Archive of Our Own

Bruce was adjusting the button of his shirt and he heard the door of his room open. Jason was standing there, clearly unhappy with the clothes Bruce gave him.

"Why do I have to wear that?" A small angry voice came in.

"Because it's Christmas sweetheart." And because they would have guest. Even if it was just Barry and Wally, Bruce still expected his sons to dress well. Also because Dick had ask him to make his siblings dress properly and for them to be respectful because he did not want his boyfriend to get scared. Which Bruce could understand.

"I don't like it, it's boring."

Bruce knew this wasn't the main reason, but Dick had advise him to let Jason slowly open up to them. "Are you sure Jay?"

There was this small frown Jason did whenever he was upset or hurt but he did not want to say it.

"I'll go find Dick, he is more funny than you." And his door was slammed. Bruce took a deep breath, he shouldn't get mad for things like that. It was just a traumatized child, he kept telling himself.

Finally satisfied with his look, Bruce got out of his room, finding Damian waiting in the corridor. "Damian? Do you need anything."

"No Si- Father." Damian quickly corrected, his expression blank. Bruce swallowed against the tightness in his throat.

"Do you want to stay with me while I go check on your brothers?" Bruce said. Damian had a hard time accepting that he had siblings. He always insisted on the fact that only him shared his blood, not understanding why someone like Dick was so close to Bruce.

And he had try to explain that, but his youngest was still deeply affected by his training. If only Bruce had know about him sooner.

He extended his hand, Damian did not grab into it , his hands held tightly against his small body. That was a painful sight to Bruce, he hoped he could change it soon enough. He wanted his son to be comfortable in this house.

Tim was the first one he checked on. The boy was waiting on his bed, fidgeting with his fingers. Was he still waiting for Bruce's permission to leave his room?

"Hey Tim. You can go out whenever you want. You can also come to me."

Tim nodded politely as he stood up. Bruce grabbed the small hand, bringing it gently into his. He felt Tim still before slowly relaxing and pressing himself closer to Bruce's legs. That boy needed physical touch, and Bruce was more than happy to give it.

He could still feel a shift in Damian's stance, it was subtile, everything with the boy was, but here Bruce could see the way his shoulders slightly hunched, from sadness or frustration maybe both. It was sometime complicated managing four child alone, even if Bruce would never exchange it for anything in the world.

Jason came out of Dick's room, a smile on his face before it dropped into a glare when he saw Bruce. The older man just rolled his eyes.

"You're keeping it Jay."

"I hate you sometime." Jason replied. He stilled walked toward Bruce and placed himself next to him. Bruce patted his second son's hair, and to his surprise Jason leaned into it. They had progress, Bruce should stop always doubting himself, there was more trust between them now.

"You sure do Jay. Now, could you watch over Tim and Damian while I speak with Dick?" Because Bruce knew for fact his eldest would be anxious.

Jason sighed loudly but Bruce had no doubt he would do as told if it involved Dick. At first his two eldest had a rough start but now they seemed to be closer. Dick was such a good brother, he sometime understood his siblings better than Bruce did.

As he watched everyone head down stairs, Bruce knocked on the door before entering when he heard a reply.

There was a lots of clothes scattered all around the room, Dick was sat on his bed, his eyes sad.

"What is the matter son?"

Dick just let himself fall back against the bed. "Why can't I find anything? He always look good and I'm just- there."

Bruce carefully sat down next to his son before placing the back of his hand against Dick's face. "Isn't it more about you being anxious and thinking nothing is good enough?"

"Ugh, yea. I don't know why I'm worried. He is like my best friend, he'd seen me at my worst in missions but I still want to look good." Dick frowned, his gaze shifting towards Bruce.

"Why don't you wear the same clothes as the last time we want to those boring social event? It looked good on you." Bruce offered but Dick was clearly not pleased with the answer.

"It's too." Dick gesture with his hands and Bruce did not really get it, but his eldest probably meant that it was too fancy.

"Then why not mixing it with a something more casual? You keep the shirt but change everything else."

"Wow Dad, it help me so much." Dick replied sarcastically.

Bruce just pushed his head a bit as revenge. This succeed to get a smile out of his son.

"I'm sure you are going to look amazing Dick. And let me tell you that when you are in love the person always looks good to you."

