I Bet On Losing Dogs

There is a Light That Never Goes Out

Responsibility for your actions is easier said than done. Richard is a sweet child, but you and Bruce are at a loss for raising one. It's not the same as a pet. Not at all. Maybe it's your nerves. Richard holds your hand the whole tour. He's so curious as you walk behind Bruce, who, though exhausted like you, stands tall and talks clearer and brighter than you have ever seen him as he explains each room. When it ends in the kitchen, you sit, feeling your morning in your legs. Bruce meets your eyes, alarmed. You flash a warm smile, not wanting Richard to know. The child sits next to you, an exciting smile playing on his lips. You wonder what happened to his parents. He doesn't speak much, only smiles and laughs with silent acknowledgments. He and Bruce will get along fine.

Alfred brings outdated big bowls full of ice cream. "I didn't know what you liked, so I got them all," Alfred explains as Dory brings sprinkles and fudges. "It was nice being out at the store." She says, putting her hands on her hips. "The prices are a little high, but it comes with the area." She extends her smile to Richard. "Well, hello there! I heard you made yourself at home. Where are your parents?" She asks, taking the seat next to you. You realize the atmosphere is more relaxed outside of Gotham even though your nerves are shot. Healing shouldn't be too hard here.

Richard, however, steels next to you at Dory's question. You rest your hand on his shoulder hesitantly. Dory gets the hint and frowns, "I'm sorry for your loss." Her eyes move from you to Bruce before she's off again. Unlike Alfred's positive demeanor when you said he could stay, Dory means business.

You all stay quiet while you eat. Richard eats fast and messy, giggling all the way. You're not hungry, so you push your sundae around. You don't know where your appetite went. "Did Jacque make it?" You ask Alfred, remembering how he tried to defend you in the kitchen. His eyes don't meet yours. "He's still in the hospital. He is expected to recover from his injuries. But he will be sent home for his healing."

"Home?" You ask, your stomach dropping. He is one of your only friends here.

"Back to Toulouse for the time being. Did you know he's married with kids? He used to visit them when my father was alive, but I don't believe he has gone back." Bruce says, grimacing. He eats similarly to Richard but quieter, and his excitement is turned down. He doesn't finish either, brooding. "Alfred, will you take Richard to his room?" The elder and the younger look at Bruce, confused.

"Only for a minute," You say quickly, unsure. Bruce nods, and Alfred pats the boy on the back. "Come on, Master Richard. We may have found some video games." Alfred and Dory went crazy behind the scenes trying to figure out how to accommodate a child.

When they're outside of earshot, Bruce grimaces. "I wonder if we made a mistake." You raise your eyebrow, "With letting him stay?" He nods briskly. "He won't tell us about his parents. It's within the school year. So why isn't he there?" Your days have blurred together, but you know it is a school day. You saw a school bus on your way here.

"I don't know... What if they were murdered?" You whisper, not wanting to trigger Bruce.

"That is a possibility, but why here?" His jaw tightens, and he leans forward, resting on his elbows. You're suddenly exhausted. You were almost murdered today, and now you're eating ice cream in a mansion upstate. "I want to go lay down." You say softly, barely meeting his eyes.

He hardly looks at you until you put your bowl back in the freezer, not wanting to waste it. You put Richard's bowl in the sink and let the water run over the stains. The rush of water hitting the ceramic entrances you, the warmth over your fingers. You focus on the sounds, the feeling. You're back in your room in Gotham, and Elliot comes in as Bruce.

No.

You blink and see Bruce, your Bruce smiling his rare smile, but there he is again.

No.