| Things Kept Hidden | Private w/Hopes~Wings

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    "I can imagine the tourists come around that time. I'd be happy to. Seems like the city can get boring after a while." She took his arm as he offered it and started down the street whenever Bruce was ready. Though there weren't many people around, the few that were present seemed to notice them quickly and give her mixed stares. Some were confused and one or two scoffed. What was their problem?


    She ignored the looks and figured a little shopping would melt the chilly, foreign feel of Gotham that she was experiencing. Eventually a pet store got her attention. In the window, the usual puppies and kittens were displayed. Some slept and others played. Clarissa came to a slow stop, watching them and gaining a smile. It felt so long since she'd felt happiness. Well, since coming here anyway. "I have a cat back home. If there was one thing I could keep from there it would be him." After a few moments though she decided to walk again. Clarissa was aware that Bruce had money but she would have felt bad if she made him spend it on a pet. Plus, she'd have to take it places while they shopped some more and that wouldn't be convenient.


    As a gust of wind blew through the streets she accidentally pressed into Bruce's side as if huddling for warmth. It was astrage gesture that she would never do to someone she was so unfamiliar with. Perhaps it was truly and accident. Or maybe an involuntary reflex as something she missed out on up until now. Taken aback by her actions Clarissa stepped away from him as they walked and kept a normal distance in her perusal of Gotham. "I tripped. Sorry." Her voice was quieter than usual, as she didnt want to make a big deal of things, nor did she want to call too much attention to the mistake. /Maybe I apologize too much. How many is that so far? Two, three?/

    Bruce had remained quiet for the entire time so far. The glares from passerbys hadn't fazed him. He was use to the stares. However, he had kept a close eye on Clarissa. He had noted the way her eyes had lite up when they passed the pet store. He himself wasn't fond of pets, but if one would help Clarissa out, then he could handle it. He would have to see about getting her one. He figured a cat would be best.

    When she had huddle into his side, Bruce had been surprised. Hearing her excuse, he only nodded with a slight smile of his own. Maybe she was starting to relax some. He could only guess what she had been feeling since getting here. He had to admit, he wasn't the fatherly type. "Do you want to go inside somewhere? It's chilly out here." He could see she was cold. Without wanting for an answer, he lead her inside of a bookstore.

    The bookstore had an ancient feel to it. It was dimly light, but warm and airy. The smell of was of old books and cinnamon, and soft music was playing. There were rows and rows of books set up, with a counter to one side and a group of chairs on the other. An old man was sitting behind the counter, reading something himself. When the two entered, he looked up and smiled. "Well hello Bruce. Wasn't expecting you here." he said cheerfully, putting whatever he had been reading down. Bruce smiled at him. "Hello Mr. Vanler. This is Clarissa. She's staying with me for the time being, and loves to read. I was hoping she could get some books of her own." he said. "Of course! Of course! Whatever she likes!" Mr. Vanler said with a light laugh.

    She didn't look up to notice the smile he wore: an acknowledgement of her apology though not a judgemental one. It was as she had hoped, but Clarissa kept her eyes on the city in front of her. When Bruce inquired about going inside somewhere she felt relief. Somewhere to relax and warm up, she hoped. Luckily her prayers were answered when they entered a bookstore. It was dimly lit and warm, with inviting smells that reminded her of a time that never existed. She imagined a day at her grandmother's house to feel this way, even though she had no grandparents on either side.


    Clarissa let Bruce talk and when Mr. Vanler was quite alright with her perusing the books, she dipped her head a bit with a smile. She was pleased and a little excited to get to looking. If no one held her back for more small talk the girl begin walking. The bookstore seemed to have endless twists and turns, like a maze of bookshelves and bean bag chairs. There appeared to be a loft somewhere too. Coming to a set of stairs she gazed up to the second floor. There were no signs saying 'Do Not Enter,' and there appeared to be more shelves from what she could see. Ascending the steps and taking her time she eventually found the poetry section and sunk down into a cross-legged position with a few anthologies at her side, and an open book in her lap. Clarissa's soft gaze moved along the page as if scanning each word and feeling it's meaning one by one. She had a way about her-- a calm appreciation of the world. She was not aggressive, nor harsh in her manner. Though well refined on the outside, the girl was actually pretty mild. She did her own thing and that was exactly what she likes. No other way to say it.

    LOL. I've been shopping all day long which is why I haven't been on.))

    Bruce left Clarissa to explore. He felt no need to keep an eye on her. She was grown, and seemed well behaved so far. She would return to his side whenever she was ready. He was sure of that.

    Mr. Vanler kept Bruce plenty busy in Clarissa's absence. He lead him down row after row, talking about all the new books he had gotten in since Bruce's last visit some time ago. Bruce listened, nodding and replying when called for. He liked Mr. Vanler. He reminded him of Alfred, and he swore the two were somehow related. If they were, the two never confirmed it.

