Water Bender of DC

-{ Unspoken Answers }-

-[ Gotham City, Wayne Manor ]-

Over the next couple of days the agency that Ms. Jackson came from did everything in their power to apologize for the "incident" that she caused. And on top of that, the media also tried to get in on the situation, as well as the whole kidnapping of Tonraq bit. But Bruce turned away every attempt with practiced ease, and little regard.

However, on the other hand Tonraq was making good progress again, as he was almost back to where he was before he was taken. Although, Tonraq was still very wary of strangers, as was evident by him wanting nothing to do with the new social worker assigned to his case. And bless the woman, Marry Smith was her name, she was very patient and did her best not to push Tonraq too much. Currently she was sitting in the lounge with Tonraq a good distance away, as he was also prepared to run if needed.

"Now, Tonraq. As you know I've finished interviewing Mr. Wayne, Mr. Pennyworth, and Mr. Grayson. So now I have to do your interview." Mrs. Smith calmly spoke as she held her clipboard and pen. Tonraq on the other hand was quite tense and uncomfortable, as he tried to remain still and sit through this.

"Okay, I'm going to begin now." She stated calmly as she looked down at her paper then back up to Tonraq.

-{ Tonraq }-

"Do you like your current living arrangements?" Mrs. Smith asked still in her calm voice, which I've grown used to by now. I just nodded, as I really do like living with Bruce.

"Do you have access to food and other necessities?" She asked again after writing something down, and I just nodded again.

"Do you feel safe here?" She asked and I nodded.

"Do you have a bed to sleep in?" I nodded.

"Is it just Mr. Wayne, Mr. Pennyworth, and Mr. Grayson who lives here?" I nodded.

"Do you have pets?" And for the first time I shook my head, as I thought about that. My father already thought that we were enough to handle. And I'm pretty sure Bruce and Dick are too busy for a pet, which then would lead Alfred to have to care for it. But then I was brought out of my thoughts as Mrs. Smith called my name.

"Tonraq, did you hear my question?" She gently asked, and I shook my head with some worry. But she just gave me a small smile and a nod.

"That's alright, I asked if you have any siblings." She asked, and my heart dropped and my body tensed. Then I found that I couldn't bring myself to look at her anymore, so I looked down at my lap where I found that my hands began to shake. I really didn't want to answer this question, and as I thought about that I noticed that my breathing had picked up. And when I tried to gain control over it I noticed that my eyes began to sting a little bit.

"Tonraq?" Her voice suddenly came up, which caused me to flinch slightly, as father never liked it when we showed any sort of weakness like this. And I desperately tried to stop whatever was happening by clasping my hands together to stop the shaking, taking deep even breaths to gain control again, and blinking a little faster to stop the tears that were about to come.

"Tonraq, please answer the question. If you do we can help." She spoke softly but it had a firm undertone to it. I just remained still, while continuing to try and keep myself calm.

"Tonraq?" Mrs. Smith tried again, but I remained still. I really wanted to get up and leave, but Bruce asked me to stay here and answer her questions. And yet I really didn't want to, but after a second I finally brought myself to look up at Mrs. Smith and it seemed she found her answer.

"I see. I'm sorry, we can end this here for now. I'll come back another time to finish up." Mrs. Smith said as she motioned towards the door, which I immediately took before she could retract the offer.

-{ Bruce }-

I was currently in my office going through some reports, as I was a little worried about how Tonraq's interview was going. But I put those off to the side a bit as this social worker seemed to have a better head on her than the last one. However, there was suddenly a knock at the door, so I looked up a bit only to find a slightly uncomfortable social worker. Which then led me to realize that I probably had a small scowl on my face.

"Is everything alright Mrs. Smith?" I spoke up as I softened my face and sat up a bit more to give her my full attention.

"Yes, we just hit an old wound, so I ended our session. I came over to see when a good time to come back would be." She spoke as she relaxed a bit, so I looked over at my computer to check my calendar.

"Right, it looks like next week will work. Did you have a specific day in mind?" I asked as I thankfully had all of next week open.

"How does Friday sound?" She replied after thinking for a bit.

"Friday it is then." I spoke as I typed it in and saved.

"Thank you for your time Mr. Wayne. Have a good day." She spoke before beginning to walk away.

"You as well, Mrs. Smith." I replied as I returned to the reports. When I finished with those I got up and made my way over to Tonraq's room. And when I got there the door was open, so as I looked in I knocked lightly on the frame.

Inside the room was as neat as ever and still didn't hold too many added items of Tonraq's. But as I looked in, I saw that he was sitting on the floor, at the foot of his bed, while he hugged one of his legs and rested his chin on the knee. Tonraq then looked over to me, and seemed to contemplate something before coming to some sort of decision.

"Bruce?" He asked quietly while looking up a bit more towards my face.

"Yes?" I replied just as softly as my head tilted slightly to the side.

"Can. . . Can you get Alfred. . . And Dick?. . Please?" He hesitantly asked while he slowly looked back to the floor.

"Yes, I can. I'll be back shortly." I responded with a nod, and left to go find the two. And as I walked down the halls, I thought about everything that's happened while Tonraq has stayed here. And I've found that his presence here at the manor has been quite enjoyable. And I believe that we would all like it if Tonraq stayed here with us, yet that decision is up to Tonraq.