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Chapter Text

The night started like any other, Until it didn’t. Lately, there has been a huge increase in alien weapons. Everyone had been able to track down the majority of them, but there were a couple odd groups left behind.
This was the last one. Red Robin and Batman had gone after it when ‘the incident’ happened.

Tim was injured. There were too many, and one had managed to stab him in the arm. He was on the ground, his body heavy. Good arm pinned under a goon. Batman had raced over to him, ruthlessly beating them before kneeling at Tim's side. That's when the smoke hit.

Batman immediately went for Tim’s rebreather, securing it, but it was too late for Bruce. Smoke filled the warehouse, too thick to see anything. Then,Tim could hear the panicked cry of a child. He turned towards the noise, but the smoke was still too thick. As the sound got farther away, the smoke began to clear. Leaving Tim frozen. Because in Batman's place, strewn around the floor nearby, was his boots, gauntlets, and armor. But Batman was gone.

It had been five days since they died. Five days since he’d refused to eat, five days since he’d last slept. Finally, Alfred had drugged Bruce, but the nightmares were just as bad. He was with his parents, smiling as he rambled about the latest movie. Then the man walked up to them, he was demanding something, but Bruce was too scared to listen. Then
BANG!BANG! His Mamma and Daddy fell to the ground. Blood splattering all over his clothes and face. He tried to shake them back awake, screaming their names, but it was no use, he was choking on their blood. The man pointed the gun at him. Before he could shoot, he disappeared and Bruce was at their graves. Suit clean except for more blood on his hands. It’s theirs. He looked down to see his parents clawing their way out of the ground, talking to him in whispered chatters. "You should have saved us". His mamma said. "It’s your fault". Whispered his dad. They were dragging him down with them, as Bruce sobbed, half kicking to get away ,half desperately wanting to crawl back to join them. Then a million bats flew into him, eating him alive.

He woke up screaming. This wasn’t his room. It was dark. The bats are still here. Crying out, Bruce pulled the dark stuff off, He still couldn’t see. NONONONONONONO, he was hyperventilating, then he was running away. He didn’t know where he was going, Bruce just wanted to get away from the dark.

He had managed to find an abandoned building nearby, collapsing against the fire escape on the roof. It was one of those rare nights when the moon was out. As the light was flooding onto Bruce's tiny form, He began to quietly sob. It was so cold, Bruce was scared and alone. Mamma, daddy, Alfred  He silently called for them, willing them to comfort him,but no one came

"are you ok?"

He looked up to see a man with a gentle smile crouched a several feet away from him. The smile quickly morphed into concern, then confusion and worry.

"Damien?"

Bruce didn't know Damien, but the new face made him jump. The masked man didn't look too scary with his gentle expressions and brightly coloured blue bird on his chest. But Bruce had spent more than enough time being abducted to not be suspicious.

"did you take me here" Bruce asked, finally finding the voice to speak "are you another person here to kidnap me"

"NO!,No" the person said a bit too quickly. I was ju- the man's mouth snapped as his eyes landed somewhere next to him. 

attached to the coat?blanket?cape? he had instinctively taken with him, was a mask. It was black, with large pointed ears It's a bat! His mind screamed and Bruce flinched hard enough to snap the man out of his stupor.

"Oh my god" He whispered before talking aloud. "Bruce?"

Bruce looked at him, mildly annoyed , because What kind of kidnapper doesn't recognise him until now?! He's literally Bruce Wayne! Even if this guy wasn't a kidnapper, The news had made him there biggest subject, less than a week ago!

oh dear, He was now back to sobbing.

The man tried awkwardly to console him. "Oh I'm sorry Bruce. Let's bring you home to Alfred". At that Bruce's strength and previous alertness began to ebb away with his tears. He knew that this person could still be dangerous, but sue him, he was tired and cold. He had a headache, and this man felt so warm and inviting. Bruce was about to properly collapse and probably hit his head on the cold concrete. But the pain never came. The last thing he remembered, was being scooped up by his son the man and hugged into his chest.

Dick held baby Bruce tightly in his arms. he was tiny and way too light for his age. His dark curls clung to his cheeks, still full with baby fat from before all his grief, and work. Bruce couldn't be more than seven or eight, but Dick saw the pain in his eyes. It was the same pain he used to see when looking in the mirror Heck it's the same pain he sometimes still sees Bruce Carry. Suddenly Dick feels a wave of protectiveness for the boy in his arms. Maybe this is good. dick almost selfishly thinks. I can help him. better than just like he helped me.

Chapter Text

Bruce woke up in his own room with a headache. He looked around. Something was.... off. It was like the whole room had been shifted a couple inches to the side. Confusing, but seemingly without a cause. He got out of bed- Somethings wrong- and promptly fell on his face with a loud THUMP. When did I get so short? He tried to think, but whenever he did. The headache became worse.

The door opened and Alfred walked though, tutting as he carefully picked Bruce up and placed him on his feet. "Alfred you look..older" Alfred's face looked to be a battleground of care and worry. "Master Bruce, How much do you remember?"," I was in the kitchen when I fell asleep, then I woke up outside where the masked man found me."

"Master Bruce. You have been de-aged by more than 30 years. You could say, that your in the future." Bruce couldn't believe it. Not because that seemed impossible, or because why him?  He simply couldn't believe he had the strength to keep living without them. "but" A single tear fell down his cheek before the floodgate broke down. "there gone Alfred. There dead" His newly made guardian seemed to get the message, scooping him up into a hug. It was strange but not unwanted

"I know my dear boy. It's so hard, but you learn to move past it and now, you have a loving family of your own." They stayed like that for a while as Bruce thought about it. "Alfred?""Yes Master Bruce?""who's Dick?" Alfred just stared at him. Confusion present on his face "how do you know that name?" Bruce tried to think but this time the migraine was so bad, Little Bruce began clutching at his head as if to rip the pain out. "I-I Don't know"   

Tears were welling up again but Alfred quickly went to stop it "It's okay master Bruce! Don't try to think too much if it hurts, Lets go introduce you to your family again shall we?"

