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Chapter Text

Bruce took off his jacket and untied his tie while driving and breathed a sigh of relief.
the meeting went over and dick kept sending Bruce texts, wondering when he was coming home.
Bruce was just glad to be done and on his way home. to his lover,to his heart.
Bruce also needed to destress and knew the one way he could do so,his garden.
he turned the car off and opened the door,went around the back and made his way into the shed.
he changed into a wifebeater and shorts and immediately went to work.
being out here in the yard, working the garden that Bruce and Martha put their heart and soul into. it made Bruce feel like anything was possible.
Bruce whistled while he tended to the garden. "never thought I'd see this." Alfred said. "thought this was a weekend chore."
"I Miss spending time doing this." Bruce said smiling. "mother and I loved gardening on Sundays." Alfred smiled at Bruce and felt a huge surge of pride.
"you know,bruce." Alfred began." your mother will be back on Wednesday." Bruce nodded. "I just got off the phone with her before I left the office."
Bruce felt so at home knee deep in the soil. his hands gripping the soil, the trowel deep in the soil.
one by one, Bruce started putting the rose plants into the ground. Bruce felt at peace here in his sanctuary.
"master dick,is waiting for you in the manor." Alfred reminded Bruce. "tell my beloved that I'll be in shortly." Bruce said.
Alfred smiled knowingly. "will do,sir." Alfred said. "how's Julia?" Bruce asked.
"she's Coming into town next month." Alfred said. "I'm so excited to see my daughter."
Bruce stood up and hugged Alfred. "I'm so excited to see my sister." Bruce said. "Gonna go in and see my husband."
Bruce came in to the manor through the backdoor. and walked in to music playing. Bruce knew that dick was practicing for the ballet.
"when's the performance?" Bruce asked as the music ended. "Next Tuesday." dick said. "everyone will show up."
dick used his towel to wipe his brow. Bruce came up and wrapped his arms around dick.
"Bruce,i'm dirty." dick said knowingly. "We can be dirty together,old chum." Bruce said in his husky voice.
Bruce kissed dick square on the lips,dick parted them inviting his husband in. the lovers kissed passionately as if they hadn't seen each other in years.
when in reality it was only three hours. "you always smell of soil." dick said quietly. "Does it bother you?" Bruce asked.
"No,it's my favorite scent." dick said. "It makes me think of you." "you say the sweetest things, dick." Bruce said.
"you make it easy to talk to you in that manner." dick answered. "I Adore you, Dick Grayson." Bruce answered back.

