#HE LOVES HIS GRANDPAPPY SO MUCH YOU GUYS ITS SO CUTE AND SWEET | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

dylan-hague · 7 years

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Chapter 15

November 23rd, 2017. 6:24 PM.

“Pardon me, everyone. If it’s all the same, I’d like to say a few words.”

The dining table in Wayne Manor was rarely ever occupied by more than two people at a time; most nights it went unused, but on the seldom occasions it was used, it would either be by Bruce and whatever date he’d brought home that night, or Bruce and Alfred. Even then, Bruce much preferred to eat as he worked. Often times, he and Alfred ate in the cave, going over information on the Batcomputer regarding whatever cases he was working on at the time. Although every now and then, he and Alfred would sit down together in front of the television in the master bedroom and watch some old film that Alfred had shown Bruce as a boy before he left for his training. But once every year in November, the diningroom of Wayne Manor came to life. While Bruce himself wasn’t much of a praying man, Alfred believed firmly in the value of faith. He was unable to attend regularly, but he made sure to give to the Episcopal congregation not too far outside the city limits whenever he was able, and he prayed often for the safety of all his charges. And each November, he offered up a prayer of thanks for bringing all of them home safe.

This year, as Pennyworth looked at everyone gathered around the table for dinner, he found himself silently thanking the Lord that there were even more faces than last Thanksgiving; of course Bruce was there at the head of the table, deciding to take the time from his work to enjoy the company of his family. On his left (one seat down from Alfred’s, at everyone’s insistence) sat Richard and Barbara; Alfred was more proud of the both of them than he could put into words for their commitment to one another. On Bruce’s right were young Damian and his friend Raven; though it was surprising to see such devotion in teenagers (especially coming from Damian), it warmed Alfred’s heart to see that his grandson had found someone he could share his heart with. Beside Barbara sat Stephanie, and Timothy beside her. Of all the young minds he and Bruce had helped to groom, Ms. Brown and Mr. Drake’s light shone the brightest for the longest, and Alfred was convinced that if anyone could move forward and live a life resembling something normal, it would be the two of them. Across from them, thank God, were Jason and Cassandra… Alfred still cursed himself for not being able to bring Jason back into the family sooner when he first returned from the dead (even though he was grateful for the secret visits Todd made to the Manor when he had no food… a secret Pennyworth has kept even from Bruce all these years). And sweet Cassandra had endured so much… when a child is brought up from birth for war and blood as she was, it was truly a Herculean feat to make her feel safe and secure, but they had made it happen; she still struggled, but here she was, smiling back at him. And lastly, seated beside Timothy, was the newest, youngest addition to their family. Young Carrie had much to learn about world that she’d stepped into, but Alfred was confident that she would excel once Bruce brought her into the field. She was unaware of the proceedings that were underway to bring her officially into their fold, but Alfred was confident that this was where she belonged.

“Take it away, Grandpappy!” Jason called out with a wink. Alfred let out a quiet chuckle; Todd may have had his ups and downs in this family, but his wit was always welcome to him.

“Each year…” he began. “… each year when we come together for this celebration, it seems each of you have more stories to share of your adventures. Each year brings with it its own share of hardships, losses, and tears… but I believe that…” the old butler paused to gather his thoughts, looking at each of their faces. “I believe that the price you all pay in struggles are outweighed by how… enriched you are by the lives you lead. Each year, you bring along with the weight of your falls a myriad of new joys at the steps you’ve taken, not merely in your careers as warriors for justice, but in your lives outside of the uniforms. As ordinary people. Having watched each of you come through this house… even you, Miss Raven…” Alfred nodded to the young woman across the table, who offered a sweet, admiring smile up at him. “… I’ve come to love each of you in a way that, truthfully, I never imagined I’d be given the opportunity to. You are my family… and I look forward to seeing each of you grow down the line.”

“Here, here!” Timothy raised his glass, followed suit by everyone else. Alfred gave a small bow before taking his seat, and everyone began to pass the food all around the table.

“So Little D,” Stephanie said to Damian from across the table as she took her helping of potatoes, “how’s it feel to finally have your big-boy cape?” A few laughs sounded from around the table.

“Actually, it’s much more fulfilling than I thought it would be,” Damian replied as he applied cranberry sauce to his turkey before turning to Bruce. “No offense to you, Father, but being Red X is just… freeing. I don’t have any shoes to fill, which makes actually being in the field far less pressing.”

“No offense taken, Damian,” Bruce said with a smile. “You did the best you could as Robin, and you earned your new title. I couldn’t be more proud of you.”