Duke didn't really know what to expect. Last night his dad had been carried into the batcave as a freshly traumatised eight year old with no memory of any of them. So yeah, that was .. something. He walked into the kitchen to see Steph and Dick already eating while Tim tiredly made coffee. His laptop sitting open nearby. Duke picked up a plate when Alfred finally walked in followed closely by a tiny Bruce Wayne like he was a duckling. He looked around shyly before spotted Dick and smiled wide. Ok, he's kind of adorable. "You're the super hero that saved me! Alfred!Alfred!"he said, tugging on the mans suit  " That bird man helped me when I got lost!" Baby Bruce was practically bouncing on his heels when he suddenly gasped. "Alfred! Is he part of big me's family? That's so cool!" Alfred looked a little shocked before he smiled gently. Dick was beaming and almost cried happy tears. He went for a hug, But Steph beat him to it "Aww, aren't you just the cutest little thing!" she cooed, scooping him into her arms. Bruce looked a little dazed but surprisingly completely ok with the arrangement.

After breakfast, Steph, Dick and Duke convinced baby Bruce to watch a movie with them. Tim didn't talk much. He grabbed his coffee and laptop before going back to the batcave. Because of him, Bruce had been turned into a child, so he had to fix him. He had spent all his time working on a cure since Bruce became small and he was starting to see results.

so far, He had learned one of the main ingredients from the de-ageing smoke was fear toxin (it had played a large part in what age they became.) and a couple other chemicals. He even had a basic idea of how it was created. Tim yawned, taking a gulp of his coffee to wake himself up. One month. I can do this In one month then I sleep.

Damien had been trying to avoid his father. He wasn't running! He just didn't want to see him in such a weakened state! That all ended when Damien heard the clumsy footsteps of a child,coming down the hallway. There were no empty rooms that he could hide wait in, he could try run down the hall, but Alfred was very strict on the 'no running in the hallway' rule, and if father saw him, he might look quite dumb. So he sort of just stood there until Bruce came into view.

The child looked quite out of it, like he hadn't slept for days. He probably wouldn't have even seen Damien if he didn't say anything. But Damien was worried. "Fa-Bruce" Bruce looked up and smiled.

There were remnants in that smile that remained Damien of those few perfect moments with his father. Though he wouldn't dare say anything, He craved that smile. That paired with the pure cuteness of baby Bruce,plus the huge amount of love and adoration he felt radiating from the boy was what finally tipped the teens perspective. I will protect this boy with my life.

Now that Bruce was fully awake, Damien spent the rest of the time showing Bruce various weapons and artworks. The boy loved them. Soon Damien had taken him to the barn and was showing Bruce his animals, which were loved even more. "This is bat-cow"something flashed in the child's eyes, but it was gone almost immediately as Bruce stroked the cows nose. They came across the cat and Bruce's eyes lit up even more. "look Dami! The cat looks like it's wearing a little suit just like Alfred!" Damien gave him an approving nod. "That is Alfred the cat" He said which made the little boy giggle. They only went inside when it got too dark.

They went inside for dinner, and Bruce saw a new face. He walked up to her and put his hand forward like a gentle man. "Hi! I'm Bruce! What's your name?" He said smiling. the girl took his hand, but instead of shaking it, she pulled him into a hug "Aww, hi little Bruce, I'm Cass.""Hey! I'm not little! I'm big!" There was a collective "AWWW" and he finally noticed Dick holding his phone up. 

After dinner, everyone insisted on spending time with the adorable baby version of their dad. Until Alfred eventually stopped them."Time for bed Master Bruce""But Alfreeeed, can't I just stay with them a little longer? Pleaseeee?"" Now,now Master Bruce, You will see them again tomorrow." With that Alfred picked Bruce up and took him to his room.

An hour later, everyone got ready for patrol. Tim went to check on Bruce. He carefully opened the door and Froze for a second time. then yelled "GUYS! BRUCE IS GONE!"

It was cold and dark, but that did nothing to clear the heavy fog in Bruce's mind. Where am I? Why aren't I at home with Alfred? His head was throbbing bad. Did I get hit? It was so confusing! Suddenly he was back at the theatre. It must be a dream. But it was so real. The theatre looked weathered with age. Poorly nailed wood barred access in. This has to be a dream. He looked at his hands and stifled a scream.

Blood covered hands held a gun. There was no sound when it fell but that didn't matter. He knelt in front of his parents. They weren't here before. His mind felt like it was about to split in halve. It hurt.

There was someone in front of him now. They were warm and alive. Bruce dove into their arms.

Ma-This wasn't his Mom. She was gone. But this was still someone he loved. He didn't know where, but he knew her name. Before he could speak, his child brain took over.

'Kitty?'

The lady smiled, tho Bruce could see quite concern emotions flash through her eyes. 

Bruce?

Chapter Text

Selina was on her way home when she saw the child. Usually that wouldn't have meant anything. It was a bit sad,but it was completely normal to see the now shrinking population of homeless youth. Selina herself had once been like that. But this child had been.. familiar.

The boy's hand opened like he was electrocuted, then he knelt down and it clicked. She had seen many news articles and photos of that same boy kneeling in the same spot. She approached slowly, coming out of her hiding spot in the dark. There was no movement from the dark. Then.

Familiar eyes flashed with recognition. It was subtle, but there. It was almost undeniable now, Until the boy began to cry. Tears looking like melted water coming from soft ice blue pools. He melted into her arms,hugging her tightly.

'Ma-,The boy stopped himself, looking closely at her face

'Kitty?'

Despite the tears, Selina knew. This was her Bruce. Somehow, someone had turned Batman into a child. Undeniably cute, but a child none the less. And here he was, reliving the worst day of his life.

