Bruce missing the "baby things" about the kids. Like yeah, he didn't raise them from babies so it's not like that new baby smell or the way they'd grab his finger. No, this is strictly things they once did that they've outgrown.
Dick used to climb up on Bruce's shoulder and sit like a parrot. He doesn't mutter a "Bat" prefix to common household items. He doesn't cuddle up under Bruce's ribs so tight on patrol that Bruce can feel him under the layers of armour.
Jason doesn't need Bruce's help to reach anything now. He doesn't ask for Bruce's help with a difficult word in his book. He doesn't do that excited, overwhelmed smile when Bruce gives him praise.
Barbara has grown into an exceptional woman who is unafraid of anything, the family's rock but that still doesn't mean he misses the kid who used to come to him for leadership. He's so proud of the woman she's become.
Tim doesn't talk Bruce's ear off on patrol, no, he's laser-focused now, he's locked in and there's no time for a run down of Tim's day. Tim doesn't take his battered old Nikon camera everywhere with him any more.
As for Steph? Steph hasn't really changed to most people, she's still daring and headstrong, she still has that zest for fun but Bruce sometimes misses how it was before, when she was more carefree and hopeful, when she could trust herself completely and didn't brood over every mistake.
Cass doesn't tug at Bruce's sleeve to get his attention any more or get as excited about things as much. She can speak for herself now, she's much more confident and while Bruce is proud of her, sometimes he misses being needed.
Damian no longer shows Bruce his sketches or grades, he just tells Bruce his drawings are private and his grades can be accessed through the app. Bruce tries not to feel hurt, Damian is independent and no longer feels to need to earn Bruce's love through achievement etc but Bruce misses that way that Damian would try hold his smile back and try not look so pleased.
Duke no longer gives Bruce those glances at the side of his eye like "the fuck are you getting me into here" or seems fazed by anything. He takes everything in his stride now. Weird shit happens and there's almost no surprise in his eyes. Bruce is proud of how much confidence Duke has but god he misses those expressions.
Bruce is bursting with pride on account of the men and women his little birds are becoming but he misses the kids they use to be and he feels so much guilt for it.
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theartofmadeline
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