“Shyeah,” Carrie chimed in from down the table. “You keep workin’ hard, you might even last a whole minute next time you and me throw down!”

Damian grinned at the new Robin. “Oh, please. You think I was really giving it my best effort? I could drop you easily.”

“Oh!” Kelley cocked an eyebrow and grinned right back at the boy. “Oh! Is that a challenge I hear? You want to catch these kicks again?”

“Anytime, fresh meat,” Damian quipped before stuffing a piece of turkey into his mouth.

Tim couldn’t help but laugh. “Is he still always this competitive, Raven?” He asked, taking a roll off the platter passing by.

“He’s actually doing much better,” Raven replied, glancing over at her Damian. “I couldn’t imagine the Titans without him.”

“Awww, you two are so cute!” Dick teased, sipping at the wine in his hand. “I remember when Babs and I were all starry-eyed like that. ‘Couldn’t imagine the team without her…’”

“And look at you now, big guy,” Jason said, waving a drumstick in his hand. “All engaged and crap, off gettin’ married to your dream girl. So sweet it makes ya sick, ain’t it?”

“Aww, is the little Jaybird jealous?” Barbara smiled wryly at the Hood. “Can’t find a nice girl to settle down with for yourself?”

“That reminds me…” Cassandra started quietly. “You said your wedding was going to be in May, yes?”

Dick and Barbara froze for a moment. Everyone went quiet, and Raven’s eyebrows raised as she made a peculiar observation.

“Umm, Dick…” Raven’s voice was soft, cautious. “… why are you drinking out of Barbara’s glass…?”

Dick and Barbara exchanged a quick look, and Dick stood up, sighing. “Well, y'see… we’re moving the wedding back to November. It’ll just be easier that way since everyone will already be in town, and…”

Barbara stood up, taking Dick’s hand. “… and because I want to be able to fit into my dress.”

Everyone fell silent for a moment, and Bruce’s eyes widened. “You don’t mean…”

Barbara smiled down at the Batman, taking in a deep breath. “… I’m pregnant.”

All at once, the whole dining room erupted with sound; Alfred and Cass gasped, Stephanie squealed, Jason and Raven called out with congratulations, Tim and Carrie started to laugh. Damian smirked up at the Batgirl. He’d suspected since she and Dick arrived; she was practically glowing. Bruce sat unmoving, his mouth agape at the revelation. Dick and Barbara put their arms around each other, looking into each other’s eyes with elation.

The rest of the night was spent talking about the baby. Barbara was four months along now. They were having a boy. After tossing several ideas around, they’d already settled on a name: Thomas John Grayson. Bruce actually shed a tear at this revelation; he knew they’d taken the first name from his father… It’s what he would have named Damian had he known about him when he was born.

They planned to live just outside the edge of Blüdhaven, on a small ranch Dick had found in September. Dick would have to stay on as a police officer for few years longer than he’d planned in order to afford it, but he refused Bruce’s offer to pay for the place. They didn’t like the idea of depending on handouts from anyone; they were building a life together, they wanted to earn it together.

November 24th, 2017. 1:32 AM.

Damian sat on the roof of Wayne Manor, looking out towards the city in the distance. Even for the bright lights beaming from Gotham, the manor was far enough outside the city that Damian could still look up and see the stars illuminating the night sky. Nights like this, the boy would often look up to the heavens, and wonder if his mother were doing the same. A childish sentiment, perhaps, but a comforting one. She may be one of his father’s greatest adversaries (and one of his own, by extension), but he did miss her. She had cared for him for most of his life. It pained him to be so far away from her, knowing they may very well never be able to be together again.

As Damian allowed his thoughts to wander, he began to wonder about his own future. Until recently, Damian never even considered the possibility of a life that involved anything more than becoming the Batman. Aside from ruling the world with his grandfather and the League of Assassins, the cowl had always been his destiny… his birthright. But now… now he didn’t know. He had changed his mind about a great many things during his time as a Titan. Granted, he still wanted to be the Batman someday, there was no question about that. But… now he wondered what else he could devote his life towards. What would make him… what would make him happy?

Just as he asked himself this question, the answer crawled through the window and sat down next to him, looking up at the stars. He glanced over at her, and he couldn’t help but smile as he saw the moonlight shimmer in her purple eyes. He placed his hand on hers, and there they both sat, neither one uttering a single word. Raven leaned her head upon Damian’s shoulder. Damian closed his eyes and took a deep breath, thinking to himself about a different future… one far less lonely.

Don’t ever let go, Raven Roth… I’ll be lost the day you do.

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