    Suddenly, a women appeared in front of Clarissa. She was old; her pale face was wrinkled from time, and her hair in its neat little bun had grayed. She wore a pair of white pants, and a bright blue long-sleeved shirt. On her fear were a pair of flats. "Well, hello there. I'm Mrs. Vanler. I'm assuming you meet my husband when you came in? Sorry if I'm bothering you. I'm just surprised to see somehow up here. Most people never bother with poetry. It seems to be dying out." the woman blabbed, her voice soft and frail. She hobbled closer to Clarissa, walking with a limp. "Forgive me, where are my manners? Who might you be young lady?" she asked. She sounded curious, and her green eyes pierced Clarissa. She was going to get her answers.

    Clarisaa didn't notice the old woman until she spoke; frail and pitched tone startling the girl. Out of reflex she closed the book and let it fell to her side. Realizing her mistake she grabbed it back up and looked towards the woman. "Oh, hi. I did, yes." For a moment she let her eyes drift up and down the woman. She seemed to be older than her husband and walking with a limp that prompted curiosity to rise in the girl. Though she had been taught to be wary of strangers, it didn't occur to Clarissa that this one could possibly be a threat. How could she be? It's not like your everyday grandma was out for blood. She stood as calmly as she could and held out her hand to shake Mrs. Vanler's. If she took it Clarissa would smile to her as politely as she could. She was coming to see that being the daughter of Bruce Wayne meant that she needed to keep up appearances. "My name is Clarissa. Clarissa Wayne." Something about her striking gaze made her uncomfortable but she played it off as nothing, as it probably was.

    Mrs. Vanler shook Clarissa's hand with a small smile. Hearing her name, surprise filled her eyes. "I wan't aware that Bruce had a daughter. But he is a man of surprises. It's good to meet you Ms. Wayne." she told her truthfully. She dropped her hand to her side, still watching her closely. "Why don't you bring that book and come downstairs with us? I'm getting some coffee and cookies for the boys." she told her before walking downstairs. She figured the girl would follow.

    Bruce looked up from the book Mr. Vanler was showing him as Mrs. Vanler walked in. "You shouldn't surprise me with children Bruce." she scolded him gently. Bruce rubbed the back of his neck, not sure how to respond to the old woman. She just had a way about her that always managed to silence him. "Oh come now Cathy. Give Bruce a break." Mr. Vanler teased his wife. The women rolled her eyes as she went to the kitchen.

    Clarissa smiled back, not somehow hesitant but nevertheless kind. "Oh yes, I was surprised too." For now she would leave it at that. Before they headed downstairs she would gather the three books in her arms and carry them carefully down until they were back with Mr. Vanler and her father. If she met eyes with either of the men Clarissa would offer a polite acknowledgement but nothing more.

    Bruce turned to Clarissa. He noticed the books in her arms and smiled. "Are those the ones you want?" he asked her. Mr. Vanler glanced at them, and smiled. "Those are some of Cathy's favorites. I hope you enjoy them." he said. He then made his way over to the chairs and sat down. A few minutes later Mrs. Vanler entered the room carrying a tray with a plate of cookies and a teapot with matching teacups on it. She sat it down on the coffee table beside the chairs. "Enjoy. But I'm afraid I have to run. " she told them. Mr. Vanler said something softly to her which she smiles at before leaving.

    A small smile was playing on her features always mildly present but only growing when she had to speak to someone or appear to be pleased. She was, but all this appearance, all these unspoken rules that she was just now learning were exhausting to keep up with. Clarissa held up the books a little and nodded. "I will, thanks." She returned the books to a tighter grasp as she held them to her chest as her arms folded across her upper body.


    When Mrs. Vanler returned with the refreshments she lowered herself comfortably into a chair beside the coffee table and took a cookie for herself; curiously observing her father and the shopkeeper like they were spectacles of entertainment. For now there was too much going on for her to possibly focus on poetry.

    Bruce sat in the chair beside Clarissa as Mrs. Vanler hurried off. He turned to Clarissa, smiling faintly. "Growing tired?" he asked her, concern in her eyes. He glanced at his watch. It was getting late. Perhaps it was time they headed home. But they would have to be respectful and eat something and drink some coffee first. Then a thought accord to him; did Clarissa even drink coffee?

    Mr. Vanler didn't even seem to notice that Clarissa was tired. He was too busy chatting away about poetry and other types of books that he and Mrs. Vanler just loved. He didn't even notice Bruce's wary look; he was tired and so was Clarissa. They needed to leave.

    Clarissa noticed Bruce speaking her way and she blinked a couple times as if she had dozed into an extensive daydream. She almost didn't realize the question he asked. "Yes." Her tone was polite, and she refused to display any sort of need for sleep.


    Continuously listening to Mr. Vanler she grows even more bored with the conversation and tries to keep herself attentive by picking up a cup of coffee and drinking it faster than she probably should have. Clarissa would probably be jittery before they returned to the car.

    "Mr. Vanler." Bruce said the moment he stopped for a breath. "Yes Bruce?" he asked, sudden concern in his eyes. "It's time Clarissa and I headed home. It's late, and I'm sure Alfred will be waiting us for supper." Bruce explained to him. "Oh, yes, of course. Well, take the cookies with you. Cathy wouldn't approve of me eating them myself." he said, waving his hand dismissively. Bruce stood up, and handed Mr. Vanler some money. "For the books." he said before offering Clarissa his arm. "Alfred wouldn't tell me what we were having for supper, so this ought to be a surprise." Bruce told her.

