Never Return

Even though it was in the middle of the night, Bruce couldn’t sleep. He couldn’t stop thinking everything he had just learned. His father figure turned out to be a wizard since birth, his eldest son came from a magical family, his fourth oldest son has a cousin who is a wizard, his third eldest is dating a wizard, and his youngest son is oblivious to his own crush on a wizard, who is also the supposed savior.

Bruce sighed. Everything happened under his nose, but he does want to help. He knew he would be encountering a culture that wasn’t his own, but from what he got the memo, the wizarding community - their wars were to kill or to be killed. Bruce wouldn’t be surprised that Sirius Black had killed other wizards. It seemed pretty much unavoidable. One simple word and a wizard ends up dead. Bruce thought guns were scary, but a killing curse was a different story. He still found it strange how Harry survived, though.

Then Bruce got up from his bed. Maybe a walk in the gardens would clear his mind. When he got to the gardens, it was quiet and relaxing. He didn’t had to worry about the dangers or his children dying. While he was walking, he stopped.

Sitting on the grass, in front of the rose bush was Sirius Black. He was just staring up at the night sky, lost in thought. The moonlight was reflecting from his dark hair. He looked like he was glowing. Bruce had to admit, despite Sirius’s rough appearance, Sirius is extremely handsome. Then Sirius turned. His eyes widened as if they were going to pop out of their sockets. He turned into his dog form and jumped into the bushes.

"Wait!" Bruce called.

Bruce knew this was now the second time he accidently startled the wizard. He knew his presence could be a bit overwhelming for people, but he did noticed that even without his playboy persona, he does have a strong presence around people.

Sirius popped his head out of the bushes. His face was covered with leaves and there was a rose on his head. Bruce couldn’t help and chuckled. Slowly, he walked over to Sirius and removed the rose from his head.

"I’m also sorry for startling you." Bruce apologized.

Then Sirius got out of the bushes, shaking the leaves off of his feet. He didn't seemed hurt from the thrones. Sirius changed back into his human form. Despite how magnificent it was to see, it was still something Bruce had to get used to. What was the term Dick said? Ah, that's right, an animagus!

"Why are you up?" Sirius asked. "Shouldn’t you get some sleep?"

"After everything I found out," Bruce answered. "it’s hard to get some sleep."

Sirius glanced to the side. "I’m sorry you had to be involved with our problems."

Bruce turned to Sirius. He noticed how the wizard was tired - not because a lack of sleep, but tired of everything that had happened. Bruce couldn’t blame him for being frustrated by those he used to trust. If he was in Sirius’s position he would be tired too.

"Its not a problem." Bruce said. "You, Harry, and Bernard need help and we’re here to help."

Sirius sighed. "I'm really thankful for that…it’s just that I fear to go into another war…I killed other wizards. I don’t see why you’re willingly to help someone who had killed before. I thought Batman hates people who kill."

Bruce pursed his lips. Was it how everyone saw him? Bruce knew he couldn’t deny that he does hate killing. After what happened to his parents, he despised it. However, Bruce knew that Sirius was in a war and he knew full on well that not killing someone was impossible in a war. He couldn’t blame Sirius for killing other wizards. It was pretty much self defense and he was fighting for something he believed in. A war and all of the criminals and rouges in Gotham were two different things.

"You were in a war," Bruce said. "It was either you or them getting killed. Even if you tried not to kill, what choice do you have, really? Being in a war is a hard situation to be in. You’re a good person. You’ve help Harry get here."

Sirius made a painful smile. "I...wasn’t always a good person."

"What do you mean?" Bruce asked.

Then Sirius told Bruce more about his past. How he was in an abusive household and how his parents were. He even had a younger brother who was favored by his parents, but Bruce suspected it was out of survival. Then Sirius got to the part where he attended Hogwarts and met his close friends. They pulled pranks on everyone, including Severus Snape. At some point Sirius ran away from home and stayed with James Potter. However those pranks Sirius and his friends did became bulling overtime. As well as Sirius putting Snape in a life threatening situation that almost got Snape killed and James saving Snape. 

"After I graduated from Hogwarts, I realized how much of a horrible person I was," Sirius continued. "I wanted to apologize, but James told me when he tried, Snape just didn't take it well. So I knew it was hopeless of me to apologize too."

"But you did realize it," Bruce assured him. "Sure it took you years, but you did realize it. Also you were a teenager and still growing, you had a lot to learn. Nothing can be solve with magic."

Sirius fiddled with his hands. "I know, but I still made mistakes. I chased after Pettigrew instead of staying with Harry after James and Lily died. Even when I got out of Azkaban, I still tried to get Pettigrew. I really messed up as Harry’s godfather."

Bruce glanced to the side. For some reason that reminded of him when he tried to be a good father to his children. He thought he messed up when Jason died and he thought he failed again when Damian died. Bruce really tried to make things right for his children. Was he the best father? No. Did he tried. Yes. Bruce knew he wasn't perfect in his children's eyes, but sometimes he did wondered if he was doing things right.

"I think anyone would’ve done that in your position," Bruce hesitantly placed a hand on Sirius's shoulder. "You felt betrayed by your close friend and lost sight of what’s important. What I can see, you’re making it up by putting Harry first."