"You've ever been in love?" Dick asked. Bruce just sighed, not really please with remembering that part of his past.

"Once yes."

"Alright I won't ask more question. Seems like something sensitive." Dick softly soothed.

Bruce just ran a hand down his son's hair. "Dick just pick something you like, don't overthinking wether or not he would like it. Because if you like it then he will."

Dick nodded, his eyes focus on the ceiling. "It's weird being in love."

"I agree."

"But it's nice, you should try it sometime. Look Barry is coming tonight" Dick winked as he pushed himself up.

"You know I don't have time for that."

"Yes the mysterious Batman don't have time for that." Dick snorted as he gathered a few pieces of clothing in his arms. "I'll change and join you guys down, they should be here soon. Need to hurry and clean my room."

Bruce nodded, heading one last time toward his son to press a soft kiss to his temple before leaving. "You're going to be amazing Dick."

There was a small chuckle behind him as he closed the door. Bruce then walked down the stairs, checking one last time if everything was ready. It was strange, he was feeling so stress about it while it's not like Barry and Wally were complete strangers, one was his coworker and one was his son's best friend. Bruce was just really not used to all this. It had be that right?

"Hey B!" A voice came from behind him. Bruce turned around, smile tugging at his lips as soon as he saw Dick.

"See? I knew you will chose something nice."

"Wally texted me, they should be here in five minutes. I had to clean my room fast. Like really fast."

Bruce raised a brow, now highly suspicious of something. "Dick did you throw everything in my room?"

Dick only flashed him an apologetic smile before turning around. "But you're the best dad no? Helping your son when he is in distress?"

Bruce sighed. "You better clean everything tomorrow."

"Yes Sir." Dick shouted as he left the room, laughing.

Bruce could live with that, it's not like anyone was going to enter his room. Now, he needed to take a deep breath. He barely allowed people in, he maybe had invite a few time Clark and Diana but they only stayed an hour or two. Passing the whole evening with Barry would be different.

Batman of course held a lot of respect for Flash, it was one of the few hero he wished Batman could be more like. The only thing was that the speedster tend to be a bit overwhelmed every time Batman was around. Bruce hoped he won't make the man too uncomfortable tonight, mostly after what happened. Dick said, he needed to be more relaxed. So he would try to look more open.

A ringing echoed through the house. They were here. Bruce looked around one last time before heading for the door. Dick was already standing there, staring at Bruce with begging eyes. The older man placed a hand on his son's shoulder before opening the door and flashing a smile, he knew it probably looked to fake.

The two men were nicely dressed, Wally was looking nervous, his eyes darting between the ground and his hands.

"Hi-" Wally stopped mid sentence as his eyes landed on Dick, and Bruce already felt the need to tear them apart. He needed to breath. Dick was free to do what he want. They were both adults. Barry was smiling, probably amused with the situation.

"Good evening." Bruce greeted moving Dick and himself aside to let the guests enter.

"Hi Ba-Bruce, sorry for inviting myself like that." Barry shyly spoke.

Bruce just shook his head. "You do not have to be sorry, you and Wally are welcomed here anytime." Maybe that was slightly a lie, but the older man hoped it was enough to ease the tension that was bleeding out of the speedster.

As Bruce focused back on Dick, he could see the love his son's held for his partner. All the earlier stress long forgotten.

"Dick can you bring them to the living room while I go grab the drinks?"

Dick nodded, his hand sliding into Wally's one before leading the way. And seeing his son act so… Grown up, made his heart tighten a bit. Don't get him wrong, he was more than happy to see Dick growing up to be his own person but it also meant that soon enough his eldest would leave the house to live by himself. And that thought was slightly scary.

He would think about that later, for now he needed to focus. He had made sure to bought non-alcohol drinks, mostly for his sons and also because he did not know everyone's drinking habits.

When he came back the scene in front of him was… Special. Damian was sat next to Dick, proving once more to Bruce that even if his youngest said the opposite, he did like his older brother a lot. Tim was quietly listening to Wally speak about his school while Jason was glancing at Barry every few seconds. His second always had been shy around other heroes.

Bruce let his presence known, as he placed everything on the small table in front of them. He had moved everything to make it the most at ease possible. He was aware that the manor could be scary for people that did not grew up in it, so reorganizing it into a more private settings could help making everyone comfortable.

