Carrot Topped Chainsaws

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If there was ever a time that Bruce felt like a stranger in his own home, it didn't compare to right now. He sat on the living room sofa, staring at the row of newcomers lined up before him, his posture stiff and hands folded tightly in his lap.

He leered from one end of the line down to the other, his eyes always lingering on Zane, who constantly averted her eyes from his. Ezio commenced the introductions, and he waited impatiently for the young boy to get to her, having no interest in anyone else. 

"And this is my big sister, Scarlett!" he boasted, wrapping his arms tightly around her. She smiled down on him with pride. "She's the greatest person ever!"

"I am so sorry," Bruce suddenly said, standing to his feet and walking towards Zane at last. Overlooking the fact that he skipped over Divya and Desiree, he took Zane's small, soft hands in his and held them gingerly. "What is your name?"

"Z-Zane Zamora," she answered uncertainly, a small blush washing over her face. She trembled a bit as he continued to hold her, smiling reassuringly.

"That's a lovely name," he remarked, stroking the back of her hand with his thumb. He turned to the man beside her, his smile broadening. "Are you her twin brother?"

"No, sir," he chuckled amusedly. "But my name is also Zain. Zain Lockheart."

"You're kidding," Bruce gasped, looking between the two. "Similar looks and the same name? What a promising week this will be."

"Actually, sir," Divya snarled, annoyed that he had completely brushed her off. "We'll only be here until Sunday. You've already missed the brunt of our visit."

"Divya," Desiree urged at her hostile tone.

"That is rather unfortunate. We must make up for lost time somehow," Bruce insisted. "I know . . . I'll take you out for dinner," he said, smiling charmingly at Zane, whose eyes widened to saucers. 

It was like the surrounding people had disappeared, and Bruce Wayne himself was right here, asking her on a date. Evidently, everyone else got that impression too, exchanging blank looks with each other.

"You do mean everyone, yes, Master Bruce?" Alfred inquired, drawing him back to the present.

"Oh! Erm, yes . . . of course," he laughed awkwardly. "Of course I meant everyone. Don't be silly, Alfred."

"My apologies, sir," he chuckled.

"I'll take everyone to dinner, and we can all get better acquainted," he clarified. Everyone seemed delighted and troubled at the offer all at once. "What's the matter?"

"I don't think we have anything appropriate to wear . . . at least not to dine with you, Mr. Wayne," Saber confessed, and her friends nodded in agreement.

"Had I known we would be afforded such an opportunity, I would have prepared something spectacular for all of us," Scarlett sighed. 

Bruce chuckled at the trivial matter. "That's of no consequence," he replied, digging in his pocket and pulling out a black credit card. He nonchalantly offered it to Richard. "Take these ladies to get something nice. If you and the gentlemen need anything, feel free. I'll make the reservations while you're out."

"Seriously?" Richard gawked, reaching out to hesitantly accept the luxurious piece of plastic. "I . . . I-I-"

"Don't think about it too hard," Bruce said, slapping him on the back. "Happy shopping. Try and be back here by 7:00. I'll make the reservations for 8:30."

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