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Chapter Text

A newly introduced Damian sits in Bruce's Bat-chair, observing his new "siblings" with judgmental eyes. His emerald green ones rolling into the back of his head at the ex-carny babying him: "Look you fool, I shall let you know right now that your efforts to entertain me like I'm some child will prove fruitless. Whatever I have done to make you think I'm approachable, forgive me, because I already hate you."

Richard's smile slowly fades and he clears his throat. His medium blue eyes narrowing into a suspicious glare, his lips forming a tight lipped smile: "Right down to business I see? I'll have you know that you may be the baby, but I was Bruce's first one. Whatever title you held before doesn't matter now...in fact, I would suggest you get rid of it before someone helps you get rid of it."

Damian scoffs and picks at his nails, swiveling side to side in HIS father's chair: "Worried about the competition already? As expected from a weak-willed and spineless peasant such as yourself. I suggest whatever title you held before-" his green eyes rake up and down Richard's lithe form like a predator with it's prey-"Which from your disposition I would say you are the favorite-ah! Or I should say EX favorite."

Jason grunts from where he's punching at a dummy: "Look you little shit. All we did was exist-"

Damian: "Then stop."

Jason: *stops punching to glare at the small fry* "Ex-fucking-cuse me? I already un-existed before, I am NOT doing that again. And drop the attitude before I drop kick you back to your mother."

Damian: "How cute. It's like a puppy learning to bark for the first time. I can already tell you are desperate for my father's attention like a dehydrated ma-"

Jason: *cocks his gun and points it at Damian* "Did no one tell you along the way here that I don't mind killing for Bruce? Would've tried to get rid of Bozo the Clown over there if I knew I could get away with it. And then I'd shoot Bruce myself."

Tim looks up from his tablet with a sigh: "Trying to kill another bird I see? I guess I wasn't enough for you?"

Jason: "That was due to my pit induced rage. I had no control over that-" gestures towards Damian-"But this overly confident little bitch is a choice."

Tim raises his hands in defeat: "Just saying that you shouldn't threaten the new one so soon. Plus...I'm the smart one, Bruce needs me more than all of you combined. And I know everyone's weaknesses well, do you really want to test me?"

Damian sighs and finally hops down from the chair: "Childs play. My mother has made sure I knew everything from acrobatics to knowledge of cultures, religions, languages, books and other things you plebeians would surely combust from the brains it takes to memorize such things. She made sure I had it all so I can replace all of you. And father will be mine and mine alone."

Richard plasters a friendly smile back on his face: "Seems like the one spot she missed was etiquette. Don't worry kid, I'll be happy to show you the way things work around here."

Before the argument can get further out of hand, a clearing of the throat stops the four boys. They quickly turn to see Alfred standing at the bottom of the cave steps with a tray full of cookies.

Polished shoes click across the cave floors unhurriedly, the older gentleman quietly serving the boys their cookies and turning to leave. Not before clearing his throat once again and turning to give the four boys stern looks.

Alfred: "All this bickering is pointless. You all are now family and I hope you lot will act like it. Master Bruce is already making arrangements for your schooling young master Damian, and he expects a somewhat peaceful dinner tonight."

The older man can't help the small smirk he gives, one that is confident and self-assured. "Plus, as long as I am here, there is NOT much competition. You may be his first child master Richard, but I am his first partner in anything he's done. I do hope from here on out you ALL will remember your places. Good day."

The four boys frown at the authority radiating from the usually calm butler.

Damian clicks his tongue and slinks into the shadows while silently plotting his new victims demise.

Chapter Text

Bruce enters the dining room, ignoring Alfred's curious glance as to why he is early for dinner in favor of sitting at the head of the table. His icy blue eyes looking around the room confused as to why none of his own kids are on time.

Bruce: "Alfred?"

The question in his voice is all Alfred needs to hear for him to turn around, his face calm and voice reassuring, helping to ease Bruce's nerves: "No need to fret master Bruce. Your boys have only taken the time to know each other is all, I went down there myself and they were doing fairly well together...all thing's considered."