Chapter Text

Dick joined Lady Morningfare's dance academy long before he met Bruce.
but after mary and john's passing it was important to dick and Bruce both that the routine of dick taking those classes remained.
plus, dancing brought dick immense joy. plus, Bruce loved attending dick's recitals. he loved cheering on his husband.
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Tonight was the fall recital and dick had to be honest. he was extremely nervous. he sat in his dressing room applying the last bit of make up.
this performance was something dick had been planning for years. he was most proud of it.
dick got up from the vanity as soon as he heard the door opened. "Florence." dick said. "hello Richard." she said.
"you're back." dick said rubbing his hands together. "This performance will be your crowning glory." Florence said. "Your mother ran this place like a tight ship."
"I had dreams of running this place once I was grown." dick said. "She wanted you to have this." Florence said. "It rightfully belongs to you anyway."
Florence handed dick the keys to the building. dick took them from her. she hugged him and pecked him on the cheek.
"good luck, my dear boy." she said.
*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Bruce stood in the lobby greeting people as they came in. Cliff meadows came in with a pregnant Claire and greeted Bruce.
"bruce,Old Boy." Cliff said hugging him. "Hey Cliff." Bruce answered. "Good to see you."
"I wouldn't miss dickie's recital for nothing." Cliff said. "Plus, I don't need a reason to see my old pal."
the doors opened and Henry was the first to come. "what's up,Gotham!" he yelled at the top of his lungs.
ray came in behind him. "Bruce, Cliff." he said grabbing them both in a hug." hey ray." Bruce said hugging him back.
"Prue and I couldn't miss dick's performance." ray said." we had to be here for dick."
"i sent him a text letting him know we're here." henry said as they made their way into the auditorium.
everyone sat in their seats and as the lights dimmed ,the curtain rose.
the first group dancers came out and did their routine. ray looked over at Bruce and the man had a recorder in his hand.
the look of pride on Bruce's face when dick came out onto the stage to do his routine was inspiring.
ray was here to support his friend and to enjoy the show. back at florafauna, ray confided in dick that his mother had been a dancer in her youth and ray being the mama's boy that he is took after his mother and studied ballet when he was young. ray was happy that his friend faired much better than he had.
but dick, made ray promise that he would start dancing again because he loved it and not because it Was expected of him.
dick looked as if he was gliding on the stage. the grace and the poise he had was on the display for the whole town to see.
henry was having fun cheering dick on, Bruce found it endearing.
he was proud of his husband and dick was well aware of it. Bruce enjoyed watching dick dance,it was the most calming and soothing thing he had ever experienced.
dick was grateful that his acrobat background was helpful in this capacity. the younger man was grateful for everything he had ever learned.
when the performance was over, Dick hit his pose and scanned the crowd for Bruce. when he landed on him, the first thing he did was mouth i love you.
it earned him a "i love you too." back. dick curtsied and then went backstage.
once the younger man made it to his dressing room, he pushed the door open and in he went.
he didn't hear it shut and turned around. Bruce was standing in the doorway with a bouquet. "you were fantastic,tonight." Bruce said.
"thank you, beloved." dick said. Bruce held the bouquet. "wait,are those for me?" dick asked. "yes, they are." Bruce said as dick took them.
"all of our friends are waiting." Bruce said. "well,let me get dressed." dick said putting the bouquet on the coffee table.
"i've watched you dance in the past, you are a force to be reckon with." Bruce said looking his bluebird in the eye.
"oh bruce,you are too much." dick said. Bruce walked up to the younger man and grabbed his waist.
Bruce buried his face in dick's hair. the younger man smelled of honey and peaches.
bruce wondered if they could stay like that forever. dick thought so much of himself that he thought he could will it to be so.

