Secrets Must Be Hidden (Batman/Batfam/Batsis Story)

Chapter 16: Ice Cream and Monsters

I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LATE UPDATED.

I AM ALSO SORRY THAT THIS IS NOT A GREAT CHAPTER.

BUT I HOPE YOU ENJOY          I also might change the title.

Knowing the Joker had everyone's  information, even if it was changed, scared every family within the academy. When it hit the news, it scared all families in Gotham. Some students rumoured  to even change address or even get high up security because of it. Scarlet would keep her book close in case someone brought up the Joker talk in class, trying to create some sort of shield, but her nightmares were getting worse  and worse....

The jokers face would appear or weird illusions .... It was harder to forget about it with everyone continuing  to talk about the overall situation. Perhaps influencing her dreams as well?

Bruce  had picked up on Scarlet's behavior lately. As he spotted her putting the  TV volume up more if there was an update on the case or how the bags under  her eyes became darker. It was as if she turned into the Batman herself. He instructed Tim to keep an eye on her in case  it becomes overwhelming at school. But he even knew Tim could only do so much without Scarlet catching on to his weird questioning.

Bruce was thinking it through as him and Scarlet were in their favourite living room - yes the manor had so many that there were favourites. As the TV was playing in the background, and Scarlet was finishing off a book Jason suggested, Bruce subtly asked in a fatherly tone "You've never been scared of the Joker, have you?" Scarlet looked up a little, still in her uniform from that day, putting the book in her lap she said "To some extent? I guess I've never been scared of clowns but I wouldn't be exactly happy to see him"

"But you never asked to check under the bed for him" Bruce gained memories of when a little Scarlet would beg each night to check under the bed for monsters. Refusing to let anyone sleep unless there was evidence of no monsters at all. Thankfully, Alfred always seemed up for the challenge at least.

"Bruce where is this going" she crossed her arms "And I still don't look under the bed"

"I believe you" he put a hand up. But continued with the subject "It's just... why have you gotten so scared of him? Things like this happen all the time in Gotham"

"Bruce he attacked my school" Scarlet bitterly said surprised he might've forgotten that fact. It hurt her feelings enough he didn't come and collect her that day, let alone forget. He raised an eyebrow at the tone change "But even before at -"

"Bruce I'm not scared" Scarlet closed her book and stood up. Her eyes a little narrow "You weren't there. You were at work - like always. "  From there she swiftly left the warmth of the room to leave Bruce putting a hand to his head. Though he was the best detective about; he never fully won father of the year award.  And though him and Scarlet knew they would make up just in time for dinner that night, there was still a sting in the air.

Bruce was never good at words. Even as a boy. Even before the accident. Or was it emotions he was never fully good at exploring? Whatever Bruce's mind was like, it never helped him much in these situations. All he truly wanted to say was that Scarlet, his lovely daughter , has all the protection in the world. She shouldn't need to stay up at night or cry herself to sleep. Batman is in the same house as her for goodness sake. 

"Conversation went well?" Alfred interrupted his thoughts.

"Was I that snappy at that age?" Bruce asked

"You're still snappy, sir" Alfred said with a roll from Bruce's eyes "But you were even more snappy when it was situations I never understood - or you thought I didn't" Alfred began to tidy parts of the room. Looking at all the framed pictures of the kids. One on which was Scarlet holding her debate trophy she won with Radian. What a team they were during their tournments.