Shuxin got off the elevator and made her way across the manor. Unsure of where to go, she decided to go outside for some fresh air. She found the nearest exit and made her way into the gardens of the estate.
Surrounded by lush, green, shrubbery. Shuxin sat in silence on a small bench. Taking in the fresh and cool breeze of the night. Why she hadn't thought of this earlier, she wasn't sure. Needless to say, it was just what she needed.
Meanwhile, Bruce remained in the bat-cave awaiting, for that time of the night. The time where he knew all the criminals would walk out of their hiding holes and take over the streets of the city.
As he prepared his utility belt, Alfred suddenly approached him and signaled to stop what he was doing.
"What's wrong now, Alfred?" asked Bruce.
"Well, it wouldn't be the first time I saw a young lady leave in tears, after having a chat with you." remarked Alfred.
Bruce closed his eyes and sighed.
"I didn't even get to say anything, she just talked and left." replied Bruce.
Alfred made his way towards Bruce and set down a small handkerchief on the table.
Bruce displayed a confused look on his face. He recognized the handkerchief, it had been with Alfred since Bruce could remember.
Nonetheless, he was confused as to "why" Alfred would show it to him now.
"I used this very same handkerchief to wipe your tears whenever, you, felt sad." confessed Alfred.
Bruce examined the handkerchief a little closer. Suddenly, a trailer of pained memories, flashed across his mind.
That was the handkerchief Alfred had used to wipe Bruce's tears when he came to pick him up at the police station. After Bruce's parent's had been shot and killed infront of him.
Bruce took a moment to regather his thoughts and emotions. His face went from a blank stare to a stern expression.
"Why are you showing this to me now?" asked Bruce.
"I am not just showing it you, I'm giving it to you." replied Alfred.
"Why?" asked Bruce.
"Because, Master Bruce, I have a feeling you'll be needing it." sassed Alfred.
Bruce began to grow annoyed by Alfred, not an uncommon feat. He always knew Alfred was the emotional type, being led by his heart and emotions. Something that batman could not afford to do. If he did lead by feeling, there would've been more criminals in graves than in Arkham by now.
Alfred continued.
"Master Bruce... I fear I'll be overstepping a line with the words I am about to share. But.... don't you remember how scared YOU were at that age?" professed Alfred.
Bruce paused for a moment. He wasn't exactly sure on "how" to respond to that statement. Nor did he feel like he owed Alfred an explanation about why he was reacting, the way he was.
Thus, he simply decided to ignore Alfred. Making his way into the bat-mobile. Pulling up his mask as he closed off the doors to the vehicle. Before Alfred knew it, he was standing alone in the vast space of the bat-cave. Without much left to say, Alfred let out a long sigh and set-out to look for Shuxin.
*IN THE GARDENS OF WAYNE MANOR*
Shuxin was sitting by a bench surrounded by a large variety of bushes and flowers. The place felt secluded enough where she was "almost certain" no one could've seen her crying (emphasis on the "almost certain", because everyone sees everything in that house.)
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The Dragon and The Phoenix
FanfictionAll his life Damian Wayne had been told he was the sole heir to the Al Ghul and Wayne throne. But things quickly change when he and his unfamiliar twin sister are reunited under the same roof of their father, Bruce Wayne. Will he learn to accept who...
