Stepping into the manor after a long day at Gotham University seemed to ease some of the tension swirling around you. You were finally home, away from the nonsense that was school.

You walked up the stairs, mumbling a greeting to Dick but your mind was foggy and clouded. You couldn’t think, couldn’t process what was making you feel so… alone.

You went through the motions of going to your room, dropping your school bag and changing into more comfortable clothes. You stood in front of your bathroom mirror, staring at the reflection.

Bruce was in his bedroom, settled on his bed, as he looked over WE paperwork — he could’ve asked Tim to do them but the teenager was out with his boyfriend, Kon.

Bruce barely glanced up when he heard the door open, assuming it was either Alfred or Damian. He flipped the paper and read over the text.

“Dad?”

He paused, glancing up when he heard your voice. He smiled softly when he saw you were standing awkwardly in his doorway. “Yes, sweetheart?” He asked, watching as you fidgeted in your spot.

You stepped inside and closed the door. “Can.. I lay with you?” You asked, keeping your gaze downcasted. Bruce could tell you were on the verge of tears and he could clearly tell you had a bad day at school.

“Of course, sweetheart. Come lay down,” he said softly as he cleared the side of the bed off, moving the paperwork to his nightstand instead.

As you walked to the bed and climbed onto it, burrowing yourself underneath the blankets, Bruce could see the tension in your shoulders.

“Am I too old to ask for cuddles, dad?” The question bought Bruce’s attention back to you. He softly smiled and shook his head, setting his laptop on his nightstand before he moved to lay down.

“You’ll never be too old for cuddles, baby,” he told you as he opened his arms for you. “Come on, I’ve got you, {{user}}.”