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"I like him."
Bruce arched an eyebrow at his partner's straightforward claim.
"You... like him?" He repeated in a deadpan tone of voice, trying his best to ignore the tiny, minuscule bubble of jealousy making its way through his organism.
"Hu-hu," Eddie nodded, even smiling a little.
Alright, that... won't work at all for the Knight.
"I think he'd make a powerful ally," the younger one specified, then put the small plushy black bat next to Steph when she extended her arms in front of her to request her new toy given by their guest of the today.
Alfred invited Harvey Dent to Wayne Tower, the lawyer who helped Bruce through his adoption procedure then concluded the custody affair for him to keep an ex-con under his roof. The butler justified his choice by saying it'd be great to count someone like Dent among their friends, he more or less forced the boys to behave and act as semi-decent hosts... Things went surprisingly smooth over the afternoon.
Polite and very sympathetic, the attorney had bought a gift for Stephanie and turned out to be a pleasant, interesting company.
He congratulated Bruce for his progresses in this new life of his as a parent and he showed Edward his entire support, stating once again he firmly believes in the concept of reform and according to him, every step toward the road of recovery should be encouraged.
Clearly, there is a lingering subtext there he more or less applied to himself, but neither Bruce nor Ed outlined it. Well, Bruce would have if it wasn't for Eddie's discreet albeit efficacious warning glance.
Alfred served them tea, Ed handled most of the light talk while Bruce resembled a scared owl perched on the couch cushions with eyes opened wide as if startled by too many individuals around him.
Stephie conjured up a vivid enthusiasm for the toy Harvey gifted to her: a plush bat. The lawyer admitted he vows a complete and sincere admiration for Batman, he would love to meet and collaborate with him, so it amused him dearly to see the blonde toddler so cheerful over bats too, in her own way.
"Bats!" The little girl chanted happily at present, hugging her fluffy neatly-shaped toy tightly when her father handed it over to her.
Harvey left after a cute afternoon spent discussing with the boys, like... normal people, there again.
Time for Ed to share his true opinion on the DA.
"He really loves Batman," the informer revealed after bringing her plush birdie closer too, and smiling fondly when Steph started to play with the bat and the robin. "When he talked about formerly-called 'Vengeance', I felt his authentic devotion and drive. I am sure he can become a trustworthy ally. Hence, I like him."
Faithful to his habits when something bothers him yet he can't identify what it is about or why this affects him, Bruce muttered barely audible protests... until Stephie raised her bird plush and inquired:
"Dad?"
Bruce played with his daughter and her toys, resolutely forgetting about the attorney setback for now.
All things considered... Maybe he'll pay Harvey Dent a visit, in full costume, either at the lawyer's flat or at his work place, in near future.
If Eddie likes him, that's a sufficient reason for Bruce to fully give him his chance.