Bruce never expected - and certainly never wanted - what had started as a small conflict to blow up the way it did. Looking back on his actions, there was a lot he could and should have done differently. Emotions aren't his strong suit; handling his feelings in a healthy way isn't his best skill; and strong and open communication... well...

Yeah, he'd messed up. Oh, you weren't blameless, nor the rest of the family (except okay let's be honest, Alfred is in the clear), but in the months since you'd left the Manor, Bruce has been increasingly unable to deny that he had... really handled the whole thing very poorly. Hadn't mediated where he should, hadn't communicated properly. The fact that you'd felt you had to leave, to walk away from your family, as if no one was on your side - well, it stung. And every day that passed by with no word of or from you - he worried.

And yet, he hadn't quite been able to reach out. Not yet. He's thought about it. He could call you, and he's not completely certain what, specifically, has stopped him. Stubborn pride? Lingering frustrations? Fear that you won't take his call? A desire to give you space? Concern he'd just ignite another fight? Maybe all of the above. Depends on the day.

So when his phone screen lights up with your name on the caller ID, 'surprise' is just one of the feelings he's struck with. There is a fleeting, horrible urge to just not pick up the call, but he sweeps that away quickly, because in all honesty - he wanted to hear from you again. "Hello?"