That was a straight up lie, but what his son doesn't know won't hurt him. Alfred is praying right now that none of the boys have found a way to kill each other already...or it's more like, he hopes they haven't chosen a way to kill each other yet. Heaven forbid Alfred has to clean one of his grandchildrens blood, guts and corpse(s) off of his pristine floors.

Bruce relaxes a bit at his butler (father) telling him that. Before Bruce can ask where they are though, the sound of multiple footsteps is heard making their way to the dining room, before the boys enter though, Alfred can't help but ask why Bruce was so early for dinner.

At the question Bruce flushes a little, clearing his throat and messing with the carefully folded napkin lying on his plate: "Oh...I didn't want to leave Damian alone in a room full of strangers on his first day. I know he barely knows me as well, but I was told from him that Talia at least talked about me a lot. I'm actually more surprised at how quickly he's taken to me."

If Bruce were to look up he'd see Alfred staring at him adoringly, but due to his own bashfulness, he keeps his head down...until his kids stumble-crash-through the door in a very loud pile.

Richard to Jason: "I always sit next to Bruce! Stop trying to always take my spot you cretin!"

Jason to Richard: "That right there is the reason I always try to take your spot! Makes your blood boil, doesn't it?"

Tim to Jason: "Jason, you are too fat! Cut the junk food out of your life and get off of me!"

Jason pushes more of his weight onto Tim: "Hypocrite. Stop being a caffeine addict and then think of preachin' to me about cutting things out of my life. Although, now that you suggest it...I think I could afford to cut you out of my life."

Tim groans at how heavy Jason is. A disgruntled look in his eyes and displeased frown on his lips as he struggles under the larger form: "Trust me. Any participation I have in your life is forced, if it weren't for Bruce, you would never interact with me."

Jason's eyebrow twitches in agitation at the sassy reply, a pained shout ripped from his throat at Richard suddenly biting him: "Oy dickhead! Why'd you bite me you mangy little bitch!?"

Richard smiles at Jason innocently: "My mouth slipped onto your arm, my apologies."

Jason growls and lightens his weight on Tim to face Richard more: "You little-my fist will slip onto your face if you pull that shit again!"

Before Richard can give a snide remark, they all hear a suspiciously meek voice speak up from across the room. The three arguing youths turn-snap-their heads to the source of the noise, gasping simultaneously at Damian standing next to Bruce's chair, big green eyes glancing up at him in a (begrudgingly admitted) adorable display of innocence.

Damian: "Father...am I allowed to sit with you?"

Bruce's agitation at his eldest three arguing is quickly replaced by love at the sheer (UwU-kawaii) curiosity and affection in his baby son's gaze. The older man can't help the soft smile on his face as he nods, curiosity winning over as to why Damian would even ask: "Of course you can, hun. Why would...why would you need to ask that?"

The gremlin inside Damian Wayne is screeching in victory at how he has Bruce wrapped around his little finger already. Keeping up the innocence he answers in all honesty, however, he knows his father is someone who wouldn't appreciate his answer no matter how normal it seemed to himself, which is exactly why he says it.

Damian shrugs and innocently says: "Back with grandfather and mother, they didn't allow me to eat with them until I was good enough to eat with them. If I didn't perform my duties in a proper manner I would either not be allowed access to my dietary needs or be separated from them in my room or a cage until I was good enough to dine with them."

Terror is written on Bruce's face, who would do that to an innocent little bean like his son!?

Damian gasps softly in surprise as large hands settle under his arms and lift his small form onto a firm-but oddly soft enough and comfortable-lap. The scent of cinnamon, vanilla and a tiny bit of rose fill Damian's nostrils, Bruce bringing his youngest son's head to his neck as the shocked man buries his nose in the spiky hair.

