Christmas Time.

Chapter 2

Dick

I watched the small woman storm out of the Manor, and when the door slammed shut, I turned to look at Bruce. Anger and hurt was clear on my face.
"Is it true?" I demanded. No answer. "Is what she just said true, Bruce?!" I yelled. He nodded.
I growled and lunged. "HOW COULD YOU?! YOU OF ALL PEOPLE KNOW HOW IMPORTANT CHRISTMAS IS TO KIDS?!! TO ME?!!" I yelled. Tim, Jason, and Damian were holding me back, as I tried to tackled Bruce. "YOU KMOW THAT THE ORPHANAGES DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO GET GIFTS! YOU PROMISED TO FIX THAT! I guess you lied. So I wasn't important enough after all." I whispered, before storming up to my room. I packed and bag and left.

Marinette

I was too pissed to sleep. I was too pissed to design. I was too pissed to play my violin, so I went on a walk. I walked through the park and frowned at the sight of a gentleman, with a suitcase, and so s wracking his body. I shoved my anger down and approached the man.
"Excuse me, are you alright?" I asked, as I sat on the bench next to him.
"No. I...my wife is out of town with our daughter and they're not getting back till Christmas Eve, and I was staying with me dad, but I'm too angry to look at him. UGH! And I'm sorry for dumping this on you." He said.
I sighed. "It's ok. If it helps, I'm pretty angry too. I want to show you something. Over the past three weeks I've been visiting an orphanage, and when I got there is was saddening. I walked in and felt like I was in a scary movie. But I have a tradition, where I go play my violin for kids at the park in Paris. Well this year, since I'm not going back to Paris, I decided to visit the Orphanage. I brought treats, and hot chocolate/hot cider, and I played for them. And I have never seen kids light up at a performance like they did. The caretakers were crying at the pure joy that came alive when they smiled. So I go back every week. But I have a gift for them, will you help me take it to them? I was going to wait till tomorrow or next week, but I feel like it will help both of us feel better."
The man thought about it for a moment, before nodding. Smiling, I grabbed his wrist and tugged him to my car. He would be staying with me either way, but this just makes it so much better.

We stopped by my apartment and I grabbed the little outfits I made for the kids. Most of them were Mr. and Mrs. Clause inspired, but there were a lot of elves and reindeer too. I set Dick's stuff in the spare room before we set out to the Orphanage.
"Marinette!" The kids cried as I walked through the door.
I bent down and was tackled into a group hug. We laughed and hugged before they got off me.
"What are you doing back?" Molly asked.
"Did you miss us that much?" Cole asked bouncing excitedly.
I giggled and nodded. "I did. And I brought a guest. And Presents!!" Alright, they all have your names on them, so grab the one with your name on them and have fun." I said, and opened the bags full of wrapped boxes. The kids cheered and dove into the bags, wrapping paper flew across the rooms at the speed of light, and squeals of delight filled the building. Soon the kids disappeared into their rooms to change into their outfits.
"I didn't know you were doing this." Tammy whispered, tears brimming her eyes.
"It was a surprise. I also got you somethings. I know it's not Christmas yet, but I wanted to do something special for you guys. You work so hard and are treated like dirt, so I'm showing my appreciation by giving you this." I said, handing her a box.
She smiled and pulled me into a hug. And all I could do was smile as she lite up with joy and happiness.
"How is the paperwork coming?" I asked, my smile widening.
She nodded her head. "Very well. She will be over joyed when it becomes official. When you leave, she found the piano in the basement and has been teaching herself some chords. You will make a great pair."
Tammy wiped the tears from my eyes as a flash of a possible future came across my mind. I dried my eyes, just as the kids ran back towards us with their outfits on. The Mr. Clause outfits came with a white shirt, with red suspenders, and black slacks (that were stylish but comfortable), a red coat with white lining. Mrs. Clause outfits came with a red dress with a black sewn in bow tie, white lining, and black leggings. The Reindeer were a simple brown button down shirt, with black buttons, and black slacks/leggings, and antlers. And then green, red and white for the Elves, but with the cute hats with bells. I couldn't help but smile.
"Where did you get these?" Tammy asked.
"I made them." I whispered, as the kids talked excitedly with each other about their outfits. And I couldn't help the happy laugh that bubbled from inside me, as I wrapped my arm around Tammy.
"Hey Tammy, who decorated this place?" Dick asked, looking around with wonder in his eyes.
"Marinette did. She surprised me and the kids with decorations on her second visit. It was two days after her first and she came prepared. And we all decorated. She bought all new decorations and fake trees for us. And little one with lights for the kids to place in their bedrooms. She's amazing."
Dick looked at me, like I grew three heads. Where did all that money come from?" He asked.
I shrugged. "I'm a designer and over the years have saved up a lot of money. My Aunt and Uncle pay a lot, upfront before I can even tell them the discount. They are very sneaky those two. Anyways, I had some and wanted to give, because that's what Christmas is all about. Yes it's cliche but it's true." I stated mater of factly. "Besides, these kids are amazing at giving things, even if they don't know it." I whispered, my vision zeroing in on the little girl in a Mrs. Clause outfit, as she spun around and laughed with another little girl.
"We should be going. I'll be back next week and should be ready to take her home." I whispered to Tammy. "It will be Christmas after all."
Tammy nodded and we said our goodbyes. The kids whined but said their fair wells and thanks you's.

When we got back to the apartment, Dick and I sat on the couch and got to know each other. Yes, it's strange for me sitting with an older man in my apartment, but I'm the spirit of the holiday I would do my best to get past it. And I did. The more I got to know him, the more I discovered he was obsessed with Christmas just like me.
"Your the woman that came to Wayne Manor and yelled at Bruce, aren't you?" He asked.
"Yep. Don't regret it, but slightly embarrassed." I stated before going into my room.