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"We are a great team, aren't we? You and I... we could be amazing together..."
Vengeance shifted nervously next to his odd partner when the man expressed a neat admiration and wonder about an idealized version of him.
"I... guess we are," the Bat shrugged, trying not to consider further the possibility of this guy growing into more than just an informer. "I am not... a team player, though."
"As I saw."
Edward smiled with fondness.
Tonight on the same rooftop as the one of their encounter, they made a statement about what happened over the past weeks. Batman called him regularly via the communicator, doing so he often caught the background noises of cheerful voices and perky giggles, proving that when his ally is at home, he cannot keep his kids away from the communication device.
The thought of the man debating over corrupted politicians with him via the widgets whilst his two children comment and laugh next to him possessed a truly touching side. Once or twice, Vengeance had the impression the youngsters teased him about those communications. This was somehow... cute.
They were all very endearing.
"How is... hu... life?" Batman tried to make small talk. "Good lately?"
Over the communicator, they strictly spoke about cases. Now that they met in real for the second time around the middle of December, Bruce felt like he should manifest increased interest by getting more invested.
Furthermore, he begins to sincerely appreciate his strange acquaintance.
"Good," Eddie echoed, amused by the anything but subtle attempt at a casual exchange. "We will... prepare Christmas with the kids. We'll buy a fir, search presents, bake holidays-accurate foods. You know... the whole festive ambiance. It's... very nice."
"I bet it is."
Bruce hadn't tasted a familial winter holidays atmosphere in ages. Edward never appreciated that period of the year prior this year: he will celebrate it with Stephanie and Jason, hence, for the first time, he is convinced he'll have fun this Christmas.
"If you... Don't hesitate to call," Edward rectified his initial sentence. "I mean... I am aware I don't exactly 'know' you, but I am not blind: you're alone. And sad. And you believe nobody wants to be around you if it's not to obtain something from you. I experienced those feelings, and more, for so long. Believe me, I know what it's like. So... if you feel lonely, or if you... want to talk, even about stuff that is not linked to a case, do not hesitate, alright? I will always answer. I will always be there and save time for you. Plus... it's Christmas coming! Nobody should be alone for Christmas."
Vengeance's breathing rate accelerated slightly. Why does this man behave... so considerate with him? This was both highly confusing and so pleasant, it made Bruce happy, a soft warmth blooming in his chest.
"My daughter said I should give you my name and our address," the father added with delicacy. "I like the idea, but I am... not ready to cross that line for the time being. I need to protect my family. Still, even without meeting at our apartment, we can... see each other elsewhere. Have hot chocolate and gingerbread anywhere across our beloved bad-to-the-bones town."
"That sounds... lovely..."
Ed had to physically restrain the urge to make a bold move and take Vengeance's gloved hand in his.
Not now, not yet. He cannot jump over this step.
Besides, unveiling too much about himself risked to put Steph, Jay and him's fragile situation in danger. The last thing Eddie wanted is for Batman to dig into their file and realize he falsified documents linked to parental responsibilities in order to legalize fake rights over two kids not related to him.
Better keep a bit of distance. It will always be time later, to allow Vengeance closer into the circle.
After all... today is only their second date. Neither Jason nor Stephanie expected their adopted half-dad half-bro to bring his crush home tonight.