Just Breathe: A batsis story

15 - Secrets Out

Chapter 15: Secrets Out

Alyna hated the hospital. The smell of bleach was already giving her headache and the startling white lights definitely didn't help. But Maggie was okay, she was awake and breathing. That was all Alyna cared about. Damien was being surprisingly comforting, even going as far as bringing Maggie and Alyna some water. Which to some was a small act, but for Damien it was very thoughtful.

"Alyna? Why don't you and Damien go get some fresh air," Maggie asked in a way that wasn't really asking making Alyna quick to drag Damien out of the room, "I need to have a word with Bruce, real quick,"

"S-sure!" Alyna smiled. Damien furrowed his brows in confusion, 'why on earth do I need to go as well?' He thought with a huff.

"We need to talk," Maggie said to Bruce once she was sure the kids were out of earshot.

"About what? If you're worried about where you'll stay while rebuilding your cafe, don't. You'll stay with me," Bruce said before quickly correcting himself, "U-us, I mean. The boys adore Alyna, it would be nice for them to get to hang out more,"

Maggie laughed lightly before reaching for the newspaper Damien had been reading earlier. She unfolded the paper and tapped on the picture on the front page. Bruce hadn't read today's paper yet. Usually he did during breakfast but he skipped it this morning to grab a coffee instead at Maggie's Cafe.

He was out late last night following a Xenon Lab lead. He could barely function that morning and knew Maggie's strong coffee was the only thing that could truly wake him up. That and her smile, although he would never admit it.

"That's you, and Alyna. Don't even deny it," Bruce looked at the cover page to find a slightly blurry picture of Batman fighting Vestige on some rooftop just a few nights ago.

"Maggie-" Bruce started.

"Don't," Maggie scoffed. "I've known since the very beginning. About both of you."

Bruce was at a loss for words. He had been so careful, how could she have known from the very start?

"Who do you think Alfred would buy all the medical supplies you needed after getting yourself almost killed every other night?" Maggie continued with a sigh of disappointment. "Who do you think talked him through how to properly clean and suture a stab wound?!"

Maggie stopped and cleared her throat as a nurse walked past her room. She looked up at Bruce's face wondering what he would say now. She always knew and it had been her biggest secret. At least until Alyna stumbled into her life.

"I didn't know Vestige was Alyna until yesterday when she phased out of my hand to try and save you," Bruce quietly tried to explain.

"I'm not mad, Bruce." Maggie shook her head before grabbing his hand. "I'm just scared that something will happen to you, or god forbid one of the children."

"I won't let that happen," Bruce squeezed her hand lightly.

"I died yesterday, were they not able to bring me back..." Maggie trailed off, some tears were threatening to spill and run down her cheeks.

"Stop. I promise nothing like that will ever happen to you again," Maggie had never heard Bruce sound so sincere before, she knew what he meant but she was a package deal now.

"And what about Alyna," Maggie furrowed her eyebrows not forgetting the fact the two were just caught fighting on a rooftop.

"Is she truly someone you can trust?" Bruce whispered as he gently wiped a stray tear from her cheek. He knew had she not been so tired that tear never would have fallen. Maggie was the strongest person he knew.

"I trust her as much as I trust you, which is really saying something. Cause you've done some pretty questionable things, mister," Maggie teased with a half smile. In true Maggie fashion she tried to hide behind humor.

"Then that's enough for me, I'll keep you both safe," he nodded while brushing a piece of her hair out of her face, gently tucking it behind her ear.

"Swear it." Maggie practically ordered. Bruce couldn't help but crack a smile at her bossiness, something he used to find annoying when they were children, he now found endearing.

"I swear," he said while lightly kissing her forehead. "Now get some rest, I'll go take Alyna and the boys to the manor while Alfred keeps you company."

Maggie nodded as she layed back down. She had never been so tired before. But couldn't truly rest until she knew Alyna would be okay. "Wait! She doesn't know that I know,"

"I figured as much," Bruce smirked over his shoulder as he walked out of her room making Maggie chuckle quietly.

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Hello! Sorry for not updating for sooooo long. Too long! I had to put everything on hold to GRADUATE COLLEGE!!!!!! yay!!!!!!!

Now that I finally have free time on my hands im getting back into writing and art and everything! Like this chapter (and all the others!) your support helps me stay motivated!!!

Only a couple chapters left!!!!