Bruce softly speaking to Damian: "I'm sorry. They will NEVER do that to you again, you can eat as much as you want. You can even sit with me anytime you want...don't ask."

Damian forgets the competition for a little while in his father's warm embrace, melting slowly into the sturdy form before realizing his "competition" and turning his head towards them. His smirk haughty and eyes gleaming with arrogance at the conundrum he has caused for the three blind mice over there.

Alfred gently clears his throat after a moment of silence and takes the left side seat next to Bruce: "If you gentlemen wouldn't mind not wrestling on the floor like middle schoolers and taking your seats. That would be most delightful."

Six sets of eyes home in on the right side chair. The three straightening up and looking at each other challengingly before breaking out into another battle by pushing at each other. Too focused on the fight to see Bruce tilt his head back in exasperation and Damian happily chewing away at his salmon and rice in victory.

Bruce gives a bewildered look to Alfred after he's done sighing, his pink lips tugging into a frown: "I thought you said they were getting along well?"

Alfred lifts his fork to his lips, gunmetal blue eyes watching the eldest three in amusement, his own lips stretching into a smirk over his utensil: "I also said all things considered."

Bruce just sighs and starts to eat his food as well, holding onto Damian securely as he watches the chaos unfold.

Chapter Text

After twenty long minutes of fighting Richard, Jason and Tim have finally managed to take their seats (at Bruce's insistence). Richard and Jason glare at Tim harshly for managing to get the right side chair next to Bruce, the younger boy smiling victoriously and scooting his chair closer to the confused man.

Bruce: "What is going on with you boys?"

Tim gives a mean glare to Damian right quick before blinking innocently up at the older man: "Nothing suspicious...just the regular amount of fighting and attempted bloodshed is all."

Bruce hums slowly and squints suspiciously at Tim's overly bright smile but softens at the boy scooting his plate closer to him and eating happily. Well, he can't argue much if Tim is willingly eating on time.

Damian violently shoves a piece of his salmon in his mouth at how close Drake is getting to his father, his eyes narrowing at the devious smile the other gives him at Bruce patting his hand gently. At Bruce's gentle show of affection for another that is not biologically related to him causes Damian to tighten his grip on his fork, his left hand reaching out to tug Bruce's hand away from Tim and bring it to his stomach, sighing contentedly at the warmth in the palm resting on his belly.

Before Bruce can ask Damian why he did that, said boy looks up at Bruce curiously: "I heard from Pennyworth that you were planning for my academic endeavors-"

Jason stabs at his fish violently while side eyeing Damian: "Schooling, it's called schooling. Is it so fucking hard for you to speak like a normal child?"

Damian turns up his nose while his left eye twitches at being interrupted: "Listen, Todd. Just because I don't talk like an uneducated, unloved and brainless street urchin such as yourself. Don't be jealous."

Bruce gasps quietly at Damian's language-sometimes he forgets how violent his baby son could be-and softly squeezes at Damian's stomach in warning: "Damian Wayne, we don't speak to family that way, especially when it's not true or needed. And Jason, try being a little kinder and gentler with Damian...I don't care that he was trained under the best assassins, he's still just a baby."

Damian frowns and feels irritation rise at his father implying that he needs to be coddled, his said feelings quickly washing away at a large hand carding through his hair and Bruce kissing the top of his head gently.

Green eyes filled with malice towards Jason look up innocently at Bruce, Damian smiling and snuggling back into Bruce as the man continues to dote on him: "I guess I am a baby. YOUR baby. BIOLOGICAL. BLOOD son." Bruce sighs and just pats his youngest on the head, not noticing (or choosing to not pay attention to) his three eldest children in varying degrees and expressions of anger.

Jason locks his eyes onto Damian's and aggressively bites at the salmon, to which Damian just turns his nose up at the pitiable display. Green eyes turn to Tim next, eyebrow raising as the second youngest blankly stares at Damian while mouthing "don't fall to sleep", a weak attempt at frightening him if you ask Damian. And lastly is Richard who is holding that friendly smile on his face while eyeing Damian like a hawk, the man's smile growing when Damian finally looks at him.