Chapter Text

the taxi cab came to a stop and the gates of Wayne manor opened up. the cab then made it's way slowly into the yard and stopped.
"thank you,bradley." Martha said handing him a dollar. "your welcome ,Mrs. Wayne." the cab took off as soon as the gates opened.
Martha walked up the steps and then knocked on the door. Julia,Alfred's daughter answered the door.
"Martha, your back." the young woman said as she hugged her. "It's Splendid to see you, Dear." Martha said hugging her back.
"how long have you been back?" Martha asked. "I just got in last night." julia said. "unfortunately missed dick's recital."
"I did too,i'm afraid." Martha said. "I won't hold it against you." dick said as he came down the stairs.
"Oh Richard, sweetie." Martha said as he hugged her. "I thought you weren't coming until tomorrow." dick said.
"I wanted to surprise my son." Martha said. "Where is he?" "he stepped out to have lunch with Kate." dick answered. "he'll be back at 2 o' clock."
"I cannot wait to meet, Jason." Martha said. "he looks like such a darling little boy."
"That darling little boy,stole the wheels off of my car." Bruce said walking into the house. Martha turned around and was soon wrapped in the arms of her son.
"Hello Mother,i didn't expect you until tomorrow." Bruce said. "Well,my darling son." Martha began. "I wanted it to be a surprise.
"Bruce, Jason apologized for stealing the batmobile's wheels." Renee said. "My son didn't know his uncle was batman." Kate said coming in.
"hey auntie." Kate said hugging Martha. "my darling girl,how are you?" Martha asked. "I'm good, dad sends his love." Kate said.
"how's your sister?" Martha asked. "she's doing fine,the doctors are saying she's ready to come home." Kate answered.
"I'm happy to hear that." Martha said." I can't wait to see my niece and my brother." "Speaking of." Alfred said. "Thomas's doctor called."
Bruce, Kate, and julia looked at Martha. dick came to Bruce's side and started rubbing his arms.
"How's my son?" Martha asked. "The doctors said he finally woke up." Alfred answered. "Oh My Stars." Martha said stumbling.
Alfred caught her and led her to the couch. "Mother." Bruce said coming to her side. "Oh bruce,darling." Martha said touching his cheek.
"I know it's been awhile." Martha started to say. "I'll go visit my brother." Bruce said immediately. "Dick and I were due for a trip."
"when, Bruce?" Kate asked. "we'll leave in the morning." Bruce said. "I just want to make sure you're ok,mother."
"oh Bruce,i'm fine." Martha said. "Just overjoyed that your brother is awake." "i am too,mother." Bruce said. "this is a great day for us all."
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the plane ride to bludhaven was long and tiring. but, the dynamic duo were glad to get away if only for a moment.
going into the airport they were greeted by a women holding up a sign labeled: THE WAYNES.
"Mr. Wayne." the girl said lowering the sign. "My name is Imogen,i'll be accompanying you and mr. Wayne to your apartment."
"thank you, Imogen." Bruce said. "Lead the way." Bruce and dick got in the car and Imogen drove them to their temporary home.
dick knocked on the door and it swung open. "dick?" Carla said. "your back?"
"Is my old apartment still available?" dick asked. "as a matter of fact, it's been available for a year." Carla revealed.
"good" Bruce said. He handed her a envelope of money.
they moved in later that night.
Bruce and dick arrived at the hospital.
"mr.wayne,it's good to see you." a doctor said walking up to Bruce and dick." you brother is awake."
"thank you, doctor." Bruce baited. "dr.obaye." the man said. "this way please."
the doctor lead Bruce and dick down the hallway and to the left ushering them into the elevator, where it stopped on the sixth floor.
he lead them to the fourth door on the left side, he turned the knob and opened the door. Bruce looked at dr.obaye and he nodded.
Bruce closed his eyes and took a deep breath. he went into the room.
the walls were painted blue. a tv was sitting on a table and books were stacked up against it.
a blue bean bag chair was in the middle and thomas was sitting on it. "thomas, your brother is here." dr.obaye said.
"Little Brother." thomas said turning to look at Bruce. Bruce smiled at his older brother.
"amani,you brought my brother." thomas said looking at him. "it was time for a visit." dr.obaye reminded him.
"your right,buddy." thomas said touching Amani on the shoulder. "whose this?" thomas said looking at dick.
"don't you remember, it's me dick." dick said coming up to thomas. "oh yeah,robin." thomas said smiling.
"not anymore go by nightwing these days." dick corrected. "how's mother doing?" thomas asked.
"she's ok,she was thrilled to learn you woke up." Bruce said." no doubt, she'll be up here to see you in a couple of days."
"that makes me feel so happy." thomas said. dick looked over at the corner. "whose that?" dick asked pointing to the cage with the sleeping bird by the window.
"that's my friend, Leonard." thomas said walking toward the cage. "he's an owl." dick said matter of fact.
"yes, he is." thomas said. Bruce turned to look at dr.obaye. "that man is no more." dr.obaye said. "Only your brother resides in there."
"your worried, little brother." thomas said looking at Bruce.
"that was a dark time in our family." Bruce said. "I vowed on our father's grave that I would die before i let those demons take you."
" I Know you'll keep me safe, Bruce." thomas said walking towards Bruce. "I have the utmost faith in your power."
"that makes me very happy,tommy." Bruce said. "I promised mother that you would suffer no more."
"it's time to go,bruce." Amani said grabbing Bruce by the shoulder. bruce hugged thomas and promised that he and dick would be back in the morning.
once Amani closed Thomas's door. Bruce turned toward him with tears in his eyes. "I foolishly thought we were done with the court."
"Bruce, as afar as i know." Amani began." your brother is safe and his state has improved greatly in the last 15 years."
"I intend to keep it that way." bruce vowed. "For my family's sake."