Sirius sighed heavily. "I’m trying."

"And that’s what matters."

Sirius chuckled. "You really know about this whole parenting thing, huh?"

Bruce smiled. "Years of having six children."

"I swear you have a bloody adoption problem."

"Don't push it."

Sirius smiled and laughed. Bruce blinked a few times as he saw how carefree Sirius was when he’s like that. He had to admit...Sirius looked nice when he smiles. It looked like at that moment, Sirius forgot the things he went through. It made Bruce wondered what kind of person Sirius was underneath that pain he had to undergo.

However, Bruce meant what he said. As much as he would hate to be in Sirius's position, but he couldn't blame him. Anyone and he really meant anyone would do the same. Bruce would hate to be framed for selling his friends out and didn’t commit any murder and go to prison for thirteen years. That wasn't his nature. Sirius, on the other hand, seemed who will do the killing if it was for survival. Bruce hated on loosing sight on what's important. He had done it before with his own children and he would hate to repeat that process.

Besides, even without magic, Bruce would tell Sirius was telling the truth - even when he told everyone about what happened before the Potters died. Sirius’s body language says it all. Bruce really hated how the justice system in the British wizarding world was messed up. Bruce hoped that after they get Harry out of the tournament, the justice system would change.

"By the way," Sirius said. "I’m sorry for punching you."

Bruce couldn't forget that he got punch by a wizard. It was something he never expected that would happen to him. Even though he could easily dodge that, but it just came out of nowhere. It was just a shock to Bruce that he got punched instead of being blasted off by magic.

Bruce chuckled. "It’s fine. I should be the one to apologize. I startled you after all. Besides, I had worst wounds than a punch."

"Oh I bet," Sirius held out hand. "I don't think we formally introduced ourselves. I’m Sirius Black."

Bruce shook his hand. "Bruce Wayne, but I’m sure you had heard of me."

"Oh I heard plenty, playboy."

Bruce raised a brow and Sirius just snickered at him. However, Bruce couldn’t help and noticed how Sirius’s hand felt callus, similar to his hands were. Bruce wondered how someone like Sirius who participate in a war after Hogwarts, endure all of this. Bruce at faced some wars himself, but he never fought in a war at seventeen. That would be too much for him.

Then there was a loud grumbled. Sirius flushed and looked away, muttering something under his breath. Bruce couldn't hear what the wizard was saying, but it was a mix of "Merlin" and some swear words. Bruce could tell that Sirius and Jason would get along well.

Bruce smirked. "Hungry?"

"Maybe..." Sirius mumbled.

"When was the last time you ate?"

"Lunch and after that Tim gave me coffee for dinner."

"That’s not a meal, Sirius. I’ll fix you something up."

Sirius raised a brow. "Tim told me you’re a terrible cook."

Bruce sighed. "I can cook…I just get distracted...and the food just burns."

"Sure."

Bruce glared at him, but Sirius just smirked at him. He could tell the wizard was unconvinced about his cooking. Rolling his eyes, Bruce took Sirius’s wrist, dragging him with him. Sirius seemed a bit surprised at first, but he relax a bit. However, Bruce, on the other hand, couldn't help and muttered under his breath of how he really wanted to wipe that smirk off of Sirius's face.

"You know I can walk on my own," Sirius commented.

Bruce scoffed. "I’m just making sure you don’t run off and chase the rabbits."

"I may transform into a dog, but I don't act like one."

"Sure, you don't."

"Watch your mouth, Wayne."

"I would say the same thing, Black."

When they got into the manor, the two headed into the kitchen. The only thing Bruce had in mind as a "midnight snack" was a sandwich. Those are easy to make...unless he wanted to make it fancy. However, Bruce had an urge to prove to Sirius that him - a wealthy man, can cook!

Then, Bruce got out a pan, slices of bread, tomatoes, Alfred's homemade pesto, and shredded cheese. He turned on the stove and set the slices of bread on the pan. While the bread was cooking, he cut some tomatoes. After he cut the tomatoes, Bruce use the shredded cheese and set it on one of the sliced bread. As the cheese melted, he put on the tomatoes. Carefully, he took the other slices of bread and spread some pesto on it. When he was done, he put the bread on top of the other. He set the simple grilled cheese sandwich on a plate. Using a knife, he cut the sandwich from the corners. Bruce blinked a few times, he didn't realized he made two, for both of them. Bruce set a plate in front of Sirius. The wizard just eyed at the plate as if it was poison. He sniffed the sandwich and carefully took it as he ate it. Sirius made a small smile and nodded to himself.

"My compliments to the chef," Sirius said.

Bruce crossed his arms. "I told you, I’m not a bad cook."

"Well, then I hope to see you cook more, unless you ended up burning a simple meal."

"If I’m not too distracted. Alfred banned me from the kitchen, so the only time I do get to cook and not burn anything is at night or when I'm home alone."

"I do pity Alfred for having an adopted muggle son who couldn’t cook to save his life."

"You think you can cook better than me?"