Barry turn to look at him, a small smile on his face. "Do you need any help?"

"I'm good, Dick and Jason helped me prepare most of the things, I just need to bring them as evening goes by."

Barry nodded, focusing his attention back on Dick's speech. Bruce sat down in between Tim and Jason, who only glance at him before focusing back on the conversation.

Bruce's eyes then settle on the young couple in front of him. Wally had a hand on Dick's thigh and yes, it was weird for Bruce to see that, part of him was also worried that Dick was uncomfortable, but his son looked relaxed and content with the way things were.

"And you? Dick keep whining about how busy you are." Wally asked, grinning at Dick that clearly did not want this information to get out. And Bruce slightly felt guilty that his son was having problems with schedule.

"Wally." Barry warned.

"It's December. It's always had been more busy at that period of the year. But I try to make time for my family. I will do better next time."

Dick did not dare looking up at him and Bruce wanted nothing more but to cross the room and hug his eldest until he felt better. They would have a talk about it later.

"Are you two dating?" Jason asked, squinting his eyes as if he was trying to find clues. Dick slightly tensed at that, glancing at Bruce who gave him a nod of encouragement.

"I- Uh yes." Dick replied.

"Oh. Okay. But how? Nothing." Jason made a frown before shaking his head and settling back down. He also took that opportunity to scoot closer to Bruce, pretending that it wasn't intentional. That was cute. Barry must have also notice because he smiled at gesture, making Jason blush and look away.

"And you Jay, how is school?" The younger speedster asked.

"It's boring, I don't like it. They don't let me read in peace, they say I need to make friends but books are better." Jason scowled. It was amusing how, when he was alone with Bruce, Jason was the sweetest boy but whenever Dick was around he always became more stubborn. Probably something related to wanting to impress his brother.

"I've also heard Tim skipped a few years."

Tim quickly hided himself behind him, or as much as their position was allowing. Bruce placed a hand in the boy's hair, stroking them gently at he replied for his son. "Yes, I am really proud of him. He is doing amazing. Damian may also move into higher levels." He said, as he tried to redirect the attention on someone else than Tim.

"It is what is expected from me." Damian replied, his posture still perfectly held. Dick ran a finger down Damian's cheek, a proud smile on his face. Bruce felt relieve whenever he noticed how ease Damian was around Dick, even if his youngest was still keeping those manners and posture, he allowed Dick to sometime place a hand on his shoulder. They were progressing.

"You guys are too smart, I feel like I'm an idiot right next to you." Wally chuckled and the way his eldest's eyes light up at that was heart warming.

"You're smart, don't say that. You're doing high studies while I'm living off my rich dad's money." Dick teased as he pressed a kiss to his partner's cheek.

"If you say so, babe."

"And you Barry? How is work?" Bruce asked, not wanting to let anyone feel left out.

Barry sighed. "Bit complicated at the moment. But that's just related to me. We actually don't have much work so I should be happy."

Maybe Bruce had made a mistake by asking that. As he was about to correct himself Wally spoke first.

"But we gonna change that. I'm sure we could ask Dick to sing for us."

Dick shoved a pillow into his boyfriend's face. "Fuck you. We said we stop speaking about that. I was drunk!"

Bruce attention's was caught at that sentence. "You were drunk? When?"

Wally burst out laughing, as his son noticed his mistake. "I mean, I wasn't. I-"

"You didn't tell your dad? That's bad Dick, really really bad."

Dick shoved another pillow into Wally's face but the young man dodged it.

"Yes I did, and it was Wally's fault. So scold him, not me."

"Hey don't bring me into that."

Bruce just shook his head in disbelief. How much things had Dick done without telling him. Bruce really hoped there was a few things his son never tried. "As long as you don't do anything irresponsible."

"I've heard this talk enough, B. I think I know them by heart."

Bruce just smiled, he knew he was annoying his sons with this, but their safety was too important.

He then looked at the time, it was already starting to get late. They should probably eat and maybe open the gift. Bruce could guess that Dick probably wanted to be alone with his boyfriend as soon as
possible.

"Should we start the meal?"

Everyone agreed to it and headed toward the dinning room. Damian and Jason were arguing over who would sit next to Dick, and just to mess with them Bruce made Dick sit next to him with Wally on the other his side.