Chapter Text

Amani called Bruce in the morning and let him know that in two weeks, thomas would be able to come home.
Bruce was excited, Martha could hardly contain her joy. dick was excited as well. julia felt the same
Bruce was grateful to have his brother back. he never lost faith, he always stuck by him.
when they were kids, the boys were inseparable. the door opened and Pamela came into the house.
"Bruce Darling, I heard about your brother." Pamela said setting her purse on the coffee table and bringing Bruce in for a hug.
he hugged her back. "he's coming home." Bruce said with a wide smile. "my brother is finally home and he's better."
"the family is back together." Pamela said. "I'm overjoyed." "where's harleen?" Bruce asked.
"she may have gotten into a tizzy with your butler." Pamela said. "over what?" Bruce asked.
"she's staunchly independent." Pamela said. "I've always admired her for that." Bruce chimed in.
"don't worry about it,Al." harleen said walking into the house. Brucie,how are ya?" harleen said grabbing Bruce and giving him a squeeze.
"I'm good,harleen."Bruce said returning her hug. dick came into the living room carrying a tray.
"these sandwiches." dick said to Bruce. "i made them." Bruce said as he passed two of the plates to Pamela and harleen.
Pamela took a bite and moaned in delight. "this sandwich is delicious."
harleen picked up the pot and started pouring everyone a cup of tea. "is this earl grey?" harleen asked.
"my husband's favorite." dick said with pride. "oh and the sandwiches are egg salad."
"where is thomas going to be staying?" Pamela asked. "in his old room." Bruce said. "I mean his apartment on Capullo lane is gone."
"you've been keeping tabs on it?" harleen asked. "Yes,i have." Bruce said." but to be honest, he never really liked that neighborhood."
"have you heard that franco DiCarlo is shutting down his pizza place?" harleen asked. "What?" Bruce said scandalized. "their shutting down DiCarlo's?"
"during our time at Gotham u, it was Bruce and I's favorite spot." harleen explained to dick. "you didn't finish saying everything, dear." Pamela said.
"DiCarlo's WAS getting shut down." she explained. "but,a buyer put up the money and bought the place."
the doorbell ranged and Martha came into the living room. she opened the door.
"Raymond, Henry." she said as they came in."it's lovely to see you.
"Mrs. Wayne." henry said."a vision as always. "I Didn't know you were in town." Bruce said.
"just came by to cross some t's and Dot some I's." ray said. "you" dick said pointing at ray.
"No,We." ray said grabbing henry's hand. "we're the new owners of DiCarlo's."
"Our Mayor." henry explained. "Is the younger sister of franco." "oh yeah,how is Antonia?" harleen asked.
"she's doing great." henry explained.
"anyway heard that franco was wanting to step down." ray said. "wanting to retire after 50 years."
"He's always wanted to own a restaurant." henry said." What am I suppose to do?"
"you support your man." Pamela said. the front door opened and Kate came in.
"Katherine." Martha said. "dad's on his way and I had to be here." Kate said.
"what's going on?" Bruce said setting his plate down and getting up. the door opened again and Jacob came into the house.
"uncle Jacob." Bruce said. "someone was ready to come home." Jacob said holding the door open.
thomas came through the door and before he could get a word in Bruce and Martha had him surrounded.
"Mom, Little Brother." Thomas said. "It's wonderful to see you both." "I'm just glad your home." Bruce said." Safe and Sound."
"where you belong." Martha said." my Boys." "I'm glad to be the one to bring him back to you,sister dear." Jacob said.
"your room was left the same." Bruce said. "Nothing was changed." "you want me here?" thomas asked.
"where else would you go?" Bruce said. "this is still your home." "I have nowhere else to go." thomas said mostly to himself.
"son,you don't need to go anywhere else." Jacob said putting his hand on Thomas's shoulder. "you are home."
"baby,we don't want you to go anywhere else." Martha said. "I Don't want to let you out of my sight."
"Ray Manchester." thomas said. "Harleen Quinzel." "Welcome home, thomas." they said in unison.
"i'm glad to be home." thomas said smiling.

