Batman would never say something like that, but Bruce was a father, a father who loved his children.
Over the years, as he stumbled through his relationships with children of different backgrounds and very different personalities, he had also been trying to adjust some of the ways he did things.
Even though it was difficult.
But, Bruce thought, surely it couldn't be harder than the pain of losing my children.
Now, Bruce looked at the anxious Little Merfolk before him and gently stroked the top of her head.
"Don't be afraid," Bruce said. "This is just an ordinary test, like always. Don't worry about anything else, and don't force yourself. Just concentrate."
"Exactly!" Dick hopped over too, reaching out to pat Miaomiao's head as he reassured her. "Everything will be fine with Harley. Bruce is Batman, after all. Nothing can stump Batman. Batman can do anything!"
Tim agreed with Dick. "Don't worry. Batman always has a whole stack of backup plans."
"Perhaps, gentlemen," Alfred said as he approached with a tray, "Miss Miaomiao simply needs a break to relax."
"Alfred." Bruce nodded to Butler Batman, then looked at the tray in his hands. "I'm not hungry yet."
"Oh, my dear Master Bruce, unfortunately, this isn't for you." Alfred set the tray on the table in the main room, then went over and took Miaomiao's hand. "Miss Miaomiao, would you like a cup of rich, fragrant black tea?" he asked with a smile. "I've made your favorite blueberry cookies. Of course, there's enough for everyone else as well. Gentlemen, please remember to balance work with rest. There will always be more work to do."
Under Butler Batman's silent authority, no one could object.
Miaomiao followed Alfred outside and sat down, nibbling cookies and drinking the delicious, fragrant black tea. Everyone else