Unsuspecting Hero (Batjokes)

Chapter 28

(Guys! It's finally Batjokes within a Batjokes fanfiction!? Who would have thought! I live for soft batjokes, in the right context of course. But don't worry, you'll get some spice soon.)

Bruce awoke, eyes sluggishly blinking open as he began to take in his surroundings. He remembered it briefly, Jack climbing into his bed and sobbing himself to sleep. Though, he didn't remember Damien climbing into bed with them. It made his heart flutter, as he took in the sight before him.

Jack was holding Damien so closely, so protectively. Arms wrapped around the little boys torso, face buried into the small curls atop his head. Small breaths escaped him, signifying a peaceful slumber. Bruce was glad he was getting the small relief he needed, after the past months of absolute mess. Even if he was just sleeping.

Damien's hands held onto Jack's, almost securing him into place, both unwilling to let go. Damien's expression was peaceful, snores of slumber wracking his small frame. A small line of drool connected his lips with the pillow, and Bruce wiped it away. Careful and smitten. 

He didn't think that in his wildest dreams, he would wake up to the Joker laid in his bed, gently cradling his youngest child, protecting him from the horrors outside of the bedroom. He didn't think a lot of this would have been possible, if it wasn't for that fateful night those three months ago that changed everything. 

Bruce was careful when moving out of his bed, scared to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the room. After a shower and getting himself dressed, he made his way back into the room. This time, Jack's features were twisted with discomfort. Bruce noted the small tremble of his hands, the way his lips parted and small little mumbles left his lips.

Bruce wasn't sure if it would be better to wake him, or let him get more rest. Though, when an audible "Stop..." was muttered, he stepped forward. His touch was gentle, as he tucked a small wift of green locks behind those pale white ears. Jack flinched, eyes blinking open with alarm. 

"Shh, it's okay, Jack. It was just a dream..." 

Jack's eyes travelled up to him, then. Searching for truth in those words, like his own reality had been morphed into something torturous. Bruce ran soothing fingers through those mops of green curls, feather light touches gracing against his scalp. Jack's eyes eventually softened, a small hum of content leaving his lips. "Bruce..."

"Hey" Bruce smiled down at him, and Jack couldn't help but compare him to an angel. The way his wet hair fell about his face, framing it into the work that must have been hand-made by God himself. Those baby blue eyes, so caring and so, so soft. 

"Hi..." Bruce took note of the small flush now daunting Jack's cheeks. Cute, he thought absentmindedly, before pushing the thought away. Jack looked down at Damien, eyes growing softer as he did so. It made Bruce feel a swirl of sappy emotions. He didn't miss the subtle movement of Jack pulling the boy closer.

"How did your meeting with Doctor Bailey go?" Bruce had asked, only wanting to show his support. But he watched when Jack's expression fell, and regretted bringing it up instantly. "Not...not good"

"I'm sorry. Did you...want to talk about it?" He left the invitation out there, in case Jack wanted to take it. But he saw how those green, soft eyes grew frightful, and it pulled at his heart strings to see those emotions flicker along Jack's face. "We don't have to" Bruce quickly reiterated, when Jack lacked to give him a reply.

Jack managed a small shake of the head, and that was that. Bruce changed the subject. "Are you hungry?"

"A little, yeah"

"How about I ask Alfred to bring us something in bed? We can have a quiet morning in here. How does that sound?" Jack smiled at that, small and delicate. It made Bruce wonder, with lingering sadness, how long it had been since Jack had truly smiled. Genuine, and happy. "I think that sounds like a good idea, Brucie"