Chapter Text

a 1954 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Starfire Convertible cruised down downtown swellview and pulled to a stop in front of the restaurant.
the doors opened and out came the dynamic duo and their entourage. Thomas looked around. "wow, talk about a throwback." Thomas said.
"Cousin Tommy, I had no idea you were familiar with swellview." Kate said as she helped Renee out of the convertible.
"It was during my time away from home." Thomas said." you know, on my journey of self discovery." bruce looked at his older brother knowingly.
the crowd quieted down once ray and henry came outside. "swellviewians, thank you for showing up for us." henry said through the megaphone.
"Ray and I, have been working on this for three years and we're finally ready to open up for business."
"this is a project close to Prue and myself's heart." ray explained. "we ate here over the years various times and the food was always exceptional."
"ray wore Ol' franco down and had the man impart on him the ways of his craft." henry explained. "Our Hope, is that we did him proud."
ray picked up the giant scissors and cut the ribbon. "The New and Slightly improved Dicarlo's is now open." ray said after cutting the ribbon.
Ray and henry moved out of the way as the crowd marched in. "Hey Guys, Love what you've done with the place." Dick said.
"Kate, Renee." Ray said hugging them. "Good to see ya." "Hiya Tommy." Ray said clapping Thomas on the back.
"Good to see you as well." Thomas said to ray. He turns and his eyes get wide. "Horatio?"
the group turns to see Horatio Minyak walking towards them. "Thomas?" Horatio said. "Is that really you?"
Thomas blushed and put his hand on his head. "Yeah, it's me." Thomas said. "So you decided to come back?" Horatio asked.
"My little brother and my brother in law allowed me to tag along on their trip to swellview." Thomas answered.
"well, it's good to see you." Horatio said. "Yes, it was a pleasure seeing you as well." Thomas said.
"wait!" henry yelled out. "Horatio, why don't you dine with us?" ray looked at his boy.
"if it's ok with the rest of your co-horts." Horatio said. "A friend of my brother's is a part of this family." Bruce said. "Hope you will be ok with that."
"I think I am." Horatio said smiling. henry locked eyes with Bruce. the two men had a understanding.
"come Horatio, Dine with us." Bruce said. "Perhaps you can relay some stories about your dalliance with my brother."
"don't overstep your boundaries, brother." Thomas said glaring at his younger brother.
"I only kid, Tommy." bruce said grinning. "But seriously, come sit with us." "Ok,I shall." Horatio said.
"You'll have to excuse my baby brother." Thomas said to Horatio. "It's ok,Thomas." Horatio said." I don't mind."
the group sat down at the long table in the corner. ray came out of the kitchen and whistled. the waiters come out with the food and set the table, everyone oohing and aweing at the spread set before them. "Well, my friends and Minyak." ray said." Prepare for a feast fit for a king."
plates started being passed around the table, everyone got one and prepared to eat their food.
Bruce watched as Thomas and Horatio sat close to one another and ate their food. Bruce is overjoyed that his brother has reacclimated back into society.
when henry told Bruce about minyak being Thomas's ex-boyfriend he wasn't sure what to make of it at first.
but sitting at this table and seeing his brother come alive and thriving with a man that he loves and that loves him in return.
why it's the most beautiful thing that he's ever experienced. Bruce has his husband, his brother and his best friend by his side.
he's the luckiest man in the world. "Seeing tommy like this." kate says. "It makes my heart soar."
"I wish to see that look on him for the rest of my life." bruce said." I'm so happy that this transpire."
"I am too." kate said. the two cousins toasted to the rest of the evening.