The dinner went well. Bruce had made sure that Jason got the praise he deserve for helping him with the meal. His second son's had blush the whole time, not even daring to look up from his plate.

Once everyone was full, they switched back to the room with the giant Christmas tree. Dick and Jason had mostly decorated it by themselves, Bruce and Tim had helped a bit but his two oldest kept getting frustrated at how it wasn't like they wanted. So him and Tim had just sit down and watch.

Damian had refuse to join, saying that it was a waste of time and that he should train instead of doing that. Bruce had of course been sad, but let his youngest leave. He won't force the child into things he did not want. That was a promise he made to Damian.

Bruce gift and his sons had a kind of ritual for their gift. It was always a day they would pass with Bruce alone. This had been first introduced when Jason and Dick used to fight for his attention, and also because he was quite busy at that time. And since then they had keep this.

Bruce always enjoyed those moment. His children could chose whatever activity they wanted to do and he would just follow them. Dick had most of the time been the most annoying, he always had to chose something he knew Bruce hated. But who was he to complain? His son happiness was more important.

Wally had prepared a present for everyone, probably with the help of Dick. Barry had also done the same for them, shyly asking all the time if it was okay. Bruce had felt something shift in his heart when he opened his gift. It was a small book about an ancient language Bruce had been studying in his free time. How had Barry found that?

"I've seen you read about it so I tried to search for something related even if you probably already have it in your giant collection."

"Thank you, I am touched that you took time for that." Yes Bruce did already have that one but he would now only read from Barry's version. It just felt right.

"I'm glad." Barry smiled. Bruce also had a gift for him. It wasn't much but it still took him many sleepless night to work on the present for it to be done in time.

"What's that?" Barry asked, as he unwrapped the small box.

"It's protein bar but made for you. I've always noticed how you need to take a lot of those after a fight or sometime in the middle of one, so I made them to bring you all the energy you need for your power to function correctly in only one take. It is still not perfect, I would need to study your metabolism for more precision, but I think it should already be working pretty well."

And Bruce had expected every reaction except tears. Had he done something wrong.

"Sorry, I don't know why I'm like that. It's just, I feel- Never mind. Thank you a lot. It's mean a lot to me."

Bruce was left speechless. What was he supposed to do when someone cry? Was it happy tears? It did not look like it. nervous maybe?

"You're doing great Barry. I am honored you liked them."

There was a small chuckled and then bright blue eyes stared at him. "I thought you find me annoying. Lots of people do. I'm kinda moving around a lot and speaking a lot. I share too much too fast. You know, yea you do."

"I don't. It is true that sometime I am not in a mood for it but I would never find it annoying." It was quite the opposite. Whenever Bruce or anyone in the league felt down the speedster would be here to cheer on them, sometime it was done a bit clumsily but Bruce would never thought of Barry as annoying.

"I'm glad."

Bruce just offered a small smile before checking on his sons. Dick and Wally were laughing with each other, while Jason a was staring at Bruce, a small smile on his face as he hugged the book closer. Bruce was relieved to know it made the boy happy.

Tim was shyly looking at the camera on his laps, almost as if he couldn't believe this was for him, but Bruce had seen those pictures he took of Robin and him a while ago.

For Damian, Bruce had bought a canvas. He had been told that drawing could help a child that struggled to speak and he hoped that Damian could make good use of it, but his son's confusion made him slightly question his choice.

So he stood up, approaching his youngest. Damian looked up, his expression going back neutral as soon as he saw Bruce.

"Thank you Father." The boy said.

"I've seen you draw at school. It looked amazing, so I thought I could bought you some. And it's for you Damian. I won't look at it, if you don't want me to. You can hide them somewhere if you still don't believe me. You can do whatever you want with it. It's yours." Bruce insisted on the last part. Damian never did anything for himself, all his choices needed to be approve by Bruce.

At first the boy hadn't eat for days because he didn't get the permission clearly. It take them a few weeks to teach Damian that it was okay to eat whenever he felt like it. So Bruce really hoped this would help his youngest.

Once the older man finally settled down, he heard Barry speak next to him. "You love them a lot. I sometime forget Batman actually have children."

"You also care for Wally like your own."

