[ He is capable. What he does not tell her is that reaching out for her is one of his instincts now, to draw her into the safest place he can find in the dark. He was always a shield, though he believed only in swords until he was reminded, truly, what he was. That knowledge has found purchase in his foundation. ]
[ They walk away, and the screams fade. The sound becomes laughter — one he knows, one he's missed without putting a name to it. Instead of a little girl with a knife there's a little boy, picking through the weapons rack. He's dressed lightly, for a long workout, and can't resist showing off a little with what he picks. His expression, when he glances up at a younger Bruce — uniformed, watching like a silent guardian — is hopeful. ]
Pick one, [ says the man in the memory, the one learning to be a father. Bruce echoes the words in his mind. ]
DUTCH.
[ He is capable. What he does not tell her is that reaching out for her is one of his instincts now, to draw her into the safest place he can find in the dark. He was always a shield, though he believed only in swords until he was reminded, truly, what he was. That knowledge has found purchase in his foundation. ]
[ They walk away, and the screams fade. The sound becomes laughter — one he knows, one he's missed without putting a name to it. Instead of a little girl with a knife there's a little boy, picking through the weapons rack. He's dressed lightly, for a long workout, and can't resist showing off a little with what he picks. His expression, when he glances up at a younger Bruce — uniformed, watching like a silent guardian — is hopeful. ]
Pick one, [ says the man in the memory, the one learning to be a father. Bruce echoes the words in his mind. ]