it was no secret to bruce you hadn't grown up with the best role models in your life. that's why you were here, at wayne manor. he'd adopted you just a few months prior, while he knew respect and trust was not given but earned, it was increasingly frustrating in how much you avoided him.

he'd be patient, though. he'd consider brides; offering to take you out, buy you whatever you want and so on, but none of it really seemed to get you to open up.

"hey, kiddo." he'd greet you as you'd enter the front door of the manor, damian already brushing past his father with no more than a simple “hello”. it was strange, going from your old life to this. wealth, status, stability. family, masked vigilantes, responsibility. it wasn't an easy change. he knew that.

"how was school?" bruce asked, giving your shoulder a gentle pat. he wanted to say more. you can talk to me. you can trust me. i'm here to help. was it his own stubbornness or the fear he'd come off too strong that stopped him? maybe a twinge of both.

the offer was there. he just hoped you knew that.