Chapter Text

Thomas stood atop Gotham city hall, his long cape billowing in the wind.
Stars stretched across the night sky illuminating the city.
The eldest wayne was very different from his younger brother, while the younger man was charismatic and electric. Thomas was quiet,calm collected. Bruce would often liken his older brother to Errol Flynn. But Thomas supposed that had more to do with how bruce looked up to him and thought of him as a hero. But,as he returned to his hometown. Thomas knew the truth.
He was no hero, he was a villain, the dastardly kind.
The older man tried as much as he could but nothing not one image could form.
He didn’t understand why he couldn’t remember anything why everything was such a blur.
Thomas saw someone and proceeded to ascend from atop the building onto a car in front of it.
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Horatio was livid, he thought that by coming into town and deciding to stay in Gotham for only a spell. But his grandma missed him and he missed her as well. He thought he could order them some food, but the order was wrong and now here he was having to come back out and have it fixed.
He was about to turn the corner when he heard something hit Eva Demera’s car.
He turned around and was met with the sight of a man dressed as an owl.
“Who are you?” Horatio asked. “There he is!” BANG!BAnG!BANG!
Thomas used his cape to shield the man from the gunfire. “What’s going on?” Horatio said.
“They’re after me.” Thomas said. “I’m very sorry that you have become apart of this scrap.”
Thomas took out his grappling gun and aimed it toward the fray.
“What’s your name,sweetheart?” Thomas asked. “Horatio.” he said fearfully.
“Well Horatio,as soon I descend onto these goons you make a break for it.”
Thomas released the trigger and the arrow shot up into the sky piercing the edge of roof.
“If I make it outta this,I’ll find ya and take you out on a proper date.” Thomas said as he shot up into the air.
Horatio couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
Thomas took out two goons on the way down onto the roof. The rest were just easy work.
There was one left and he had his gun pointed at Thomas.
The goon could have sworn he seen owlman smile with full teeth before the costumed man came at him.
Thomas got in two good hits before the goon started shooting at him. One bullet caught him in the shoulder while he leaped toward the entrance to the staircase. Thomas climbed up the onto the staircase roof and waited until the goon got close enough and jumped down punching the goon and knocking him out. “Son of a bitch.” He said breathlessly. He heard the door open and turned around.
“I thought I told you to get out of here.” Thomas said swaying.
“Woah hero, you look terrible.” Horatio said catching Thomas as he stumbled.
“Just my luck,I run into one of these.” Horatio said putting all of Thomas’s weight on him so that he can carrying out of here.
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Thomas comes to and he notices that his mask and the shirt of his costume are on a coffee table.
He looks up and sees Horatio standing there. “Imagine my surprise when I took off your mask and seen that THE THOMAS WAYNE J.R. Is in my living room.” Horatio said coming to the couch and handing Thomas the ice pack. “Dammit.” thomas said “ you can’t go to the hospital “ Horatio said.
“Did you mean it?” Thomas looked up at Horatio. “What?” Horatio smiled and thomas felt his heart start to beat faster. “When you said that if we made it out,you would take me on a proper date.” Horatio answered. Thomas smiled back. “Yes,I did.” “ thank you for saving my life.” Horatio says.
“It’s my fault you were still there.” Thomas said.” If I hadn’t jumped down onto the car.”
Horatio takes Thomas’s hand. “ I’m glad you jumped down onto that car.” Horatio said.
“You weren’t hurt were you?” Thomas asked holding Horatio’s hand.
“No,I’m fine.” Horatio said.” I was more concerned about you.”
“I’m starving.” Thomas said. Horatio helped him stand up and brought him into the kitchen.
“Is this the food?” Thomas asked. “ yes,it is.” Horatio said.
“Now now, sit down boys.” Grandma says to them. “ my name is Elvira and you are?”
“My name is Thomas wayne.” Thomas said.”named after my father.”
“You look just like him.” Elvira said.
“Thank you madam.” Thomas said. “Allow me.” He said. He then proceeded to plate everyone’s food
Horatio was still trying to process what happened on this night. But he also feels himself falling head over hills for Thomas. Even if they have only known each other for a few hours.
Horatio is in deep and for him there is no turn back.

