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Bruce hadn’t meant to start thinking of Liz as one of his daughters.
She’s an adult. She already has a father, a decent one, even.
But her father isn’t here and she’s the same age as Jason. Bruce thinks of how he felt with Jason halfway across the country with the Kents, and how grateful he was to Jonathan and Martha for taking care of him.
If Liz’s father is as decent as she says, Bruce decides he probably wouldn’t mind if he takes the girl under his wing.
Just a little bit.
Bruce talks Liz into staying at the manor when she catches the flu from Jason. He doesn’t want her to be alone in her apartment, where no one would be around to help if she needs it.
How he got from keeping an eye on her to holding her while she sleeps, he’s not entirely sure, but that’s alright. If it makes her feel better, she can sleep on him – even if he catches this damned virus next.
If Jason was sick and far away from him, Bruce would want someone else to comfort his son like this. He may not be Elizabeth’s father, but as long as the man isn’t here, Bruce will look out for her. It’s what he’d want.
It’s not overstepping a boundary, it’s being a good… host? Friend? Co-parent?
Bruce decides the terminology isn’t important.
When Liz gets appendicitis, Bruce holds her hand until her parents get there – after she’s already had surgery, because it was an emergency and couldn’t wait. It’s only been about ten hours since Dev called them.
Liz is not quite asleep, lying there with her eyes closed and Bruce’s hand stroking her hair.
When the door opens, he doesn’t think to pull away until he realizes who it is – her real parents. He’s only seen them before in photographs.
Liz opens her eyes, perhaps to see why Bruce let go, and then she sees her parents. “Mom. Dad.”
Bruce blinks and the three of them are in a group hug, voices blending together as they exchange updates. He should leave, give them time to catch up.
But as he stands up, Liz says, “Mom, Dad, this is Bruce. He’s Steph’s dad.”
Bruce hadn’t been expecting that method of introduction – not as her employer, but the father of her best friend. It’s more intimate, and suggests a closeness he’s felt but not dared to put a name to.
Liz’s mom thanks him for looking out for their daughter, and Bruce says, “Of course. I’d want someone to do the same for my children.”
The conversation turns to small talk from there – how many kids does he have, how old are they, how was their flight. Bruce offers them guest rooms at the Manor, and when they hesitate, he insists that Liz will be more comfortable recovering somewhere familiar.
“You don’t want to see my apartment,” Liz agrees, sounding drained. “It’s… there’s bugs. It’s bad.”
Her mom shudders and reluctantly accepts Bruce’s offer.
Liz is only in the hospital for one more day, during which her parents scarcely leave her side, and the Waynes rotate through as if on a schedule. Bruce wouldn’t be surprised if there is a schedule – Steph probably made one.
Liz’s parents are adjusting admirably to the chaos, and Bruce is proud of his children for not terrifying them too much – at least so far. He doubts they’ll get through the visit without at least a few incidents, but hopefully it won’t change their mind about trusting his family with their daughter.
Not that they’d have a say in it, if Liz disagreed with them, but Bruce doesn’t want her to have to make that choice. It’s much easier if everyone gets along.
They are clearly impressed by Dev, and relieved that a doctor will be nearby as Liz recovers. She doesn’t need close medical supervision anymore, not once she’s been released from the hospital, but Bruce can admit, at least to himself, that he also feels better knowing Dev’s around.
Liz also appreciates Dev’s presence, but mostly because she can make sad faces and get him to bring her ice cream. Bruce has seen it, it’s devastating. Liz could look at him that way and he’d give her anything she wanted.
“Are there actually bugs in your apartment?” Bruce wants to know.
Liz tilts her head the way that means she’s confused – it’s adorably reminiscent of a puppy.
“You mean you don’t know? I thought you had cameras all over the place.”
“I do, but I don’t check them unless you’re in danger.”
“Yeah, the bugs are real. I mean, insect bugs, not just the spyware ones. They’re roaches and my mom would freak.”
“Do you want me to talk to your landlord?”
“Bruce, I am capable of talking to my own landlord.”
“I’m aware. I was just offering.”
“Oh my god, you sound exactly like my mom. Thank you, but no. I’ll handle it.”
Bruce feels warm inside at the comparison.
“Hi Mr. and Mrs. Liz’s parents! I’m Steph, I’ve heard so much about you!”
“Oh my god, Steph,” Liz groans, “you’re embarrassing me.”
“I’m your friend, it’s my job to embarrass you.”
Liz’s mom laughs. “I think that’s my line.”
Liz covers her face with her hands. “Oh my god, you’re going to be insufferable together. Someone rescue me from this horror.”
“In my family,” Liz says slowly, “one of the most powerful ways you show you love someone is to teach them something important. My dad taught me to drive, to light a fire, to fix things. You taught me to defend myself and break out of handcuffs and tie fifty billion kinds of knot. I guess what I’m trying to say is… you’re kind of like a dad to me, too. It’s not disparaging him to say that – plenty of people have two dads.”
Bruce can’t speak around the lump in his throat. He isn’t used to having such a high standard to live up to, when it comes to his children’s preexisting father figures – the others are dead, terrible, or both. But Liz has a father, a good father, and somehow, she still thinks Bruce is a decent enough parent to be included alongside him.
He wasn’t trying to parent her, only to look out for her while she’s far from her family. But somehow, it’s become something more, and Bruce wouldn’t change it for the world.