"Of course, after everything that happened I couldn't let him down. Even if Iris and I were not agreeing on a lot of things, she still thought Wally would be better with me. After all we have the same job and powers, it was easier for me to understand him. And his dad… I just wish I've seen it earlier."

Bruce placed a hand on the speedster's shoulder, earning a small sound of surprise before feeling the man relax under him. Bruce also came to care for the young red head, Wally and Dick had been close for years now.

"You did everything you could. I'm sure he is already grateful for that."

"I hope." Barry replied, his cheeks slightly red.

Bruce jolted when he felt Dick throw himself into a hug. "Thank you so much."

Bruce bring his arms around his eldest, a hand ruffling his hair. "I'm glad you're happy."

"You're the best dad ever." Dick quietly whispered. Bruce whole chest filled with love as his throat slightly tightened. He shouldn't cry in front of everyone.

"Is it now when you ask me to keep everyone away while you sneak out in your room?" Bruce gently joked.

"Yes but I didn't say what I said before just for that. I really think it, but if you could keep everyone away I'll of course be grateful and I'll call you like, the best dad in the universe."

Bruce snorted, as he playfully pushed Dick away. "Just remember what we talked about."

Dick gave a nod before extending his hand for Wally to join, but Bruce wanted to do something first, so he followed them out of the room before calling out. "Dick can you go into your room first?"

"Don't threaten him too much B." Dick laughed as he gave a pat on his partner's shoulder.

"Uhm, yes?" Wally said, his hands fidgeting with his shirt.

"Dick is my son, be careful on how you treat him. I know you would never hurt him on purpose, but I still want you to be aware that I am watching you. Your speed would not stop me from finding you."

"I will be careful, I promise. I really love Dick."

Bruce scoffed. "We need to work on your stealth skills Dick."

He then heard a small chuckles from above the stairs. "You were kind, I thought you will threaten to break his legs or something."

"I don't need to. He is already aware of it."

"Yes sir." Wally replied, a hand going up in a military style. Bruce just rolled his eyes before giving one last warning glance to Dick and left.

Once he came back in the room, Jason and Barry were in an conversation about Jason's favorite book. His son was shyly showing a few of his favorites lines and Bruce knew how happy Jason felt when someone listened about it.

Tim was soon to his side, his small hand slipping into Bruce's one. "What's wrong?"

Tears felt down the boy's face and the older man immediately understood that it was related to Tim's parents. Even if they had been abusive, Tim still loved them, so it wasn't rare for the boy to miss them, but missing them also meant bringing back the unhappy memory.

Bruce took the boy in his arms. "It's okay, you can cry." He gently soothed. Tim hided his face in the crook of Bruce's neck, his hands tightening around his shoulders.

This caught Barry's attention who looked up worried. Bruce just shook his head, silently saying that this was fine. Reassured, the younger man focused back on his conversation with Jason.

It was already past one am, Bruce would need to put everyone to sleep soon. He never had feel this grateful that Dick had choose the furthest room in the manor. He won't have to be worried about the younger hearing anything strange.

"Hey, boys it would be time to go to sleep." He heard a a few protest at that before Damian and Jason went to do their night routines. Tim was still in his arms, quietly sniffling against him. "Do you need to stay with me?"

A small shake of the head. "I'm tired."

"Alright, let's get you to bed then."

"Do you need help to put them to sleep?" Barry asked as he stood up. "Or I can clean the living room while you take care of them."

"You don't need to bother with that." Bruce reassured but then remember that the man was fast and it would probably only take him a few seconds.

"I feel kinda useless right now. Let me do it. You've already accepted me and Wally here."

Bruce nodded, it won't hurt him to let someone take care of it. Cleaning aside, Tim had stop crying in his arms as he gestured for Bruce to put him down.

The boy then went up, quickly rushing to his room. Bruce sighed, he wished Tim felt more ease around around him. But he did not have time to worry about that too much as Jason called for him.

"What do you need Jay?"

"Thank you. I- For keeping me."

Bruce's brows furrowed. "Is everything okay Jay?"

"Yes, I just- notice I never said much about that but I'm… Happy to be here. Even if Dick is annoying sometime." Jason's face was red with embarrassment, it was the first time Bruce heard the boy be this honest about his feelings.

"I couldn't be happier to have you there too Jay. You're kind and extremely caring."