It's at a phone ringing that Damian breaks eye contact with the eldest, lips turning into a frown at Bruce sighing and lifting him up, only to place him in his seat and telling everyone he'll be right back.

Well, as soon as Bruce leaves the chaos erupts. Damian turns his head back to face the rest of his new family, only to be greeted with Tim's face in his own.

Tim: "So first you pop up here unexpectedly like a pimple and now you want to hog Bruce to yourself? You are sitting in his seat...I don't think I've ever even sat in his seat."

Damian's smirk is haughty while responding: "Listen Drake, if your ass were to touch this seat, I would have to burn it to spare my father from the disease you surely must be carrying."

Jason and his constant willingness to tease Tim whenever he gets the chance just snorts: "Whaddya mean? Timbo here IS the whole disease short stuff."

Damian growls and throws his fork at Jason, the utensil landing above the teen's shoulder: "Don't ever call me by that name again! While we can agree that Tim is a disease I do not appreciate your ridiculous nicknames for people."

Richard finally interrupts with a sigh: "Everyone calm down. We don't want to ruin Bruce's night too much, if we are going to war about this, why not be civilized and play it cool so we don't alert or distress B?"

Jason flicks a piece of his salmon at the older: "Do I really have to be the one that has to tell you all the reasons playing civilized is stupid, Dickhead? One: it's a war, you know the thing that is filled with bloodshed and violence? And two: I am NOT playing nice with Timmy Neutron and the Oompa Loompa over there, I'd rather kill myself."

Tim crosses his arms and blows a piece of hair out from his face: "Then just get on with it already then. The sooner you kill yourself the less competition there is-"

Damian nods in agreement and gives a mean look to Jason: "Plus, I don't think anyone would care about your second death this time around."

Alfred sighs loudly and slams his palms against the table: "That is quite enough! If you boys are so convinced on having your little battle right now, then fine, but do not degrade each other with your traumas. That is a horribly low blow."

The four boys look at Alfred apologetically and quietly apologize, watching as the man stands and takes his plate to the kitchen.

It's as soon as the second real adult leaves the room that the boys glare at each other and start tossing their remaining food at one another. Spouting threats and curses while planning on how to one-up the other to gain more of Bruce's attention.

Chapter Text

It was Valentine's Day at Wayne Manor. A usually peaceful and non destructive holiday. Usually you'd expect for a love filled holiday event to be filled with...well, love and affection for each other and remembering what makes you love each other.

But in Wayne Manor, Valentine's Day means more competition, for what you ask? Well, for more of Bruce's approval of course! Every night (actually weeks) before the big day Bruce's family spends the night(s) toiling away at handmade cards and ideas, each trying to outdo the other on their gifts and carefully crafted surprises for their dear dad.

But...they (Richard, Jason and Tim) have an issue. There's extra competition today, not only is that brat Damian (reluctantly admitted by the older boys to be) super talented, but those wenches Bruce (for some reason) adopted into the family suddenly flocked towards Wayne Manor with a competitive gleam in their eyes. The three eldest could practically smell the determination from Barbara, Stephanie and Cassandra.

Bruce's cousin Kate even came, but she said it was for the seasonal goodies and to watch the chaos unfold. Although, the boys and girls are weary about her...the woman can be surprisingly great at hiding her emotions, even to the point of confusing Cass sometimes.

Of course no one lets Bruce in on the fact his family are being competitive on such a loving day, they just are content on letting the man bask in the loudness of his large home. The man always brightens up in his own way when everyone (or almost everyone. Duke couldn't make it) manages to visit, the corners of his lips turn up slightly and everyone has come to notice a happy blush overtakes his usually pale cheeks.

