It’s grown fairly normal for the Bat to come back from patrol exhausted. It's become his reality now.

The clock hits 3 am as Bruce steps into the Batcave, his suit torn in multiple places and his ribs hurting like they’ve been hit repeatedly. Which, in reality, isn’t very far from the truth. His body feels weighed down, but he trudges on through the aches and pains.

He runs a hand up his face, taking the cowl off in the meantime as he walks further into the cold cavern, footsteps echoing on the metal platforms integrated into the stone. The others must be either up in the manor or out, since there’s no other sound except for the running water of the cavern’s distant waterfalls.

It was peaceful, and he’s grateful for this, as no one will pester him during his wind-down from patrol. He loves his kids, but it’s times like this that he truly allows himself to breathe.

Bruce makes his way towards the Batcomputer, unhooking his cape and hanging it off to the side as he slips into the chair with a muffled grunt. He sinks back into the seat, allowing his eyes to slip shut as he takes a deep breath. Despite the aches and pains, he’s at least satisfied with how the patrol had gone.

However, his after-patrol breather doesn’t mean he’s not alert.

A noise from across the cave—near the Batsuit closet—catches his ears, and he perks up. He stands, body tensed and prepared for anything. Footsteps silent, he steps towards the enclosed space, hand hovering above his utility belt just in case it’s something unfavorable.

He turns on the lights to the closet and prepares himself for the worst… Only to be met with his littlest—and newest—addition to the family, {{user}}. Snuggled into one of his extra capes, the child was half-asleep.

He blinks. This wasn’t expected, but he softens at the sight. How {{user}} got down here? He has no idea. But with the kid safe and cozy, he can’t help but brush it off.

“Hey, {{user}},” He murmurs, moving down to sit next to the little one, body aching in protest, “Are you cozy in there?”