"Lily had taught me some muggle cooking. I mainly use magic, but if it’s something Harry likes or I like, I tried to put in the effort. Unlike you, at least I don’t burn down the kitchen, playboy."

Bruce glared at Sirius. He noticed Sirius’s demeanor was different from hours ago when he was explaining everyone about the first wizarding war. He could tell this wizard doesn’t have any filter and is pretty laid back. Bruce had to admit, but he felt a bit relax around Sirius. He was sure it was due to Sirius’s personality of jokingly laid back and a risk taker, but serious when necessary.

After the two finished their meals, Bruce escorted Sirius to the guest room that the wizard shared with Harry. It was a kind thing to do, since Sirius was Bruce’s guest after all. When they got to the guest room, Sirius opened the door slightly and stopped. He pulled on Bruce’s sleeve.

"You might want to take a look, playboy." Sirius said.

Frowning, Bruce peered inside as he hovered over Sirius. His eyes widened as he saw Damian and Harry sleeping on the same bed. Damian was clearly hugging Harry and his son’s lips were near Harry’s forehead. Bruce knew Damian was socially inept and all, but this was a clear sign that his son is oblivious to his crush on Harry. Sometimes Bruce wondered where Damian got this from.

Then Sirius took out his flip phone and took a picture. Bruce gasped and quickly, but quietly shut the door. He knew from what Alfred said that pureblood wizards don't know how to use muggle technology (unless they learn), while half-bloods and muggleborns know how to use it. Bruce just didn't expect Sirius to pull out an old fashion phone and take a picture with it.

"Are you serious right now?!" Bruce hissed.

"That is my name." Sirius joked.

Bruce pursed his lips. "You know what I mean!"

"Its good content, playboy!" Sirius spoke in an nonchalant tone.

Bruce stared blankly at the wizard. "You’re going to show this to my children and Bernard, aren't you?"

Sirius snickered. "You got that right! I’m going to save this for their wedding!"

Bruce raised a brow. Wedding? It’ll take a thousand of years for Damian to realize he has a crush on Harry. However, Bruce was a hundred percent sure that Harry does have a crush on Damian…in fact, does Harry even realized his feelings? Harry can’t be that oblivious…right? The more he thought about it, the more he realized that Harry was probably as oblivious as Damian. Jason was right. This might ended up like a K-drama.

Sirius yawned. "Well it looks like I’m not going in there. Don’t want to disturb the lovebirds."

Bruce sighed. "What am I going to do with you, Sirius?"

"Not my fault that it’s going to take years for those two to hook up."

"Don't remind me."

Bruce wouldn’t mind if Damian and Harry actually do date. Harry seems like a well nice and adjusted young man, who went through too much pain throughout his young life. Although Harry's personality is an opposite to Damian's, but their backgrounds were a bit similar. Also he saw how soft Damian was with Harry. It was an improvement. Damian seemed toned down when he's with Harry. Bruce had never saw Damian this soft on anyone before, except for his pets. Now Bruce thought about it…when Harry explained his past and how he got to Gotham, he just said he met Damian at Gotham Park. How on earth did these two encounter each other at a park of all places? What caused them to meet?

"Where are you going to sleep?" Bruce asked

"The couch?" Sirius answered in an obvious tone. "Anyway, goodnight, playboy!"

"Stop calling me that."

"But you are a playboy aren’t you? That’s what everyone knows you as."

Bruce groaned and Sirius smirked as the wizard turned, walking away. Sirius wasn’t wrong. Bruce did has his years of…what Dick and Jason called it “slut era”. Alfred told him his father had one, Bruce did, Dick has one, and he wouldn’t be surprised if Jason had one. He was glad that Tim and Duke don’t have one. Obviously Bruce knows Damian won’t have one. It’s not in his son's nature. If anything Damian would be the type of person that if he falls in love with someone, he wants them forever. Just like his mother. Now Bruce thought about it, maybe it was a good thing Damian inherit that from Talia. Although, he wouldn’t be surprised if Damian was a bit possessive.

Then Bruce realized that there were no blankets at the living room. Shaking his head, Bruce walked down the stairs and saw Sirius laying on the couch in his dog form. Of course, Bruce thought. How else would Sirius stay warm. Grumbling, Bruce went to the living room closet and took out a rolled up blanket.

"Sirius!" Bruce called.

Sirius lifted his head up as Bruce tossed the blanket. At once, Sirius caught the blanket with his mouth. Sirius blinked a few times and set the rolled up blanket down.

"You're my guest and you’ll be treated as so," Bruce pointed at him. "If you need a blanket just ask. I have everything here. Got it?"

Sirius just looked confused and nodded slowly. 

"Goodnight." With that, Bruce walked up the stairs.

Bruce had no idea why Sirius couldn’t just ask for a blanket. It’s not like he won’t give him one. Or was it because when he’s a dog, his body heat was different than a normal human’s? Still, Bruce thought it was his responsibility to make sure he host his guest well.

When Bruce got to his room, he laid on his bed and sighed. For some reason he knew it’s going to be a long day. A magical long day, but a different day than the others. He just hoped that his children won't bombard Sirius on making them a flying motorcycle or a flying batmobile.