Which brings everyone to now. January 14th: Valentine's Day on a Wednesday at 7am. Richard waking up at a horrid smell coming from what he assumes to be the kitchen, his jaw clenching when he goes to check his hidden camera in the kitchen only to find the device not working and showing a glitchy and static screen.

The acrobat creeps out of his bed and down the hallway and stairs towards his target, his ears honing in on the quiet curses from a woman. Richard slips into the kitchen to watch Stephanie freaking Brown trying to cook...whatever it is? The older can't actually tell with how charred the...pancake? Or some batter like texture is burned and others a mixture of charred and undercooked.

Stephanie gasps at a tall shadow being cast behind her the girl preparing to turn around only to be pressed into the counter as an all too familiar voice whispers softly and all too sweetly in her ear, "Do you need my help, traitor?"

Richard allows the blonde to turn around and smiles down at the flustered girl, "Traitor!? How am I a traitor? We never agreed to work together." Stephanie sputters and blows a strand of hair out of her face.

Richard narrows his eyes at the younger girl and pulls away, "I suppose so. But your actions these past few days were letting me know we had some sort of pact. How could you shut off my cameras like that?" Stephanie look at the taller confused, "You...put cameras up to watch us? What is wrong with this family!?"

From the doorway comes a deeper voice, Jason holding out his hands to show the covert listening devices-aka: bugs/wires that were put in his and everyone else's rooms-when the two turn to look at him.

"Then how do you explain THESE, Stephanie? I know you and Timbo were helping each other bug everyone's rooms. You two thought you could be sooo sneaky."

Stephanie opens her mouth to defend herself, but Tim suddenly appears from a cabinet, stepping in front of the now baffled girl. "Not another word Stephanie, he has no proof. As far as we know he could be accusing us of his own crimes."

A burst of laughter escapes Jason and he pulls out his phone to wave it around, "Are you sure about that? I wouldn't sound so confident talking like that to the person who has video evidence from A CERTAIN SOMEONE'S hidden cameras." Tim gasps and Stephanie curses, the two looking to a betrayed looking Richard who points at the skunk haired teen.

"I-It was you who shut off my cameras! You knew about them and were using them to get blackmail material!"

Tim crosses his arms and huffs, "Kind of sus that he knew about my bugs as well! Almost like he was spying on us the whole time!"

Richard gasps again and turns to Stephanie, "Or almost like he had help shutting things down and figuring things out so a CERTAIN GIRL could sneak her ass downstairs to make Bruce handmade food." Stephanie's eyes widen and she shakes her head, "I demand a lawyer. You can't pin all of this on me! We were helped by Barbara!"

At the confession a curse is heard from what sounds like a speaker, when Jason gets to searching he finds one behind the fridge, Barbara's voice bitter as it speaks. "I'll get you for this, Steph. So what if I helped them both? You both asked help from Cass to take those cameras down as well."

Jason and Steph curse while Tim sips at his suddenly materialized coffee, shaking his head disappointedly. "There's no loyalty in family anymore. Where did the trust go?"

Cassandra jump scares everyone by suddenly appearing on top of the fridge, her brown eyes staring down on them like a judgmental god, "No trust. Only war. You three let downs. Quiet agreement. You break truce-" brown eyes narrow accusingly at Jason and Stephanie-"Now my enemies. Free game."

Barbara suddenly appears from the doorway and immediately starts to pin blame on the two teens.

Chaos soon erupts and everyone is pinning blame on one another. The arguing group not noticing Damian listening from above the steps and smiling to himself at how everything worked out beautifully. He still finds it odd how a mysterious source left a note in his room about all the going ons of his enemies siblings...but he'll count his blessings one by one he supposes.

Damian excitedly rushes to Bruce's room and opens the door quietly, stilling at seeing his father up in bed with Alfred by his side. The two men holding bugging devices and watching videos of everything that happened the past few weeks, Bruce looks up in surprise at Damian before his brows furrow.

"What is all this?"