Chapter Text

-Present day-
A red Subaru drove outside the city limits of swellview. It turned onto a dirt road and drove through a wooded area and stopped at a gate.
The window rolled down and ray stuck his head out .
He pressed the red button on the control panel.
“What’s the password?” A automated voice said.
“Let’s get dangerous.” Ray answered.
The gate opened and Ray drove through.
He continued on the dirt road until a quaint little house came into view.
he opened the door and got out of the car.
Going to the backseat and started rummaging around.
The front door opened and a Great Dane came running down the porch steps and jumped on Ray knocking him down.
The dog licked Ray all over his face.
“Ok Amadeus ok.” Ray said pushing the dog off of him.
Henry came down the steps and up to the car.
He held out his hand and Ray took it.
Henry helped his husband stand up.
Ray went back into the car and started handing Henry groceries.
Then the couple went inside the house.
They walked through the hallway and went into the kitchen.
They sat the groceries on the counter.
“So did you see anything interesting when you were in town today?” Henry asked as he started putting away the groceries.
“No not really.” Ray said.
“Claire called.” Henry said.” Asked if we’re still on for tonight.”
“Unless cliff changed his mind,we should be.” Ray responded.
Ray went into the refrigerator to put up the eggs,butter,milk and other items.
He pulled out the roast and sat it on the counter.
“I’m going to season it and then put it in the oven.”
Ray said as he started to do just that.
“Call Claire back and tell her that we’re still on.”
Henry pulled out his cell and called her.
The phone ranged and Claire picked up.
“This is the meadows residence.” Claire said.
“Claire,it’s me, Henry.” Henry replied.
“Henry Darling.”Claire responded back.” Are we still on?”
“Yes,we are.” Henry said.” Raymond is preparing the meal as we speak.
“I haven’t heard from cliff.” Ray said as he opens
The oven. “Is he in town?”
“No,cliff should be driving back here now.” Claire said. “He took Ahmad and Willie to see their grandmother.”
“I know he took a detour to Gotham to see Bruce.” Ray said.
“What would be a good time for us to come over?” Claire asked.
“How about 4:30?” Ray answered.
“Sounds good to me.” Claire said.
“Ok,see you later tonight.” Henry hung up.
“So,how long are you going to be gone for?” Ray asked.
“Ray.” Henry said.
“Look,I didn’t ask what you’re doing.” Ray said.
“Whatever top secret thing you two got going on.”
“It’s just going to be for two weeks.” Henry said.
“We’ll have dinner with our friends and just have tonight be about that.”
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~gotham city~
Bruce sat in his garden and tended to it.
It was a beautiful sunny day in his fair city and it was nice to be able to relax and enjoy himself.
Cliff Meadows came by and visited for two days.
It was nice to see his old friend while he was on his way back to swellview.
Bruce planted the last of his marigolds and stood up.
Now he was ready to go and take a luxurious bubble bath.
He went into the shed and put back all of his tools and cleaned up the area. Then he went into the manor and walked upstairs. He disrobes while the tub fills.
He turns off the water and sinks into the tub.
He proceeds to clean himself. The door opens and dick walks in.
“Did you hear about what’s going on?” He asked his husband.
“I am literally taking a bath,after being in the garden.” Bruce said scrubbing his face.
“I haven’t heard or seen anything”
Dick picks up his phone and scrolls.
He clears his throat. “Former vice mayor of swellview,Franklin “franky” Willard is moving to Gotham city.”
Bruce stood up in the tub and took the phone from dick.
“What?!” Bruce said. “Why is he coming here?”
“According to what Ray told me.” Dick said.”he gathered up his wife and son and moved them here.”
“But,why?” Bruce asked. “It doesn’t make sense.”
“When Ray and Henry arrive tomorrow we can ask them.” Dick said.

Chapter Text

bruce stood on the porch while holding the dish.
He pressed the doorbell. The door swung open.
“Ray, how can you live out here?” Bruce asked coming into the house.
“Hi dick,good to see you.” Ray responded.
“Well bruce, I happen to love living out here.”
Henry came in to the living room.
“Hey you.” Henry said coming up to Bruce.
Bruce hugged his friend and handed him a jello mold. “It’s cherries and peaches.” Bruce said.
Henry cheered. “My favorite.”
“Just so you know, I just checked the roast.” Ray spoke.” It’s almost done.”
“So,I hear congratulations are in order.” Henry said.
“What do you mean?” Bruce asked.
“The dance academy.” Henry asked. “The Mary Grayson school of dance?”
“Oh yeah.” Dick said.
“So, when’s the opening?” Ray asked.
“The school should be ready to reopen next month.” Dick answered.” That’s what I’m hoping for at least.”

“There is so much happening and going on right now.” Bruce said.” It has felt a little hectic.”
“Well,I’m glad that evenings such as these are still a possibility.” Ray responded. “ I don’t take our friendship for granted.”
“Ok, let’s head to the table.” Ray said walking out of the living room.
Henry led their friends into the dining room.
Ray came into the dining room and sat the dish in the middle of the table.
He handed Bruce the serving fork and the knife.
“Will you do the honors?” Ray asked.
“Of course.” Bruce said taking the utensils from him.
Bruce proceeded to slice into the roast and started placing slices onto everyone’s plate.
Dick decided to start pouring people drinks and asked everyone to raise their glass.
“To friends and family.” He said. “Which I am glad to call you both.”