Jason cleared his throat." Goodnight. I'll go sleep now." And the door was close to his face. Bruce gave a small laugh before checking on Damian.

"Goodnight son."

"Father may I ask something?"

"You don't have to ask for permission."

"Very well. Why being kind to me?" Damian silently asked.

"Because I love you."

"But why? I've never been useful."

"I don't need you to be Damian. I just need you to be happy and safe, nothing else." Bruce could understand, he had ask Damian to not go out when him and Robin were patrolling. Judging that the boy was still too violent and most importantly too traumatized.

He knew this was bothering his youngest, but he won't change it. Damian had progress so much in those two months. He only wished for his sons happiness.

"Thank you Father. I wish you a goodnight."

"Goodnight Damian. I'm downstairs if you need anything." Bruce reminded as he closed the door.

Last one was Tim. The boy was already in his bed, hugging tightly the plushy Dick had gifted him a year ago.

"Do you need anything Tim?"

Tim shook his head. Bruce gave a small smile, understanding that the small boy needed space. "Goodnight. You can come see me if you need anything."

A small "Goodnight" was heard as Bruce closed the door. Now that all his sons were asleep, Bruce was finally able to go back down. He was slightly anxious at the thought of being alone with Barry.

When he arrived the man was on his phone, probably texting someone as his fingers moved over the screen. Barry's eyes were quickly on him. "Everyone is safely tucked in?"

Bruce nodded.

"I can go. I don't think it would be comfortable for you if I stay here."

Bruce frowned. "Why would it be?"

"I mean, Wally kinda just squeezed me in. And I know you already barely let Clark and Diana in. So I don't think you want me there."

Bruce knew Barry had self esteem issue but this was worst than he expected. "You're not too much."

"Oh."

Bruce huffed a laugh at that reaction. "Why are you so surprised?"

"I just thought that if Hal annoy you I also probably do."

"Lantern is an arrogant idiots with undiagnosed adhd. While you know when to focus and listen. Lantern doesn't. I do not found you annoying."

"I'm glad then." Barry said with a small smile tugging at his lips, and Bruce almost got lost in those eyes, but he quickly looked away. What was he doing? They were coworker.

"I'm still questioning your choice. Why him as your best friend?"

Barry laughed loudly. "He is kind and caring deep down and I know a lot of people doesn't see it, but I promise you he is."

Bruce wanted to argue on that but it would be rude. "If you say so."

"He said the same, asking me why am I friend with you but by respect I won't repeat the words he used to describe you."

Bruce did need to hear them, he could already hear Jordan's annoying voice. "I think I can guess how it would go."

"He is off world right now. We were supposed to hang out but then he was called for a mission by the Corps and duty is duty. Was still kinda sad but now I'm here so it's not that much of a bad thing. I'm sure he would be saying that all this was a bad idea and…"

Bruce let the man talk, even if the speed had greatly increased. He tried to focus and he picked up most of the words until Barry noticed he been rambling.

"Sorry, I did it again. I'm really trying to make it better."

"You don't have to, I understand you."

Barry gave a sad laugh. "You and Hal are probably the only one. It's seen as annoying for others and I can understand. You know, that thing was part of the reason I broke up with Iris. Actually my super hero work was also part of it but that's another story. I feel like I keep messing up with everyone."

"You're not. Don't be so hard on yourself. A lots of people look up to you and you have many friends that like you for who you are."

Barry took a deep breath. He looked agitated since the beginning of this evening, or more than usual at least.

"Is everything okay?"

"Y-yea. Why?"

"You look tense."

"My bad."

Now it was definitely suspicious. The man's face also looked redder, was he sick? Bruce placed a hand on the speedster's forehead. Only then he noticed how unprofessional that was. Good point there was no fever but Barry's face and ears were red.

"Wh-what are you doing?"

"I thought you were sick, sorry for touching you without your permission." The more Bruce stared, the more the man in front him became shy.

"No need to be."

And that's when something clicked in Bruce's mind. Dick had been insisting a lot this past few days, about Bruce being more open to relationship while mention Barry a lot. Was Dick aware of an information Bruce did not have? Something regarding the man's right in front of him.

It also made him realized that he wasn't against the idea because he deep down hoped he was not getting it wrong. Yet he still felt that ball of anxiety settle in his stomach. The last time he had love someone it did not really end well.