'Bruce?'

'yeah kitty?'

God he's adorable.' Do you want to get out of here? Are you hungry?

As if on cue, Small Bruce's stomach growled. The boy looked embarrassed but nodded anyway, wiping away his tears as he attempted a smile. They're going to be fine without Bruce for a few hours. With her decision made, She stood up, taking the boy by the hand, and went home. 

It had been hours since Bruce had disappeared and Alfred was sick with worry.He knew Bruce was prone to sleep walking when he was younger, But Tim had later reported a large amount of fear toxin mixed into the gas that had made him younger. Alfred of course would of liked to know this sooner, but it hadn't been the boys fault. Not only had Tim been up since the incident, but even Alfred would of assumed the toxin had already played it's role, had he known. Still, He was annoyed. With himself too. They had lost his son.

There was a knock on the door and to Alfred's utter relief, There was Bruce, looking sleepy but otherwise calm and unharmed in a women's arms.

'Miss Kyle' He said in greeting

'Alfred' She lifted Bruce a little higher. 'missing something?'

She gently put down the boy who sleepily protested. Alfred took his hand, guiding him inside. 'Thank you' he said to Selina before closing the door.

'Master Bruce' Alfred spoke in a low tone that made the boy freeze up. Alert

'Where have you been' Bruce Sniffled. Once. Twice then. Tears were falling again' I- I'- I'm s-sorry Alfie. Alfred just sighed. 'we will talk about this in the morning. Now off to bed. Little Bruce would have just silently marched himself off to his room. shoulders shaking slightly, if Dick hadn't just come back from searching and witnessed the whole thing.

He caught him at the stairway, Picking him up into his arms, glare turned towards Alfred because he had seen this very conversation play out when he was the eight year old and He's was NOT going to have history repeat it's self. So this was where he got it from.

'Master Richard' But Dick ignored him instead, focusing on the boy in his arms. 'It's okay, It's okay. You were just confused, weren't you'. then in a slightly harder voice directed at the butler. 'It wasn't your fault, It was because of the toxin You didn't deserve that'. Still glaring, he walked up stairs to Bruce's room.

When they got to the bed, a much too small voice whispered 'You shouldn't have said anything. I-I, he was right. I shouldn't of left.' 'Oh B' Dick whispered back 'Did you even know it when you left?' 'No' 'Then it's not your fault. Alfred was wrong to say that.' 

Bruce's eyes widened in protest, but when Dick went to leave, he became clingy. So he stayed. Just for a bit. 'So, B, how was your date? Even in the dark he could see Brush blush.

Then, after a bit, 'She was pretty and so nice and she bought us burgers'. He said the last part like it was forbidden magic.'I think I like her'. Bruce said blushing. That last bit made dick laugh out loud and Bruce bury himself underneath his sheets. ' you like her when you re older too'. 

They stayed like that in now comfortable silence until Dick silently left the room to the sound of soft snoring.

Bruce woke up. He didn't remember the nightmare, but he knew he had one and he knew he didn't want to be alone. He got out of bed and quietly wandered the manor in search of a person, marvelling at the changes in his future home well doing so. It was early-ish noon, but he couldn't find Alfred making lunch in the kitchen, or cleaning the dust in a spare room. Dick was also gone. so was everyone else. He turned a corner. It was the hallway with the old grandfather clock at the end. But for whatever reason, something pulled Bruce towards it. He was face to face with it now. 

As if under a spell, he turned the hands to 10:47. Immediately tearing up. 'why did I do that? Why the time they died?'. It surprised him, how unsurprised he was when it opened. Showing a dark set of stone steps.

It was sort of creepy, but Bruce heard the faint echo of someone typing and as much as he was scared of the dark, he was even more scared of being alone right now. So, he pressed forward.

The stairway eventually opened up into a large, partially lit up room. There was a giant coin, a Dinosaur (cool!) and quiet squeaks and chirps. He looked up. Bats. They scared him so bad, he tripped down the last remaining couple of stairs, got up, and ran to the closest warm body. Holding them tightly.

Tim was rewinding old footage searching for something to identify the people who made Bruce small. Hopefully, If he found them, He could figure out the rest of the ingredients or the complete process of the gas being made. At very least, he could track down who made it. He hadn't found much yet, but he was sure he'd find something soon.

He was so enveloped in his work, He didn't notice Bruce until a small body caught his waist, refusing to let go.

'Bruce' Tim almost jumped. Almost. 'You're not supposed to be down here' He wasn't mad, just surprised.

'I couldn't find anyone. Where are they?' Of course Baby Bruce would ignore me. He's still Bruc-the thought was interrupted when the small boy looked up 'what are you doing?'

'trying to get you back to normal.' Baby Bruce wrinkled his nose but kept silent.

'I've hacked into security cameras to look for identifiable traits on the thugs. Right now I haven't-'' THAT'S SO COOL!'

Tim's face went red. He wasn't used to being praised like this, and hey, even if it's an eight year old version of his dad, he's still Bruce.

'You're so smart! I want to be a detective when I grow up!' He was again surprised by how genuine little Bruce sounded. Maybe, he was starting to see why everyone loved little B so much. For some reason, the baby bats bright expression went dark (too familiar) So Tim changed the subject.

'Alfred is helping Duke with the injuries he got as signal' Tim would have continued if he didn't practically see Bruce's eight year old brain working a mile a minute. 'WAIT! Duke is a SUPERHERO?! if tha-' Bruce looked at Tim in adoration, Is this a family of superheros? Are YOU a superhero!? Wow, you're AMAZING!

As much as Tim was secretly loving the praise, If they went into vigilantism, he would never get back to his task. He continued like Bruce's outburst never happened.