Damian opens and closes his mouth, too flustered at being caught to respond. At the silence Bruce just sighs and stands up, grabbing Damian's small hand in his and leading him back out of the room. "I assume your siblings are up as well? We need to have a talk about this right now."

Damian bows his head as he's led into the kitchen by Bruce, everyone quieting down at realizing they've been caught red-handed.

--A few minutes later--

"It's touching that you all want my affection...but if this is the only reason you celebrate Valentine's Day is to squabble and one up each other...then maybe don't. A-Am I really that bad at letting you guys know I love and appreciate you that you have to fight for me to notice you?"

Jason frowns at that and shakes his head, "You can be a bit emotionally constipated-" he grunts at the elbow in his side-"But we know you love us! It's more of like...your love is such a treasure we get greedy and want to eliminate any and all competition!"

Bruce looks up at the genuine smiles and nods of agreement from his children, the man sighing and shoulders slumping more. "But I want to love all of you-" Ice blue eyes turn to look at the mess in the kitchen curiously and hopefully-"Oh? W-Were you all trying to make me breakfast? Did you all come together to try and make me food?"

Everyone freezes and looks at each other before coming to a silent agreement, all the Wayne children smiling and nodding quickly, their voices meshing together to sound like a happy symphony.

"Of course! We only wanted you to be happy!"

Bruce's eyes widen in shock and awe, his cheeks flushing happily as he stands and starts directing his kids to do different tasks. "I used to cook with Alfred a lot as a kid! We can cook breakfast together!"

The family get so distracted cleaning up Stephanie's mess that they don't notice Kate and Alfred at the kitchen entrance. The former huffing a laugh and looking at the butler suspiciously, "So how did you do this?"

Alfred keeps his gaze forward and smirks the tiniest bit before patting the red head's arm and turning away. "I had no involvement my dear child, it must be cupid working their magic. You go join them and I'll be right back."

Kate tilts her head but quickly rushes into the chaos to join her cousin and his crazy kids.

Alfred smiles at hearing the laughter and noise coming from the kitchen as he heads up the stairs again. Damian's complaints being heard on Stephanie and Tim's mixing patterns, Richard fighting with Jason on who's going to lick the spoon and Cass and Barbara murmuring quietly on how they'll decorate Bruce's plate to look pretty.

After arriving to Bruce's bedroom again Alfred steps onto the balcony, clears his throat and looks towards the sky, "Master Kent." Only a millisecond passes before Clark-or he should say Superman-is hovering in front of him, deep blue eyes curious on the outcome of his mission.

"So how did everything go? Did you really need to do all this just for them to calm down enough to act...civilized?"

Alfred smiles and nods, "Of course! The one thing we all can agree on is Bruce's happiness, as soon as master Bruce was disheartened by their behaviors they immediately pulled their acts together and are now making breakfast with hi-"

"Alfred? Is everything alright up here? I just thought you'd be quick to come take pi-" Bruce pauses at seeing Clark hovering outside and makes his way over to the two men-"Clark? Is everything okay? You didn't get hit with Kryptonite did you!?" Alfred smirks softly as the final part of his plan is in motion, the older gentleman eyeing the Valentine's card poking out from Superman's red shorts, the butler whispering so only Clark can hear him as he excuses himself.

"I do believe you have something to give master Bruce?"

Clark looks down nervously as the door clicks shut and he hovers closer to the concerned man, taking a deep breath in and shoving the handmade card he crafted for Bruce into his chest. "Happy Valentine's Day!"

Bruce stumbles back just a little and looks at the card, smiling at the words 'B Mine' written on the admittedly gorgeously crafted card and blushing in a mixture of shyness and happiness. "A pun on my nickname? You even drew little bats."

Clark scratches his head and chuckles nervously, "I-I know it's cheesy bu-"

"I'll be your Valentine!"

Clark gasps softly and finally makes eye contact with Bruce, delighting in the pink blush spreading across his face and down to the elegant neck, the blush intensifying at Clark's intense stare. It's at the other man's silence that Bruce repeats himself.

