I?: The Girl Who Ran: The Altruism Test- Currently Shelved

{X: Bruce} Epic Fail

The ancient security camera monitor crackled to life, and Tim squinted at it in disbelief. "Seriously, Bruce? This relic is older than Alfred. Why are we still using it?" he questioned, eyes fixed on the blue-hued screen. Bruce reclined in his worn leather chair, amused by Tim's bewilderment as the screen flickered to life, revealing a weathered brown van stationed outside the front gates. A tall, skinny boy rolled down the window and pressed the buzzer, prompting the iron gates to creak open a few moments later.

Bruce checked his watch, rising from his chair while adjusting his tie. "Looks like she's right on time," he remarked, beginning to make his way towards the stairs leading up to the dining room where the interview would take place. Tim called after him, causing him to pause. "What is it?"

Tim pointed to the monitor, revealing the departing van and a girl with wild dark hair, making her way towards the entrance of the front hall. "That's Tatiana. Remember? The girl I told you about?"

Bruce raised an eyebrow, clueless. And Tim knew it.

"One of these days, you'll have to start paying attention," Tim remarked with a sigh. "She's Tatiana Shivoski, the girl who escaped a mugging on the same night Kitty broke into the museum. She just moved into that apartment building on Crime Alley, the one we flagged." The pair continued up the stairs, Bruce keeping pace with Tim.

"Any criminal record?" Bruce inquired.

"Nope. Perfection in every way," Tim responded.

"Any particular reason of interest?" Bruce pressed, noting the absence of Tim's characteristic conciseness.

"It's the white streak in her hair. Call it a hunch," Tim shrugged. "I think we should keep an eye on her."

Reaching the top of the stairs, Bruce halted, turning to meet Tim's gaze. "How closely?"

"Pretty close," Tim replied.

Bruce's lips twisted into a grim smile. "Well, it seems we may have just found ourselves a new housekeeper. Is there any recorded blood test?"

"No, just a birth certificate and no medical history to speak of," Tim revealed. "It's definitely strange."

Bruce adjusted his cuffs and proceeded to the dining room, just in time to witness Alfred escorting Tatiana into the room.

"May I take your coat?" Alfred inquired, offering his arm.

The girl flashed a charming smile. "Oh, no thank you. I am actually quite cold, Mr. Pennyworth." She then turned her gaze towards Bruce and Tim, striding purposefully towards them and extending her hand over the table. "Mr. Wayne, I presume?" Bruce nodded, accepting her hand.

Tatiana possessed a rather oddly... captivating appearance. Her facial features-- a slightly flattened nose, upturned eyes, high cheekbones, and arched eyebrows-- didn't quite fit together yet managed to be attractive. Her leather jacket seemed a tad too big for her slender frame, and her curly brown hair cascaded down her back in a carefree braid. When their hands met, Bruce sensed strength in her handshake. Maybe too much strength "I am Tatiana Schivoski. It is a pleasure to meet you," she greeted.

Bruce could already tell this interview was going to be an long affair.

Tatiana's eyes shifted towards Tim, nodding politely. "Hello, Timothy."

Tim offered her a wan smile. "Hi."

"Now that introductions have been made, shall we proceed?" Alfred interjected, taking a seat next to Bruce.

Tatiana sat down and addressed the group. "I have already emailed my resume and references to you, although I know they rarely offer a comprehensive understanding of a person's capabilities."

Tim spoke up, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, about that, there's an employment gap throughout most of last year. What were you doing during that time?"

"I was living with my best friend," Tatiana replied.

"What happened to your friend?" Tim inquired further.

Tatiana's eyes hardened the slightest bit. "She unfortunately passed away two months ago, leaving me the responsibility of raising her four children."

Tim nodded. "And do the kids live with you?"

"Not at the moment. I am saving up to secure a larger apartment that can accommodate all of us. For now, they are staying with their grandparents."

Alfred leaned forward slightly. "And where is their father in all of this?"

A smile graced Tatiana's lips, but it didn't reach her eyes, "Three of the children are adopted, and the father was never involved in the youngest's life."

Bruce leaned on his fist, growing weary. He wished the interview was finished.

Tim coughed, shifting awkwardly. "Um, you weren't born in this country, were you?"

"No," Tatiana responded curtly.

"You didn't send us your citizenship papers," Tim pointed out quietly.

Tatiana's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "I did not? My apologies. I have them saved, and I will send them to you promptly after this interview."

Bruce narrowed his eyes, trying to regain focus. The buzz of conversations around him blended together. The previous night had been longer than usual. He typically managed to snag a solid two hours of sleep before waking up at eight, but he had been dealing with a new drug outbreak in the Narrows. He had tried to eradicate most of the... what was it called? Livvies or something? Drug names were growing increasingly bizarre lately. Regrettably, he knew he hadn't gotten rid of all of it, and new addicts would sprout up like weeds. Tim was testing one of the pills Bruce had obtained to determine its effects.

"Mr. Wayne," a sharp voice infused with annoyance snapped Bruce out of his daze.

Bruce hummed, his eyes still heavy.

"Bruce," Tim prodded, nudging his side.

Bruce straightened up. "What?"

Tatiana stared at him, her expression inscrutable. She raised her arms, hands loosely folded as they rested on the polished mahogany surface. The soft creak of her leather jacket filled the room as she leaned in slightly, maintaining eye contact. Bruce couldn't remember the last time he engaged in such an intense gaze with another person who probably was not a criminal.

Silence lingered for an uncomfortable moment as Tatiana held her ground. Surprisingly, neither Tim nor Alfred broke the silence.

"Mr. Wayne," a mere fraction of a smile tugged at one corner of her lips. Her voice remained calm and measured. "It's apparent that you do not place much value in the well-being of your children or your property. However, Mr. Pennyworth does. I can not speak to your expectations of your employees, but I implore you to recognize that such behavior is utterly unacceptable, Mr. Wayne. Perhaps you should consider making a change if you are seriously considering hiring me. It would also be greatly appreciated if you refrained from interrupting this interview with your snores."

Bruce stared, unsure of how to react. His initial thought was to storm off to the BatCave. Yet, he chose to adopt the stance of an affronted employer. "How dare you!"

Tatiana sighed and rose from her seat. "You're simply not worth my time." She nodded toward Tim and Alfred. "It was nice seeing you both again."

"Wait, we're not finished!" Tim exclaimed, half-rising as Tatiana made her way towards the front door. "Don't you need this job?"

Tatiana spun around, raising an eyebrow. "I'll find work elsewhere. Have a pleasant life." With that, she turned away and vanished from Bruce's line of sight. The sound of the front door swinging open and shut reverberated through the house.

Excellent work, Bruce.

"She certainly has quite a strong opinion," remarked Alfred.

Tim sighed, exasperated. "This is why I didn't want him here, Alfred."

"My apologies, Master Timothy. I believed his presence during the interview would be beneficial," Alfred offered.

Bruce silently departed, leaving behind Tim and Alfred's lingering disapproval.