'Dick has to go back to Blüdhaven for a while, but he promised he would be back as soon as possible. Steph doesn't actually live here, and Everyone else is at school. Bruce paused.'Why aren't you at school?oops. 'I'm.. Sick'. He must have looked the part. cause little Bruce stopped holding on to him, instead grabbing his hand and marching upstairs and into Tim's bedroom. Tim was too surprised to do anything. Why the heck was this kid so surprising?. 'Bruce, I don't need sleep' But Bruce yawned, and with his best puppy eyes said 'Timmy, I don't want to be alone. The bats were scary. Stay, Please?' oh you've got to be kidding me you manipulative little actor, Someone should of told me about this. Bruce knew his puppy dog eyes were effective. They worked on almost everyone, even Alfred (sometimes). 

Tim never stood a chance. It was fine. He would leave as soon as Bruce was asleep. The boy pulled him towards the bed. As soon as Bruce went to sleep. Tim shut his eyes for just a bit, and immediately fell asleep.

Bruce tip-toed out of the room and quietly closed the door. It didn't matter that there was still nobody else around. In fact, it was better. Tim had reminded him of his job. He was going to find his parents killer, and stop them from hurting anyone ever again.

Bonus section

Selina sat Bruce on the couch. She wasn't in the mood to cook anything.

'Bruce, how do you feel about take out?' She asked, already pulling her phone out. Instead of answering, the eight year old's eyes went as big as quarters. Then finally. 

'Alfred says where not allowed fast food'

'well, would you like some? I promise I won't tell.' He looked around suspiciously and said 'yes please' so fast and quiet, Selina let out a surprised giggle. he's adorable.

When the food arrived, Bruce finally asked ' So kitty, how does older me know you.' That made her stop. Sure Bruce seemed a little.. Regressed, but she assumed he still remembered her. 'where friends'. The boy seemed satisfied with that and instead began looking around for something, 'Wheres the cutlery?' Selina frowned, then smiled wide. 'Bruce? Have you never had burgers normally?' to prove a point, Selina grabbed one, unwrapped it and took a bite., much to the boys shock.  He followed suit, but was woefully uncoordinated. They ate in silence.

Afterwards, she pulled out her phone.'Bruce come here' He obeyed and was pulled into a hug as she took a selfie. He looked surprised in the photo with a bit of sauce still on his chin.

'for after your'e back' 

Chapter Text

It started out normally. They were in the library. Steph was teaching Bruce how to use an Ipad much to the boys delight Damian was quietly doing homework in the corner, and Cass was watching. joy, excitement, wonder, ... Small Bruce had been different lately. Or maybe more normal. Most people wouldn't be able to see it, but Cass had spent most of her life, learning to read people.

The bright, happy boy was still just as bright and happy, but now it seemed... strange somehow. Like it's a mask. Like Big Bruce uses a lot. 

It sounded like it came out of nowhere. To everyone but Cass, when Small Bruce asked. 'If big me is a superhero, do they ever catch him? M- There Murderer?' He made it sound casual. Way too casual for a boy like Bruce to say. It made every one in the room freeze.

The silence must have been too much, because Damien eventually responded. 'You do eventually find him. He's in jail right now' 

Nobody would point out, that Batman hadn't been the one to send Joe Chill to prison. Bruce smiled satisfied, but there was a brief moment, so slight that anyone else would miss it, his movements gave away a different emotion. Anger.

A child shouldn't be that good at hiding emotion. Not even she was that good when she was eight. Did Bruce retain some abilities too? 

The rest of the afternoon was fairly normal. Small Bruce loved the games and eventually left with the Ipad stating loudly that he was going to 'Catch them ALL!', Before quickly leaving. Something in Cass's head was urging her to follow, but before she could, her phone buzzed. There was a breakout. Arkham.

She left quickly but quietly, Not knowing the huge mistake she had just made.

Bruce put the Ipad away. Nobody had told him, but he got the feeling that that lady,.. Cassandra! Anyway, Cass would have found out his plan if he spent enough time with her. Just a few more weeks. He told himself. In the meantime, he needed to be prepared.

Dick had already turned him down too many times, so this time, he went to the youngest. He was already in the training room. Perfect

'Hey Dami? Could you teach me how to fight?

When Bruce asked him to teach him how to fight, Damien felt a rush of pride. He was the blood son after all, of course Bruce would come specifically ask him.  The small boy looked a bit surprised when Damian told him, he would. It was mildly suspicious, but he reminded himself that said small boy would eventually grow up to be the Batman.

'It will be difficult, I won't go easy on you' Bruce just smiled and nodded.

Despite what he said, Damien did in fact go easier on him. Even if the boy eventually grows up to be Batman, he was currently an untrained, civilian eight year old.

Bruce did reasonably well. Not only did he seem to retain some muscle memory, and reflexes, but he was also a very fast learner who seemed to think in a similar way to Damian himself. The biggest thing though, seemed to be the intense focus and diligence that no one had without an extreme motivation. He's batman. 

Damian taught him the basics, before the began sparring for a couple hours, with heavy critiquing that became lighter over time. Bruce still wanted to continue but Dami stopped him. 'If you don't allow yourself adequate time to rest, you will never improve. We will continue this in two days.' The boy seemed content with that answer, and left the room.

The next few days went normally, or as normally as it could. The Waynes had known relatively quickly that young Bruce was clingy, but they soon discovered he had a clingy-ness that rivalled even Dick. (the big bird had taken full advantage of this). He was being happily carried into the dining room when there was a knock on the door. Before Alfred even moved, Dick opened it to reveal two people. They were dressed civilian, but everyone knew they were anything but.

'I knew it!, Told you I heard him' Clark said to Diana, then to Dick.

'You did a good thing, telling me about this'

Chapter Text

'Aww, Batman your so cuuttee!' Clark cooed. They had moved to the living room and almost the whole family seemed to be invited (Alfred said Cass was working). Clark was trying to take him from Dick, but the boy refused to let go. They weren't bad, Bruce knew they were friends. But his face was red with embarrassment, and the worst part was, he didn't even really know why!

