SHATTERED WORLDS | DC (2022)

Year 2: Reconnected

3 months later

Alfred/Damian

Alfred sat by the window of a small coffee shop in downtown Gotham. It was early in the morning and the cold mist of the city was still heavy on the streets. Then a hooded man came into the coffee shop and sat across from Alfred, he pulled his hood back to reveal it was Damian "good to see you again Alfred." Alfred smiled and offered him a bite of his muffin.

"It's good to see you again Master Damian. How have you been?"

"I've beeeen alright I guess. How are things with you? How's Bruce?"

"Your father is still recovering. He's expected to begin walking in the next few months."

"That's good to hear. I knew he would come back."

"Yes, but he is still human and isn't as young as he used to be. Every injury now seems to take longer and longer for him to recover."

"Well if Bruce isn't one thing, he sure isn't a quitter."

"That much is true. But tell me what have you been doing this month?"

"Much of the same. Patrolling, training the usual. Diana is still in a coma. Her mother fears she may still be like that for a while."

"I see. I'm sorry to hear that. And Clark how is he?"

"Don't know. Don't really see or speak with him much now. He's too busy with other more important things."

"Then how do you know where to patrol?"

"Through messages or voice call. Cyborg sets it all up."

"So you spend most of the day just by yourself?"

"Basically."

"What about your friend Raven. Don't you spend time with her?"

"Occasionally I do. Clark sent her to Patrol in Asia so it's kind of hard to find the time to speak with her. But we do hang out every now and then. But tell me is Bruce still trying to stop Clark?"

"Your father has spent every waking minute trying to find a way to stop Clark."

"Hmm well, it's good to know he hasn't changed a bit. How's Barabara and the rest of the family?"

"Barabara has been doing better. She has her days but for the most part, tries to remain positive. You know Selina often asks about you."

"She does?"

"She always wants to know how you are doing. They all do Damian. We all miss you dearly." Alfred said. Damian was taken aback by that statement. He had figured that they still hated him.

"Thanks but this is more than wanting to go back with my family Alfred, it's about beliefs. And what I believe is that Clark is doing the right thing." Alfred sighed after hearing him.

"Yes, but are you happy?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean currently are you happy in your life?"

"I'm well enough."

"I can see it in your face, Damian. What's wrong?"

"Nothings wrong, what are you talking about?"

"My boy I have to confidence to say I know you better than most and I can tell something is wrong. So why don't you tell me." Alfred had completely seen through the facade Damian had been putting on and Damian had no other option but, to tell the truth.

"Alright, yeah I haven't been sleeping right or eating for that matter. In fact, I haven't slept in 5 days or eaten in 3."

"Why's that?"