tell me, we're rich, we can do whatever we want, hey maybe I can come over and try him on for siâ." Derek yelled out before he was suddenly stopped by a strong large hand around his neck.
Choking, Derek looked down and literally peed his pants as he saw the scariest look he'd ever seen in Bruce's eyes.
"Don't you ever say things like that about my son ever, and if you come within five miles of him I will not hesitate to kill you. He is my baby, and I will protect him from sickos like you if it's the last thing I do, am I clear?" Bruce said in a voice far scarier than his angry voice or Batman voice combined, his daddybats voice, as he held Derek up in the air by his neck.
As this unfolded everyone watched speechless and silent but all thinking the same thing. The look in Bruce's eyes was not that of a madman or psycho, but of a father. A father who had just had his babies threatened, much like a bear whose cubs were taken.
Derek nodded the best he could and was then put down on the ground gasping for air. Everyone stared at Bruce as he then walked out of the room, everyone clearing out of the way if they were near his path. As he left many people whispered to each other, some thought he was crazy, others understood and said they'd do the same thing if someone talked that way about their child. Either way it was clear the gala would certainly get some interesting coverage the next morning.
Meanwhile Bruce sped in his Maserati, much like he did in the batmobile, through the streets of Gotham. He gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles as he raced to get back to his baby bird. Within minutes he was back at the manor and sprinting inside.
"Alfred! Dick! Come out, I'm back home!" Bruce called out frantically desperate to get to the wailing noise he heard echoing through the house.
It was then Alfred came running down the stairs in his pajamas and lounging robe, Dick held against his chest.
"Master Bruce, you come home at last!" Alfred said relieved, unable to hear his sweet little charge cry in such agony anymore.
He remembered having to comfort Bruce when he was a little boy, but he didn't remember it being this bad. As Alfred spoke it alerted the little boy in his arms that his daddy was finally home.
"Daddy!" Dick called out as he turned to face Bruce with open arms.
Running to his little boy Bruce immediately gathered his baby in his arms as soon as he was within reach. He then began to go about the process of soothing and comforting Dick so he would sleep once more. This included wrapping him in his bat blankie, singing soft lullabies, light rocking, words of comfort, and gentle hair stroking to get the tired and teary baby blue eyes to at last close in peace.
For a while Bruce just held his baby boy and watched him sleep, finding himself unexpectedly smiling. For years he was a cold hearted vigilante who had no life outside of work, fighting, and the occasional party he was forced to attend. But just in the last year his whole world was turned upside down by a blue eyed little boy. He was changed from heartless and joyless crime fighter to doting and loving father, and everyone knew it. Before he Dickie he wouldn't even grin now he laughed, smiled, cooed, and displayed genuine affection. He had been changed for good and he was happier for it. He wouldn't give the new life he had away for anything, for nothing brought him as much fulfillment and joy as just being a father to his little Dickie Bird did.