"I-I said I'll be your Valentine...so come and make breakfast with us?"

Deep blue eyes adoringly stare at the endearing human being before him. Clark realizing that Alfred's right as he concedes under the hypnotizing ice blue eyes and the small tug on his cape, the man super speeding into his regular everyday clothes and coming back with a wide smile as he prepares himself for a breakfast with the Wayne's.

They all really would do anything for Bruce's happiness...even if that means sacrificing your safety for a day with your Valentine and his gremlin family.

Chapter Text

"Alright boys I'm-" Bruce freezes in the doorway, the pressure that was in his eyes before increasing tenfold-along with his headache-at the chunks of salmon and grains of rice that have been tossed across the room. His eyes surveying how they managed this before realizing Alfred isn't even in the room anymore...so that's why.

Bruce steps forward and narrows his eyes at Jason, the nineteen year olds right hand to be exact, glaring at the fork he picked up and was about to throw at Tim. "Jason Peter Todd, drop the fork! And you, Richard John Grayson, that plate is NOT a throwing disc-" icy blue eyes turn to give the youngest two children THE LOOK™. Tim immediately drops the knife he was about to throw while Damian lowers the salmon that he would absolutely be able to murder someone with down.

"What is all this? I thought this pointless arguing was behind everyone already?"

Bruce looks at each of his children one by one, his brows pinched together as he does so, the four boys looking away shamefully at causing their dad distress. Richard truly does feel sorry, he really does, but that small competitive spirit in him whispers something about taking this chance to gain extra points by being the bigger person.

"You're right, dad. I'm sorry for being childish and fighting with my little brothers this way." Richard holds back his victorious smirk at seeing Bruce smile at him thankfully, the man's shoulders lowering into something more relaxed at the quick apology.

"I forgive you-"

Jason narrows his eyes at the eldest...that little fucker thinks he's smooth with his tricks. Well, Jason-I Can Smell Your Bullshit-Todd is not falling for these childish tricks. Jason knows that him willingly offering to clean will set Bruce's alarms off, but if he gets up to silently initiate it, that will do just fine.

Alfred sips his tea in the kitchen, the man shoving cleaning supplies towards Jason when he comes in, choosing to ignore the confused look his grandchild gives him, of course he knew one of them was eventually going to enter the kitchen for supplies. Jason opens his mouth to question the older man on how he knew but closes it just as quickly and accepts the silent help before backing out of the kitchen.

Bruce looks towards Jason eyeing the cleaning supplies curiously. "Jason...are you preparing that for Alfred?"

Jason feels kind of embarrassed when Bruce actually looks at him, but he can play it off by scoffing and bending down to pick the food up. "No, I'm cleaning it. I was the one who threw most of the food anyway." Ha! Take that Dickhead! Is what Jason is thinking when he makes eye contact with the man, extra points for him at willingly cleaning and admitting his fault with the situation at hand. Bruce's eyes widen and he tries to hold back on praising his second eldest too much...sometimes the boy gives signs that he wants Bruce's attention and then when he gives it to him his child pulls away.

Which is why he keeps it simple with a proud smile at how open Jason is being and a fond look, "Oh? Well thank you so much, Jay. That is very kind of you and mature as well-" Bruce pauses in thought for a moment before saying what he wants to say, though with a bit of hesitancy-"You...have been working on your temperament a lot. I see it has been paying off...and I'm proud of you."

Call Jason Bonnie and Clyde cause he feels like he's been shot. Not in a bad way, but shot with love bullets...which honestly sounds childish and stupid to Jason, but it also means a lot! His heart feels like it's going to burst at the mushy, gooey feeling running through it at those gently and lovingly said words. Jason actually feels like shooting something because he feels so flustered, but this is beyond extra points for him-THIS. IS. EVERYTHING!

