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Your wedding was everything you could have imagined. A gorgeous dress, your new step children as groomsmen and bridesmaids. No press, no drama.
The first month was amazing.
Then Jason was taken by the Joker.
You could do nothing but stay in the manor, and help Alfred take care of everything while Bruce and the boys searched the city up and down. Everyday you wanted to give the man you loved the hope you wished you could feel.
Jason was strong
Jason was a fighter
Then they found him.
They say having to bury your child before they bury you is one of the worst feelings in the world. And that statement fell short of what Bruce was feeling. You knew how angry and sad he felt, and you knew this would affect the family.
But you didn’t expect to wake up to a cold bed, half empty closet, clothes strewn around the room, and a post it on the nightstand that read, “I cannot stay here without breaking my code. I will be back, I promise. Take care of the boys. —Bruce” You didn’t believe that he would do that. He couldn’t. He wouldn’t. You searched the manor. His favorite car was gone…his gear, suits, valuables…everything was gone. You walk into the kitchen and see an expectant Alfred. He reaches out and pulls you into a hug as tears spill. You explained everything to the boys. Damian took it the hardest, locking himself in the training room for hours on end. Everyday you hoped he would come back, but a month passed. Then two. Then a year. ________________________________________ Ten years had passed since that night. You helped the boys grow up. You never told them what you thought once a week.
That Bruce left and found another.
But you stayed at the manor.
You helped Dick with Kori.
Tim with Bernard.
You helped Damian see that fighting wouldn't fix him.
You raised a healthy and happy family, and not once did your eyes wander. You knew who you loved. Even if he was not there with you. ________________________________________On the anniversary of Bruce’s departure, while kids were at school and work, you were in the living room, when the door opened.
You felt confused. No one called you saying they would stop by, Alfred was here, so no one picked up the boys…who was it?
You step into the hallway to see something you missed. Someone you missed.
Bruce stands in the doorway with a suitcase in hand…new scars littered his face…Hairs greying slightly…you stare at each other when Alfred walks in…
Bruce waits to be addressed but Alfred turns to you.
“Alfred, tell the boys to go to the library after school, you will grab them at 7”
“As you wish.” He replies, heading to the kitchen to use the phone.
Bruce stands there in silence, taking you in.
You were just as beautiful the day he left.
Even with your hair greying from stress, your face revealing signs of laughter and smiles with lines by your mouth and eyes. You wore a simple turtleneck and slacks, but you looked as good as ever.
He approaches with an outstretched hand…Almost as if to make sure your real. His eyes almost brim with tears— a sight you hadn’t seen since they buried Jason.
“My Love…”
He takes a step forward.
His hand almost reaches your shoulder but not quite, as he pulls it away. “My Love— I’m so sorry.” He chokes on his words… “I couldn’t stay… and I know that makes me a selfish, cruel man. But I refused to kill…but when I saw that he had died in Arkham, I came back as soon as I could. Please, forgive me”
His hands go to your arms as tears threatened to spill from his eyes.
You stand still, in shock. You always doubted his return…but there he was…touching you. Talking to you.
He takes your silence as an answer, and not the one you intend. Without thinking twice he settles to his knees in front of you, hands resting on the outside of your thighs as tears finally spill and you hear what he says through his broken sobs. “I’ve missed you…and the boys…God I needed you most in that time, but I left, Like the stupid man I am…I never strayed from you, Love. I barely even acknowledged another woman, as I knew you were waiting…Please…please forgive me.”
You feel his tears start to soak into your slacks and suddenly all anger had left your body in that moment.
You settle to your knees infront of him as well, you hold his face.
“Welcome home, Bruce” you whisper He wrapped his arms around you so hard, you felt your breath be taken away. Smothered with kiss and hugs, you take him to the living room and you catch him up on the last ten years. ______________________________
Some of the boys were thrilled. Others, hurt. Angry. And for that? Bruce understood.
Alfred fit Bruce back in effortlessly, and even though it would take time, your family was finally complete again. And you were ready for anything that came at you.