Work Text:
"Bruce, are we... in a relationship?"
"A relationship?"
"Yes... You know, that 'thing' you name two persons who love one another, live under the same roof, perfectly get along and raise a baby together."
The Bat frowned a little. He perceived some... evident bitterness there.
"I thought we agreed that..."
"I know what we agreed on," Edward muttered, more hurt than he was willing to admit. "We tried the term 'romantic partners', we even tried the concept of 'dating' and you... don't like it. You believe it doesn't fit. This being said, I was... wondering..."
He sighed, then looked out by the window of the Batmobile.
The two of them were working on an affair, they left Stephanie under caring grandfather Alfred's watch. British butlers have a natural gift for being dedicated babysitters.
"... You're upset," Bruce realized, his fingers twitching nervously around the steering wheel of the gothic vehicle.
"World's greatest detective!"
"Don't... use sarcasm, please," the Knight stiffened, displeased by the turn of events. "You know how I... already have a hard time reading the body language and the tone of voice to deduce the nature of emotions, if you... start mocking me, I..."
"I'm sorry."
Eddie looked back at him, a small, sad smile printed on his lips.
"I am not making fun of you, Vengeance. I am simply... a bit self-conscious, that's it. Who am I to you: a work colleague, an experiment to reform, an ally? And how do you justify the fact I take care of your daughter like my own, sleep in your bed, share your routine and am hosted in your home if we are no more than... acquaintances?"
"You are all of the above and more," Bruce whispered quietly. "A work colleague because we solve cases together. A reform program because my ultimate goal is for you to be 100% free from trials and medical appointements at Arkham. An ally because you are the first person I met who truly understands me. Stephanie may be a Wayne now, she is our daughter, Edward. I never considered our situation otherwise. We sleep in the same bed since we discovered we help each other out to keep nightmares at bay, and it's easier to be at the same place next to Steph's cradle to take care of her when she cries. It's purely practical. That and I... love to cuddle. It makes me feel... all warm and fuzzy inside. Last but not least, you are family, it's normal you participate to the daily life under my roof."
A contradictory mix of emotions jostled inside Edward's brain.
He was at the same time deeply touched by the heartwarming speech and... a tad vexed Bruce completely ignored any romantic aspect.
Is the Bat really... not into him that way? Prior today, Ed didn't assume being friendzoned and considered family would ever count on his list of painful rejections.
He sighed anew.
"Eddie... are you still upset?"
"I am not," he tried his best to brush off the concern. "I... am very happy to be a part of your world, Bruce."
That at least was true.
"Let's focus on the matter at hand," the former rogue redirected, putting a stop but not a conclusion to the discussion.
They will handle yet another investigation together, then they will come home to their six months old daughter.
And maybe, one day in near future, Eddie will broach the romantic feelings issue again... just to see whether or not it's truly hopeless in this field.