'I don wan them o see me righ now' Bruce mumbled into Dicks ear. He looked up, expecting to see sympathy, maybe a nod. But No. Instead, all he could see was one mischievous grin, and a devilish glint in his eye. Traitor.

More grinning, Finally, Clark managed to lift him by his armpits toward himself. This was unacceptable! Bruce would have voiced this thought until Clark began to rise. 

'YOU CAN FLY!?!!' The hero loving fan boy came out just a little bit before he remembered he wanted to leave this 'situation. Bruce clamped his tiny hands over his mouth, but it was too late. Everyone was laughing. His face was redder than a tomato and the click of a camera wa- Wait camera?  He whipped his head down to see Tim holding a proper camera to his face. 

'Delete it. Now'. He tried to say, in his most menacing voice. Safe to say it didn't quite have the effect Bruce had hoped for. 

There was absolute silence. Then someone (Steph) spoke up.'Awwww He tried to do the Baat-growwlllllll!'. A collective 'AWWW' came from everyone in the room. At least nobody's laughing anymore.

Well everyone was distractedly talking, Bruce took the opportunity to squirm out of Superman's arms and jump. He would have landed it.  Damian had taught him how to fall safety. He knew he would've been able to. But before he could, Diana ran and caught him like a football. Dick looked a little worried but before he could say anything, Bruce panicked and changed the conversation before it could happen. 'She's my new favourite!' 

To be fair, it was true. Diana was one of the only ones not to laugh at the little outburst (she had smothered one, but still)

Dick's look of concern was replaced with a look of (strangely real) betrayal. Clark glared at Diana with a bit of jealousy. Well, everyone looked mildly jealous (even Damien). She just smirked back with a look that said 'Serves you right' , The child in her arms couldn't agree more.

The rest of the night went pretty well. They played uno. Dick tried to take B back, but Bruce threatened to bite. He was still a bit annoyed at the betrayal. (Was it just him, or did Damien give a nod of approval?) The chaotic game eventually ended when Alfred stood up. 

'Master Bruce, I think it's time for bed.

Surprisingly, There was no push back. No " Aw, Alfie please " No "Just five  more minutes?". The eight year old Bruce he remembered, hated going to bed. It was suspicious. But then again he hadn't been so friendly  or energetic after they died. Alfred hoped that this Bruce could be freer than the small traumatised boy the Waynes had left him with. Freer than the boy who would barely eat or sleep. Freer than the boy who had initially spent years holed up in his room, plotting to kill before he took an oath not to. 

He was wrong to hope.

Bruce faked a yawn and followed Alfred to his room.Tonight would be perfect.

Dick was concerned. He had watched Bruce fall 15 feet (what? It was a large living room) to the ground. Not only that, but he would've landed right if  wonder woman hadn't caught him. Which, sure, muscle memory is great and all, but Bruce was meant to grow up right this time! Dick wanted to save him Better like he was saved and sure, when he was younger, Bruce would of already been training him, But that was different! 

He silently walked up and gently opened Bruce's door, watching the slow rise and falls of the boys chest. He would save his dad.

It had been Alfred first. Then Tim, Damien, Steph, Duke and finally Dick. They had all checked on him, which was sweet, but It mainly meant that nobody would notice him gone until morning. He knew something happened that would get everyone to leave. Due had been out as Signal all day, and would be asleep. Alfred was the hardest, but he had managed to sneak around him sometimes (How much time had older him spent sneaking past Alfred!? The muscle memory was insane!)

He successfully made his way to the clock door, walking down the steps. The squeaks of the bats made him jump, but Bruce steeled his nerves. How am I going to do this if I'm too scared to walk out the door?

Like he remembered, there were tubes of different suits. At the end of one of the sides, were three suits. The previous Robins. The First one didn't have pants but it fit the best. He took the thirds pants. Despite the first and second suits looking almost identical, Bruce couldn't bring himself to touch it. It just felt wrong.

The pants looked a little baggy on him, but this would do. Older him was weak. That man had killed his family, but he only went to jail. For all he knew, the man could have killed more people. Left more kids like him. He needed to stop that. 

With that final thought, he filled his tool belt, found the jail Joe chill was at through the bat computer, and disappeared to the Gotham streets below.

Chapter Text

He did alright for someone without much training. The grappling gun weren't reliable, (going that fast scared him). Instead, He sorta awkwardly jumped from building to building to get by. With any luck, He might have been able to get to the prison Joe was being kept within a couple hours.

With any luck

With any- 'GET AWAY!' Someone screamed and before he could think, Bruce was running and leaping towards the sound. 

He was crouched on the building right above them now. There were two men. They had their backs facing Bruce but he could see one of them ha- WAS THAT A GUN. Tears were welling up. He desperately shaking his mum. calling her to wake up. he he-Calm down. he thought in a strangely adult voice. He was Robin right now. Like Damian. He was a hero and he needed to focus. After a couple deep breaths, Bruce watched the scene again. The second man was big, but unarmed. They surrounded a boy backed against the wall, clutching a bag of food like it was his lifeline.

Bruce jumped down, landing directly on top of the second man's shoulders. It was enough to topple him. He immediately punched him in the head, then got up and kicked him, hard as he could in the groin for good measures.(his parents had told him to aim there if an adult wanted to hurt him) Damien's training was hard, but effective. Close the distance, disarm, nuetrilize. The second man went down, gun flung further down the alleyway. Only when he bat-cuffed them, did he pay attention to their faces. Both men wore messy clown makeup. 

He knew he was in danger. There were footsteps approaching. 5, maybe 6. The gaggle (the giggle?) of clowns were coming. I need to get Robin away. Wait, I'm Robin. He needed to get away but, the alleyway was a dead end.  It would take too long to climb up the way he came. At least the boy had fled. The only thing left to do was fight.