And they worked at the same place, what if their feelings got into their works? What if innocent people suffered because of it? Would his sons be ready to accept someone into Bruce's life?

Bruce chase those thoughts away, maybe he was getting all this wrong. Yes it was probably that, there was no way someone as bright as Flash could fall in love with him.

"Bruce?" Barry could out.

"Yes?"

"You zoned out, is everything okay?"

He didn't notice that. "Yes, I am fine."

Barry did not seem to believe it. "Have I made you uncomfortable?"

"What?" Because Bruce was not understanding how could Barry had made him uncomfortable.

"Nothing."

"Stop thinking you are bothering everyone. I promise you, you don't."

Barry nodded. "Do you ever wonder what's wrong with you but then people tell you that you're amazing?"

"All the time. With my eldest sons mostly, even if in the past I made a lots of mistakes and hurt them a lot, they are still there to remind me that I'm a good person. I sometime struggle to believe them."

"I didn't expect Batman to have that much insecurities."

"I dress as a bat. What did you expect?"

That earn him a small laugh from Barry. Bruce started to really like the sound of it. "It's true that when we think about it, you look a bit crazy there."

Barry then shifted on the sofa, turning his body to face Bruce. "You should joke more around the others, I'm sure they will like you a bit more."

"I don't need them to like me. I just need them to do their jobs."

"So why do you joke around me? Do you want me to like you?" Barry spoke, sounding slightly out of breath and as if it had take every bit of courage he had gather to say it.

That sentence made them both enter a dangerous territory. Bruce should have cut it short, remind both of them how flirting with a league member should be forbidden but maybe Dick had been right. Bruce should try to loosen up a bit.

"What if I want to?" Bruce replied, making sure to hold eye contact, but Barry quickly looked away, blushing and probably not expecting him to reply back.

"I- You really want me to like you?"

"I do. For a while now." Bruce spoke sincerely. If he was honest to himself, it somehow had been there for two years now. When they become closer on a mission, but Bruce had never acted on it since Barry was taken, and he was also scared of loving someone. It meant that he could be hurt and used again.

"Really?"

Bruce nodded.

"I already do. I know I've been kinda avoiding you lately. I don't know if you noticed, you probably did. You're Batman after all. But I was just feeling my heart speed up every time and I was still hurt by the break up and all. So I did not know what to do, and it's not like I thought you were into guys and even less into wanting to have a romantic relationship."

"Breath." Bruce reminded the speedster that was starting to speak too fast for him to catch up properly.

"Yes right, sorry."

"You're fine."

Barry just looked at him, his eyes shyly staring into Bruce's one. "I like you a lot, and I was really happy to know I would come here."

Bruce decided to do the first move, putting all his fears aside. He moved slightly closer, making sure that Barry had time to move away if he wanted, but he stayed right there, those blue eyes looking at Bruce expectantly.

The older man gently placed a hand on Barry's face, bringing the speedster closer before pressing a kiss to his lips. He started small, not wanting to overwhelm the man in front of him. Barry sighed against him.

Bruce tried to pull back but Barry bring him right back in, crashing their mouth together in an hungrier. And it felt good, it had been forever since Bruce kissed someone like that. Since he truly enjoyed the feeling of someone against him.

But that wasn't enough, he suddenly felt the need for more. He pulled the younger man's body closer, a hand resting against his neck to angle him just right. Barry parted his mouth, allowing Bruce to slide his tongue in.

They panted against one another as Bruce's hand settle on the younger's hips. "You're fine with that?" Bruce asked in between kisses.

"Gosh, yes I am."

Bruce then squeezed Barry's waist firmly, loving the way it made the man shudder between his hands.

"Fuck, I- Can we take that to your room?" Barry spoke out of breath. Bruce froze, scolding himself for doing so. Barry immediately slowed down.

"Yes, we can." He reassured, his hand founding the speedster's one again.

"Are you sure? I don't want to force you. I was just- you know." Barry said as he his thumb slowly trace small circle on Bruce's hand.

"You're not. I was just thinking. I never let anyone except my family enter my room. But I can take you there I think." Bruce wanted it, he really did this time.

Barry's eyes went wide before softening. "Thank you for trusting me."

Bruce stood up, pulling Barry with him. Tonight promised to be more exciting than he first thought.