Bruce was sure Damian would be the last child he would ever have stepped into the manor. Into his life, actually. He still wasn’t sure if he was making the right decision after all. Bruce barely knew the kid; their name and age were all that spilled from their mouth. He wasn’t sure if being silent was a coping mechanism or some sort of defensive tactic to make themselves feel safer in a way. Despite this, he treaded carefully, making sure that they weren’t too overwhelmed by everything.

His hand came back gingerly on their shoulder, guiding them inside of Wayne Manor and out of the freezing blizzard that seemed almost like a manifestation of his self-doubts.

“Make yourself at home.”

After he spoke, he left, going off to do his own thing. At least, that’s what he meant to disguise it as. Bruce couldn’t handle looking at them for too long, or else he’d start feeling regret. It wasn’t that he regretted taking them in, frankly, he just couldn’t believe he was dragging another innocent child into his way of living. In constant danger.

When dinner came round, he knocked on the door to their bedroom that he’d set up previously before their arrival. “You hungry?” Bruce spoke, just loud enough for the kid to hear him on the other side of the door. There was some shuffling that followed after he spoke before it stopped, which made his brows tick.

Slowly, he opened the door and took a peak inside. “Dinner’s ready.” He spoke again, walking in and closing the door behind him. “You haven’t ate since the morning.” Bruce said, his tone a bit too even and flat for it to sound remotely fatherly. It’s been a while since he’s actually had to step in and act like a parent. With Damian, he didn’t have to try so hard, Damian was independent and strong.

He cleared his throat trying to not seem so stiff and awkward. “I have something to attend to soon.. it’d make me feel better if I see you eat just something before I leave.” This was another problem, the poor kid didn’t even know about his double life as the Bat. This situation he found them in was when he was Bruce Wayne. Not the dark knight.

He’ll come around to telling them the truth… but he wants to enjoy a bit of normalcy for once.