The first thing he noticed, was there was no clear boss. I can do this.

He flipped the first one, then leapt to punch the next. The third barrelled toward him but Bruce had already pulled out batarangs to throw before he got there. The first one grabbed his foot from the floor and he would have just stabbed him if he didn't hear the noise.

BANG! A gun went off. Bruce couldn't help it. His body froze. There was a goons his fathers blood on him. An Unconscious dead body lying beside him. The paramedics had come to take him away. He let them. He was taken to the police car. They were going to question him at the station. He let himself be moved. People were talking, but all he could hear was ringing. they were gone. gone. gonegonegonegonegonegonegonegonegoneg- someone lightly slapped him on the cheek. Startling him out of it. 

'Hello? Testing testing. Is this thing on?' Standing in front of him, was a man who was definitely the boss. An ugly purple suit draped over his sickly. almost white form. His hair was so green, it looked radioactive. The goons were holding Bruce by his arms just above the floor, stopping him from punching the makeup covered face ahead.

'Joker' Bruce spat. (he didn't remember him, But judging by how he just said the man's name, This guy was bad') Joker smiled impossibly wide.

'Ah it is! Hello! Has Batsy Replaced his bird? without telling me?' Bruce just glared. But that didn't stop the monologuing.

'It's nice to meet you little robin! I'm your Uncle J!' Joker let out a laugh so creepy, it made Bruce want to dive under his bed and hide. 'Oh how lucky I am to kill another of batsy's little birds! he crooned. 'But how will I kill you? Something classy, A flaying perhaps? I could use to skin to make a costume! or maybe I tie you to a firework, Then you can really go out with a Bang!' The word make him flinch. Joker suddenly smiled somehow wider like he got an Idea.

'We never recorded the Second birds death, Did we?' Instead of laughing, he continued on. Now sounding almost wistful. 'Oh it would be the perfect gift for dear old Batsy. To hear the screams. The crying, The begging to be saved!' He shed a fake tear 'It was beautiful. That's it!  A remake! After all, Even the most basic shows can be moving when performed by someone as skilled as me!.'He slapped the boys cheek again. 'Oh I do hope you put on as good of a show as the last'

With that, Bruce was chained to a chair. Desperately trying to kick and bite at the goons on the way. He wasn't sure how long it took to prepare, but he spent the whole time trying to escape. Joker walked up to him ' I hope we didn't keep you waiting too long, little Robin.' he said, Patting his head condescendingly. ' Try to last longer than the other one'

He had been moved to a large tent. A group of clowns manning the cameras in front of him. It was dark, but he could see crates of dynamite in the corner. For later.

'And ACTION' The lights turned on, Spotlight sweeping across the room before landing on the joker who's smiling and waving and blowing kisses like he's won on a game show. He walked slowly in the direction of the chained Bruce with a shiny crowbar in his left hand. 

The first hit hurt. A lot. He'd never been hit this hard before. it landed at his right shoulder blade. Pain giving way to tears.  'Aww, you done already Robin?' THUNK. it hit arm next, making him yelp Definitely broken. THUNK 'The other one lasted much longer than this'. This one was lighter. Joker wanted to make this last as long as possible. THUNK That hit his chest.

At the 7th hit, The screaming started. At the twelfth, Adult pride left. He was begging it to stop. the fifteenth broke his jaw. Finally, the nineteenth hit his head and the true torture begun. Jason. His son had died this way. He'd endured it for so long waiting for Bruce to save him and Bruce failed. Because of him. It was his fault. His failure had killed his son. He killed his s-NO! NoNoNonononono! He didn't even deserve to die in the same way! He had to leave so he could just die in a ditch.

It was too late. Joker was reeling to take his head clean off. He was going to die. In so much pain. I deserve it

He swung, but the hit never came.

BANG!BANG!. BANGBANGBANGBANG!! 

After the first two, Gun shot after gun shot rang out. From behind the boy, Jokers arm was blown off. Then a hole appeared in his chest. By the time the gun had run out, The Joker looked more like swiz cheese than a person. 

'BRUCE' A group of vigilantes ran towards him. Red Robin made quick work of the locks and Both Orphan and Spoiler took out the fleeing goons,  But Bruce didn't notice that. He didn't notice the real Robin standing protectively to the side, or when Nightwing  took him into his arms. He didn't even notice when Red hood quietly left. No Bruce's eight year old mind had long since noped and went offline. 

--------------------

Jason's day started off great. There had only been a couple problems to be fixed and one of them (A rival gang) had seen him and immediately ran out . Dick had been sending him cute photos  blackmail of kid Bruce (even if it was paired with messages asking him to visit).Jason they had been better lately, he even went on joint missions with them sometimes. But Red hood wasn't their family anymore. B didn't want him. Besides, Bruce had never liked guns. He'd probably just scare the kid away. Sure it was Batman, but Jason would never want to intentionally scare an eight year old!

'HOOD!' one of the alley kids was waving at him. He jumped down from the roof top.

'Tyler, Hey kid, what's up?' Tyler looked exhausted and out of breath. he dropped a bag of food he had in one arm. 'you ok?'

'yeah hhu, hood hhhhu i'm fine. But Robin!' he gasped out. 

'What, did Robin chase you? Did he hurt you?' Damian knew he was supposed to keep out of crime alley.  If he did something, Even if Tyler technically broke some sort of law, he was gonna-'NO!' Tyler finally caught his breath.

Robins been kidnapped! He saved me! He was taken by Joker's men!

That caught Jason's attention. 'Batman. (Dick) where was he?'

'I don't know!' the boy sniffed 'I watched from a hiding spot. He didn't even come afterwards'

Jason immediately caught on. He knelt down, till he was eye level with him. ' Kid, Robins strong. He's probably beaten everyone up by now.' Tyler was tough, but he was still so young. He didn't need to think he was responsible for someone's death. Not like me. 'I need you to show me where'

At the alley way, Red hood finally turned on his comms.

