I Bet On Losing Dogs

Honey (NSFW)

Bruce slams the door when you get back into the car. You can't think of words to rectify your feelings, what you'll tell Richard. Your parents are lovely people when they're not angry about your situation, but the experience will differ from staying with you all in Bruce's mansion. He shuts the radio off when he turns the car on, the silence deafening. You wipe away your tears and gnaw at your bottom lip. Richard deserves the world, always. So why is it so hard for you to understand that you and Bruce could not provide that right now? You stare out the window, watching the suburbia you've surrounded yourself in slowly slip away as you head back to his home on the outskirts.

"Do you think they'll let him go back to your parents right away?" You shrug. "I really don't know. I hope so, but she didn't seem like the nicest woman." You admit staring at the evergreens. "I wish we could keep him."

Bruce's hand rests on your thigh. "Same... I'm not going to give up, however. There must be another way." You know the easiest way, but keep your suggestion to yourself. Giving up Batman would be the quickest way he could change your situation. You notice Bruce drives faster when he's angry, swerving and moving through traffic as if trying to get home before the people come.

Alfred waits in the foyer with Richard, who sits on the ornate bench, swinging his legs. "They've already called," Alfred says, his face grim as Bruce starts to explain. He kneels in front of the child. "I'm going to do everything in my power to take care of you. I mean it."

You can barely look at him. It's real. The decision is absolute. You wipe your eyes and turn towards Alfred, who pats your back. "It'll be okay." You can't believe him.

Richard shirks away from Bruce's touch. "Why can't I stay here? You said I could-" Bruce's look makes him stop. "It's only temporary. We will make sure that no harm comes your way and that you will be safe. We just have to," he sighs, "follow the rules."

You hate that. You all do.

The CPS officer arrives later while Bruce and Richard sit outside. You stay inside, texting back and forth with your parents. They want to know all they can before they pick him up, and you can barely talk without breaking into sobs. But, after learning the little bit you know, they're more sympathetic. Your mother only worries he may be a bit rowdy coming from a circus family, but your father is excited. Your siblings haven't given them grandchildren, and he wants help around the yard since the leaves are falling. Richard is a perfect age. Besides, they need to dote on someone, not you, and you're feeling a little better about this. When you and Bruce have a better situation, you'll know he'll be able to fit in seamlessly with the care of your parents. You can only hope anyway.

When it's over, Bruce slams the door to the office. You sit in your room, still processing. You feel terrible. But what could you have done differently? He could have hired a tutor, but people would question a child being around. Maybe? You don't know and can't ask now. You don't think Bruce would want his future child isolated at home with just his caregivers. As far as you remember, that was his life until he was older, but even then... You put your phone down after telling your parents that Richard has left. They expect him in the morning.

Alfred orders pizza for dinner. The replacement cook is supposed to come tomorrow. You eat with Lucy and Dory but keep yourself. They don't talk either. They were excited to take care of a child again and see Bruce a little happier, however short-lived. You only have one slice before excusing yourself. You stop by Bruce's office before going to your room. He still hasn't left. He doesn't answer when you knock and when you open the door, he's gone. Of course. You doubt he has a separate Batman lair, but he probably carries his equipment with him at all times. You give a silent prayer as you close the door. You know he doesn't need it, but anything to calm your nerves.