The Arrangement

CH 12 - Cassandra Ca-Wayne

Syn sat in the empty audience, watching Cassandra dance across the stage. Twirling, leaping, stretching, bending. It was all a dance, a beautiful dance. Gorgeous. She couldn't help but stand and applauded. Those on stage were startled by the sudden applause from the dark. A few gathered themselves and bowed to their fan in the shadows, Cass amongst them. The girls quickly scurried backstage; security moved to find the trespasser, Syn, and removed them.

-

Cassandra walked alone to the front, where Alfred should be waiting to pick her up. As she made her way to the stairs, she felt someone approaching her. As they touched her shoulder, she immediately turned around and grabbed the person pulling them down the stairs. Unfortunately, the person grabbed her arm and pulled her down the stairs with them. The whole way down, pushing and pulling at each other. They ended up at the bottom with Cassandra on top with her knees pinning their arms.

"You are very skilled, as to be expected from The Cassandra Wayne." Syn smiled, ignoring the painful pressure on her arms. Cassandra quickly gets up, offering her a hand. She is very apologetic, signing her apologies in many words. Syn lightly pushes her hands down. " There's no need for apologies. You've done nothing wrong. It was I who came up behind you. Idiotic of me. I am in the wrong; therefore, I am the one who is sorry."

Cassandra simply nodded before turning around to pick up her duffle bag, which had fallen. " You might be aware that I've taken the time to meet all of Damian's siblings individually to properly introduce myself and get to know you better."

Cassandra Signs her response,' He did. Dick was very excited about lunch. He enjoyed it very much. Tim has also told us what you did for him. Thank you.'

"I enjoyed my day with Tim, even if it was brief. I hope he has better days, though."

Cassandra moves to sign again, and that's when she realizes that today is a silent day. While within her research Syn learned Cassandra Cain learned to speak very late in life it being her 2nd language, her first being body, even then she spoke very little. Then, she became a Wayne and began to speak more freely and with words. However, it was through Damian that Cassandra Wayne, Cass, still relied heavily on people's body language to understand them and had days of silence where words could not be found, and she once again relied on her body, more specifically her fingers. Today was one of those days.

'Tim found you very interesting. He has many questions.'

"I'm not surprised. Timothy is a very curious fellow. I'll be happy to answer any questions I can."

'I'm assuming you have plans for us.'

"Yes, yes, of course. I know you and Alfred go to the market for tea after early morning practice. And I'd like to join you. Is that alright with you?"

'I'd love that. And you can call me Cass.'

-

The farmers market was nice. The girls left Alfred to trade recipes and talk about ingredients with friends. They walked through the market, stopping to make a few purchases: some baked goods, fruit, and tea leaves.

"My family has heard stories about you. My parents and grandfather even saw you when you were younger." Syn said, looking over some flowers." Mother said you were very obedient. Father said you were skilled beyond your years. They praised you." Syn could see that Cass was becoming quite uncomfortable but wasn't stopping her so she continued.

"My Grandfather, however, didn't speak until you became a Wayne. It is then that he said that you had the making for greatness." She is comfortable once again as Syn passes her a peach after she pays. "Zeno is my grandfather's name."

Cass's head snaps up, recognizing the name. " Zeno," she whispered. She remembered the old man. He was the first ever to show her kindness. Of course, she didn't know at the time. She simply knew it wasn't violence. And for a little girl surrounded by violence, that was precious. Syn smiled, as did Cass, both thinking about Zeno.

"I-you..." Cass struggled to find her words. ' You are good,' she signed when words would not come.

"No," Syn said, " no, I'm now. Not even close. I try to be though. As Good as someone like me can be anyway."

They bought some juice and baked goods and sat on a picnic table. ' I see your good.'

"I don't, but thank you."

They fell into comfortable silence once again. With Cass, Syn did not feel the need to fill the silence with questions or conversation. Cass was aware of Syn researching the family and discussing them with Damian. If there was anything to know about her, she already knew. And if she wanted to know more, she'd ask. They simply enjoyed each other's company. She really liked Cass.

"Would you like to spare?" she whispered. Syn, in shock, stuttered out a yes. A smile spread across her face. " Your manor or Ours?" Her smile slightly fell but returned. She shouldn't be surprised that a family full of detectives' words would get around even without her saying anything. No such thing as secrets in this family. She wondered when the others would catch on? or did they already know?

"My house is not prepared for guests. Yours would be better. Perhaps you could teach me some dance moves as well?"

'I'd like that,' she signed.