Does he have her eyes?

[totally_bradical]

"Well dude, here goes... something." A young adult, upper end of college age at a glance, with blue eyes and black hair that he hoped wasn't too messy after his walk (he'd had the cab drop him off almost a mile away) approached the outermost gate of stately Wayne Manor. He was wearing a polo shirt at least half a size too small, collar popped, and a pair of khakis and high-tops. A thin folder was tucked under one arm.

He rubbed the back of his head as he paced back and forth in front of the gate a few times. "Come on... butch up. You wearing a rut at the man's front door ain't gonna help anything." Before he could talk himself out of it, he lashed an arm out and pressed the buzzer, holding it maybe just a little too long before releasing it. He fidgeted with the sunglasses pushed up his forehead as he waited for a response.

Comments

[nation_gothampc]

The pieces fit together. The story is plausible, at least.

"Your mother and I..." He pauses, thinking. "I hope she's well."

[totally_bradical]

Brad cocked a grin. "You kidding? The Angel of Death looks at her and takes off running. Mom's a force of nature." A small laugh before sobering again.

"Oh, uh... not sure if the little guy or Mr Pennyworth passed it along, but... she said to tell you she's sorry. That she gave back the locket; and... sorrier that she gave back the ring." He fidgets slightly. "She told me to mention that so you'd know this wasn't some scam." He nods to the folder. "I'm not a law major, but it all looks pretty official, but it's still really just ink and paper, I guess."

He took a deep breath. "Look, Mister Wayne.. Bruce? I... I don't even totally know myself why I'm here. Just seemed like the thing to do. I'm not gonna try to pretend like you owe me anything, not money or your time outside of today. Mom never put your name on my birth certificate, and I'm not going to ask for a paternity test or anything. I know you've got your own life... your own kids you've taken in or adopted, and I'm not gonna be surprised or angry if you don't need or want me in it.

But if you have the time... I'd like to know you. Know about the other side of my family.

And have you know me, if you're interested."

[nation_gothampc]

Bruce's brow furrowed, searching for the right words.

"Brad. This has been... a bit of a shock, I'll admit. It may take... some time... to process everything." He regarded Bad carefully.

"But... if you're willing to give me that time... I will make it for you."

[totally_bradical]

Brad tried to hold back his excitement, but a knee started bouncing. "As much time as you need... I just transferred into Gotham U, so I'm not in town for a while. Going to look at an apartment later today; did some time in Greek Life already and not sure if it's for me again."

[nation_gothampc]

Bruce nodded. "After your apartment viewing... did you want to come by for dinner this evening?"

[totally_bradical]

"Yes!"

Dude, don't seem desperate!

"If I won't be in the way..."

[nation_gothampc]

"It's no trouble," Bruce promises. "I'll just have Alfred cook for one more. You can meet the others."

[totally_bradical]

"Sweet. Thanks.

Oh, right... uh.. I know you've had a bunch of them in and out of here over the years, how many of them are 'home' right now?"

[nation_gothampc]

"Fewer than a dozen," Bruce jokes. Then he sobers. "Look, Brad... I'm... I can't promise I'll be the best father to you. I've already missed out on a lot."

[totally_bradical]

Brad smiles and gives Bruce a half-hearted jab on one shoulder. "I don't need someone to play catch or teach me to shave... just.. be you, I guess. We'll figure it out, man."

[nation_gothampc]

"Yes," Bruce smiles. "We will."