The nineteen year old just delights in Richard managing to stumble in place, he soaks up Tim's eye twitch and most definitely basks in the Demon Brat's ® murderous aura. This is a dream come true-what the hell does Timothy think he is doing?

Tim lowers himself to the floor near Jason and puts on cleaning gloves, letting them snap against his wrists while glaring at the older boy. "I-I'm so sorry for being a bother and mess...I'll help Jason clean up! And I'm sorry for trying to throw the knife at him, that wasn't right of me and I-I knew better." Oh...so Tim is playing his 'I'm so insecure, please love me' card...and shit does it tend to work! The little scheming weasel just smirks in victory when Bruce actually walks over and touches his head gently, "Look at me. You aren't ever a bother nor will you ever be one. You are still young and you are all brothers...I don't know what else I expected from leaving you all alone? But you said sorry and it's all good now."

Tim makes puppy eyes at Bruce and looks back at Jason, "I'm also sorry to you too. I shouldn't have been so violent."

Jason freezes at the look in Tim's eyes, the little brat knows exactly what he's doing by apologizing to him willingly on top of admitting his fault. If Jason doesn't answer...he will seem like a jerk and will no doubt disappoint Bruce if he doesn't forgive the other. Which is why Jason just stares at Tim before smirking and saying understandingly, "I forgive you. And I guess the knife throwing is payback for me trying to murder you in my Pit induced rage. We're even now."

The unexpected comment makes Tim smile and giggle, Jason also chuckling at being caught off guard by the younger boy's laugh, the two cough simultaneously at realizing that they are...getting along?

That is gross and Jason will definitely punch at his punching bag later while imagining it's Tim's face.

Damian watches this all unfold with a fiery look in his eyes, he knows his father will probably notice him and talk to him about apologizing or some crap like that...but he can't apologize to those bastard children, he's too proud for that. So, the boy decides to play his "I was literally raised by assassin's so there is most definitely a cultural difference here" card. Damian looks down at the salmon in his hands and smiles, impressed by his own genius while hopping down the chair and walking up to Bruce with a wide-eyed look, salmon held up to Bruce like a cat bringing an offering to its owner.

"Father! I thought this experience was most fun-" Damian tilts his head cutely and makes sure to smile big for his dad, making sure his chubby face is the center of attention-"Do you not usually have such riveting food fights?"

Bruce softens at the cute look but raises his brow at Damian, "No...we usually don't. Did you have food fights?" Bruce can't really imagine Talia or Ra's allowing that, but he also wouldn't be surprised if their food fights consisted of skin melting acid, hidden blades or poison somehow being in the food as a twisted form of training. Damian frowns and lowers his salmon somewhat while frowning sadly, making sure to turn his face down enough that all Bruce can see is his round cheeks puffed out into a pout, "Grandfather and mother would beat me or lock me away if I ever dared to. I want to apologize for making a mess , father, I promise I shall not disappoint you again!"

The boy looks back up at his father with a determined look, making sure his eyes show some sort of nervousness while doing so, delighting in Bruce looking at him lovingly. "Damian, you didn't disappoint me. You didn't even know better really, but now that you do I know you'll never do it again, yeah?" Bruce reaches his hand down to gently brush his thumb against Damian's cheek, finally realizing how dirty his son is, the man chuckles softly and borrows a few paper towels from Jason (who begrudgingly handed some to Bruce) and cleans up Damian's hand and face.

"How about we go get you cleaned up? I know you don't need my help to clean yourself, but I can run your bath for you if you'd like?"

Damian's eyes shine happily at the offer, his small hand slipping into Bruce's as they exit the dining room. "I would like that very much! You can even wash my hair...if you'd like?" Bruce smiles at Damian copying him and squeezes the small hand gently, "I would like that very much."

Jason, Tim and Richard watch flabbergasted at how the little demon managed to win again. Alfred's voice suddenly chimes in humorously from the kitchen, "How many points does he have now?"

The three boys groan loudly while planning the downfall of Damian Wayne.

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