'Oracle. Come in. Tell me where Robin is.'

'well hello to you to'

'Damit Oracle,This is Important!'

'... Robins out on patrol with batman. Why?'

'One of my kids saw jokers men take Robin. I need to talk to him

'He's still fine. Are you sure?'

'O. Put. Me. On. The. Line ' He was a bit annoyed, she was questioning Tyler and his nerves where frayed with worry.

Fine, Next time, try saying please.

' Todd '

Jason breathed a sigh of relief.  'your okay'

'Yes of course i'm okay' Damien was fine. So why was there still a pit in his stomach, it was already in hell? Why was his heart still beating harder that it ever had in his life? A terrible idea came to him.

'I need you to check on Bruce'

'What? Father i-'

'Little wing, Are you ok? It was Dick'

'Dick, Please. I need you to check on Bruce'

'.. okay'

...

...

... ... .

'Agent A said Bruce was gone. As well as my Robin costume' Dick almost whispered

The silence was deafening 'What?'

'Bruce IS GONE!'

It wasn't that hard to find them. Jason followed the tire tracks until O was able to follow the Van straight to Amusement Mile. through cameras. There were a lot of guards, But they never stood a chance against the combined force of the bats. When they finally reached the big main tent. Jason blood ran cold.

In the centre of the tent. was Robin Me, chained to a chair. Massive welts covered his  my body and he could see a bit of bone sticking out of his my arm. Then he couldn't see anything but green. His body was yelling for murder and Jason wasn't going to deny it it's right. He pulled out his gun. The one filled with real bullets. BANG! Jason was going to drag him to hell. BANG! When he died, He was going kill Joker again BANG! and again BANG and again and again and again BANG!BANG!BANG! Nobody stopped him. The noise stopped when his gun ran out. but he was still so scared  seething. 

When the green finally receded, His The Batfamily were meters away. Steph and Cass had come back and everyone was crowded around Bruce, Backs turned towards him. He went to join them, but felt something squish under one of his boots. the Joker's corpse. It was smiling and Oh. Right. I'm a murderer. He would just scarce him. Bruce didn't like murderers. Bruce doesn't want me. He looked down again. Joker was still smiling back. As bad as the monster was. despite the fact that the monster had killed Jason, Bruce had done nothing. He had replaced his Robin and moved on. doesn't want me.  He looked at the others one last time, Desperately wanting to join in. So lonely.  But he knew when he wasn't needed, wasn't wanted. So he quietly left.

Chapter Text

It was late. Jason was exhausted. He was finally able to collapse on his bed and slee- His phone rang. Jason ignored it. Hopefully they would get the message and stop. They didn't. After almost five minutes of his phone ringing stupidly loud, he finally picked up to see Dicks name on the screen. 

'Oh Shhiittt' He had killed joker. In front of everyone. And an eight year old who was terrified of guns. He was gonna be chewed out and-The monster deserved it.  

Suddenly, he felt a wave of green anger envelope him.  Joker was a monster who deserved to die a horrible, painful death. Jason had only shot him, what? Seven, Eight times before he died? That wasn't near anything he deserved! Heck, they should be thankful, there was no torture! If Bruce had cared enough about him to kill the freak, they wouldn't even be in this mess!

Guided by righteous anger, Jason picked up the phone, Fully ready to yell back, but the sound on the other side stopped it in its tracks. 

Dick sounded worse for wear than he had ever heard him before. In the background, there were faint, heart wrenching screams and cries. and that was all topped by the words that came out of his older brothers mouth.

'Jay, Oh thank God. Listen, I need you to come back to the manor for a bit' Before he could say no, The screams grew louder, and Jason could faintly hear words mixed in. 'Theredeadtheredeaddea- There was a sound of a door closing, and Dick spoke again.

'Please little wing.' Dick begged 'It's Bruce. He hasn't stopped crying since he woke up. He won't eat or drink anything, and one of the only coherent things he said, is your name.'

'Are you sure he's not saying it along with 'Monster? how about 'Murderer? or villain! ' Jason bit back a sneer. The phone went silent.

'Jason. Bruce loves you. He always will, he Just-' Dick sighed. 'Please. Be here as soon as you can' The call ended, leaving Jason with his thoughts. He wouldn't go. Just because Dickhead said some words, doesn't mean he had to. He was tired! he didn't have any obligation to and-

-that's why he had his bike parked in the garage of Wayne manor with Alfred greeting him at the door. 

'Master Jason'

'Hey Alfie'

'would you like tea?' Jason was already shaking his head. 'no thanks Alf, i'd rather just get this over with as soon as possible'. The butler just nodded and led him up to Bruce's room.

The Manor had a silence that drove a spike of anger into Jason's spine. Judging from the phone call, he should of heard something by now. Had Bruce really gotten over him that quickly again? Which was fine. He didn't expect anything different anyway.But still. When they finally arrived at the door, Alfred turned to face his grandson.

'Master Jason, Master Bruce's mental state is quite.. Delicate. Please don't be too rash'. With that, he left Jason to move on alone. Oh great, even Alfie doesn't trust me. His previous anger grew even more and completely ignoring the warning, He threw the door open.

The Bruce in question was half way out the window wearing dark clothing and a black hoodie over his head. Different weapons adorned his body that he assumed his family had hidden around the house for emergencies. 

As soon as Bruce saw him, he went for the smoke bombs in the purple utility belt around his waist, only to loose his grip and start falling. Jason was quicker. In a mad dash, he managed to grab him by the scruff of the hoodie and yank him back inside, holding him like a kitten so he couldn't run again. 'His anger was still more than present, But when he yelled, Jason's voice was mostly filled with worry and panic.

