System Reboot || DC

Chapter Fifteen

Wayne Manor stood like an ancient castle hidden within a dark forest. With a dark grey body of uneven stone, carved and stacked to create its fortified walls. It has curved windows in endless rows, its foggy eyes watching those who dare to approach. As a crow ominously laughs from its high perch, I can't help but feel my palms grow moist with sweat.

"Looks like it's going to rain," Tim noted out loud. I hastily wiped my palms on my fitted jeans, licking my lip in a nervous habit. He came to stand beside me, sharp eyes catching my slightest movements, and reassuringly took my hand in his. His hand, slightly bigger, acted like a glove, providing worth and comfort.

It had been over a year since I last stepped inside its halls. But I remember its smell, its dark palette, the way everything looked old yet was brand new. Fitting into the grand, old-money aesthetic.

Ronan – who used a business meeting as an excuse to refuse the invitation – dropped us off at the gates. The path had been long, giving me enough time to ponder my thoughts and feelings. But seeing the structure getting bigger and bigger made me realize how unprepared I really was.

"We're almost there," I could hear the excitement in my voice come out bitter and sarcastic. I didn't mean it to. My repressed emotions twisted my tongue, making each syllable come out strained. Instantly, Tim's grip around my hand tightens. Looking down at my face, he smiled at me, a sweet, innocent smile that made me feel so damn warm inside.

"We're going to be okay," he said, and I believed him.

It had been raining the night before, and when we came upon a puddle, Tim dramatically lifted me over it, eliciting loud giggles from me. But my laughter died down as I came to be in awe of my surroundings. With the tall trees no longer blocking the wider environment, I could finally see the front garden. There were flowers everywhere; red tulips, pink lilies, white forget me not, pink carnations, lilacs, and purple roses. My mouth fell wide open as I took all this in.

These weren't here last time.

"What are you looking at?" Tim asked, his voice laced with curiosity. To him, this wasn't anything new, for this was his home and he saw such a sight every day. But I lived in the smoke-filled city. Such wild and unparalleled beauty was hard to come by. Plus, the morning breeze swept the soft floral scent into the air. It cleared my lungs and soothed my worries.

"It's like something from a fantasy book, so beautiful and peaceful. I miss living here."

"Really?" His expression was wide and joyous, like a child.

I laughed softly, finding him too cute. "Of course."

As we walked up the steps, I made us stop at the door. Tim waited patiently as I stared at the brass doorknob. I couldn't decide if I should ring the doorbell, go inside, or make a run for it. All the possibilities and their consequences stunned me.

Tim chuckled softly, obviously finding my whole predicament amusing, and he decisively took the decision from my hands. Before I knew what was happening, Tim pushed the door open and evidently shoved me inside. The door creaked loudly as it shut behind us.

Getting over my initial shock, I looked up and around at the mansion's entrance. Everything was so nostalgic. The large staircase that creaked every fourth step, the waxed tile floors, the large antique vases. Everything was the same, not a thing out of place. As though I had never left, the familiarity brought tears to my eyes.

He must have seen my pathetic display and felt pity because soon he cupped his hands over his mouth and let out a loud "honey, I'm home!"

There was an echo and a long silence. From around the corner, behind a door, I could hear a long sigh, and then a gloved hand pushed it open.