Chapter Text
“I still can’t believe this is really happening,” Duke said, shifting one of the many moving boxes in his hands. The boy’s eyes widened when you made your way to the truck to take one of his smaller boxes, despite half a dozen moving crew already handling it. “Oh, Mrs. Wayne, you really don’t have to, I can—”
Bruce Wayne, the freakin’ Batman , stood in front of Duke with a fond smile directed towards his wife. “Just let her help out, Duke. She’s a stubborn one.”
“Damn straight,” you said with a playful wink at the newest vigilante you and Bruce were taking under your wings, stacking two lighter boxes on top of one another and propping them against your hip. “Welcome to the family, kiddo.”
Alfred popped his head out the front door, just about to give the movers some instructions when he saw you carrying the boxes, pinching the space between his brows. “Of course. I can’t say I’m surprised.”
“What? I can’t help out with some heavy-lifting? You and Bruce hardly ever let me do any sort of housework,” you said with a cheeky tilt of your head. “It’s just two boxes.”
“Please, let me help you with—” Duke started, but you fixed him with a challenging raised brow, which effectively made him clam up. Even though you seemed a very sweet, kind-hearted person, Duke really didn’t want to come off on the wrong foot on his first day at the manor.
“Come, Mr. Thomas,” said Alfred, “Master Damian can give you a tour around the manor while we sort out the movers. He’s been very excited about your arrival.”
“Very!” you chimed in as you made your way up the grand staircase, pausing by the small boy—Damian—on the way. “You be nice to him, okay? Remember what we talked about?”
Damian made a quiet tchh noise under his breath, scuffing the fine carpet under his sneakers. It was clear he was nervous about making a new friend—it was never a skill he was quite gifted in. When you gave him a pointed look, Damian’s features softened ever so slightly and he sighed, nodding once. You were always his weak spot. “Yes, Mother.”
“That’s my boy. Just shout if you need me.” With that, you hurried away with the boxes, smiling to yourself when you heard Damian mutter a greeting to the new vigilante.