'What The HELL Are You Doing Kid! That Could of killed y- 'LET ME GO! I DON'T CARE! HE KILLED THEM!H-HE KILLED THEM! HE DESERVES TO DIE!'.  That shocked Jason enough to drop him. But when Bruce went for the window, he grabbed the boy's arm. Bruce retaliated by biting his arm (not that it did much through his jacket) before immediately freezing and surprisingly, beginning to cry.

'I-I   -I'm SOOoorryyyy'. Jason was very confused, But gently corralled him to his bed and sat next to him. Bruce wrapped his arms around Jason's waist  as pearl-like tears ran down his face. They sat in uncomfortable silence for a while until he couldn't take it anymore.

'B, What were you thinking? That's a second story window. It was dangerous.' He spoke soft but firmly, like he was trying to coax the boy. Bruce had stopped sobbing now and after a bit more sniffling, it worked.

'T-that man, The clown. He killed my family. The guns. He shot them I was going to kill him. He deserved it. They died theydiedtheredeadeveryonesgo-' Jason shook him hard, effectively bringing him out of the spiral. Dick had given him details about the fear gas but this was so much worse than he thought. Also ouch. Even if this wasn't really his Bruce, B said he was going kill his family's murderer with so much conviction. Was Jason not his family too? 

Bruce brought his attention back with a voice much too dark to come from a eight year old.' I won't get caught again. I don't deserve to die in the same way.' Then he whispered one word that made everything so much worse. 'Jaylad'

Huh, maybe that pit rage didn't go away as much as he thought. Now, don't blame him. It was late, He was so tired, the rage and hurt in him wouldn't go away and he was way too emotionally strung up from killing the joker for this conversation. He sort of just snapped. It was quiet, but in the silence of the room, impossible to miss.

'Oh shut up. You obviously didn't even like him that much.' As soon as he said it, they both froze. Bruce, slowly raised his head to look at him. There was anger present on his face'

'Are you Dense? He is mine. I love him and couldn't ever replace him. The clown killed my family, so i'm going to kill him.' As much as this was everything Jason ever wanted to hear, it just made him angrier.

'Then why didn't you?! You say you loved him but you didn't even try to avenge me! You say you could never replace me but it took you six months to find a different kid B! Less than A YEAR! The last bit was shouted. 'God you're insufferable even like this!' Without letting the boy speak, he got up and walked briskly out of the room, Slamming the door like a child.

The guilt was awful. Jason stood leaning against the door, eyes closed. Bruce was Bruce, but right now, he was an eight year old. A kid. Jason had just yelled at a kid. The jerk deserved it. But he didn't really believe it. 

' ck off replacement'

He hadn't actually noticed Tim until now but the replacement orphan was standing across from the door, back leaned against the wall. was he listing the whole time? Stupid, fricking, stalker. Anger spiked again, but this time the guilt seemed to muffle it.

'You know, Bruce was telling the truth. He never replaced you'

'Then who are you?' The answer was quiet, but full of loathing. At who it was directed too, Tim  couldn't be certain.

He breathed like this he was about to say something he would regret, then 'He never picked me. I forced my way into the family. After.. Robin died, Batman became darker. He stopped pulling his punches. there was so. much. blood. Even worse, he wouldn't take care of himself.  Batman wouldn't stop. not to Sleep, not to eat, and absolutely not to heal. he'- Jason broke in, anger cold and dark in his eyes

'oh boo-hoo. Batman threw a temper tantrum and got hurt because of it. Shut up Timmers. your'e almost making it seem like he actually cares. But does he, I don't know, avenge his robin? Of course not, Instead, when I kill him, He brings him back to life with fricking CPR! So much for I am-'

'OH MY GOD JASON! BRUCE TRIED!' That shut him up.

'He tried to kill the joker. Superman stopped him. I only saw it happen once, but I found so many files of an attempt being made. Jason, he was so angry. He tried to kill Joker and sometimes had to be restrained by literal SUPERMAN.' I'm sorry he stopped, but if someone didn't take up being Robin, he would of run himself into the ground until he joined you and I will never let that happen.' Tim was glaring at Jason now, but he didn't notice. his heart was thumping in his head at the revaluation. Bruce tried to avenge him. He never wanted to replace him. He did actually love him. Jason's Guilt suddenly tripled thinking of what he'd done as Red Hood. Well, the murder was necessary, but what he'd done to the Waynes.  He tried to kill Tim, he fought Batman, a lot , held so much anger, kept himself away, Learned to fight specifically with guns, yelled at a kid,And for what?

The door he was leaning on opened behind him, almost making him fall over until he quickly caught himself.

Peaking out from behind the door, Was Bruce. His eyes were red and puffy from crying and he was clutching the door. I should leave. And he should of.  If Bruce didn't hate him before, he absolutely did now. Right? Instead, when the boy tugged his hand, he followed. His heart beat with the gentle click of the door being shut, and sat at the boy's level when he tugged at his hand again, then

'Jay?'

'Yeah Bruce?'

Bruce hugged him. 

'I'm sorry. I made so many mistakes. But I love you and I'm sorry.' That just made the guilt so much worse. 'No Bruce, I'm sorry. I can't say you didn't make mistakes but, you tried, and I hurt you too'. The boy laughed light heartedly.'

'You know how you could make it up to me?'

'yeah?'

'Stay.' he hugged tighter 'I don't want to lose you again' 

Jason thought for a moment.

'Ok B. I can't promise to stay all the time, But i'll try'

'Promise?'

'I Promise' He gently picked Bruce up and deposited him on his bed, but when he went to leave, The boy wouldn't let go of his arm.

'You promised to stay' He Pouted in a half whine.

Jason just sighed. He had just promised like twenty seconds ago. So there he lay. It was warm and comfortable and reminded him of some of him best memories before he died. He would leave as soon as Bruce went to sleep. Yep, absolutely, but before he knew it Jason fell asleep.