    (Do you think Dick and Damien should be there when they got home? And can I make Damien a girlfriend?)

    Sure ^^ If you want, to balance out the characters, I could play the girlfriend.))


    Clarissa smiled as they seemed to be leaving. Watching as Bruce handed Mr. Vanler the money she would hold the books steady in her arms, glancing towards the door but not lingering for fear of seeming impatient. "Thank you, Mr. Vanler. Tell your wife thank you as well." If they began to leave she would respond to Bruce. "Does he surprise you often?" It was kind of a stupid question but she thought it wouldn't hurt to make conversation.

    ((I was wanting to play her. I was hoping you could play Damien? I wouldn't mind playing Dick.))

    Bruce shakes his head as he followed Clarissa out. "He's been like that for as long as I can remember. He enjoys talking." he explained. Once they got to the car he opened the door for her. "We can come back whenever you like." he said, nodding to the books in her hands. He figured it wouldn't take her long to read them. She seemed like the type who could spend days reading without pause, and not have a care in the world about her. While Bruce did enjoy a good book, he saw it as wasteful to spend more than an hour or so on one. They just didn't interest him that much.

    After Clarissa got in, he would shut the door and get in the driver's seat. He kept quiet as he drove them home, looking deep in thought. He still had to figure out so much about this girl.

    ((Fine with me ^^))


    Clarissa was nearly lulled to sleep as they got into the car. It was warm and smelled new, with hints of some expensive scent that she couldn't pinpoint. She was eager to get home and sleep without interruption, but before she succumbed to slumber, she seemed to say something that had been on her mind. This was unknown to her, for she was too tired to notice she had actually begun to talk out loud. "I had a dream last night. It was horrific. These rich people were walking out a of a theater and--" she paused to yawn. "A guy came up to them. He shot the parents and their little boy was left there alive. Its like I was a bystander or something. Couldn't do anything to help." After that her sleep talking ceased.

    (So I play Bruce, Dick, and the girlfriend. You play Clarissa and Damien? And do you still want me playing Alfred or do you want to play him?)

    Bruce froze, and nearly slammed the car to a stop. However, he composed himself quickly and kept driving. How in the world could she have had a dream like that? It didn't make sense. Sighing shakily, he kept driving. He would ask her about this dream later.

    Pulling up to the mansion, he got out of the car. He picked up Clarissa, and held her close as he carried her back to her room. He would fetch the books for her later. He gently laid her on the bed, and tucked her. He kissed her forehead before leaving the room. He went down to the kitchen to look for Alfred.

    (Boys in the kitchen?)

    ((For now I feel like Clarissa and Damian is enough for me. Plus, Alfred won't be a huge part of every scene))


    She didn't feel him picke her up or tuck her into bed as usual. This was becoming a habit, and she really should start taking herself to bed. Her dreams were uneventful and unconsciousness had her comfortable within its grasp.


    Damian had an arm around his girlfriend's waist as he conversed with Dick and awaited Bruce's return. He was a young man now and well off so far. The once rambunctious kid was now a refined man of greater ability and stronger morals. However, there were some things about him that would never change. He was Damian Wayne after all. Hearing footsteps coming down to the kitchen he watched the stairwell and waited for Bruce's form to appear.

    (True. Plus I kind of like roleplaying him. He's an easy character for me to get into)

    Damien's girlfriend was happy to lean against him sightly, and simply listen to the brothers talk. She was about a year younger than Damien himself, and looked nothing like him. Her skin was pale, and her fiery red hair was long, coming to the mid of her back. She almost always wore it in a ponytail like it was now. Her eyes were a warm chocolate green mixture. Her name was Elizabeth Dayn, but everyone called her El. She too turned when she heard footsteps, and smiled faintly. This would be Bruce's first time meeting her face to face.

    Bruce stopped when he saw the people standing in his kitchen. Then he smiled. He walked over to them, shaking his head. "You two certainly know how to surprise me." he remarked. He then turned to Damien and El. "Who might this be Damien?" he asked. El smiled shyly at him. She couldn't help it; she was shy by nature.

    Damian let his hand move to wrap comfortingly around her waist, reating there and offering warmth. He knew El was shy and tried his best to be kind where he knew how. Deep down the former assassin was kind. He had a good heart and he loved the people around him. Over the years those walls in his heart had been broken down, yet some would remain. Damian knew that in places, this ewalls may never be broken. But oh, would El try. She made him a better person, and he was growing to really love her. At first things were awkward. He didn't know how to act around a pretty girl. But nevertheless, it helped to get to know her. Over the course of their relationship he grew more and more comfortable being himself around her and that was important. Though the urge to protect and be affectionate towards another persona was fairly foreign he was getting the hang of it. As Bruce entered the young man offered a small smile that appeared as more of a smirk. He glanced towards the woman beside him, letting his gaze linger perhaps a little too long before his focus returned to his father. "This is Elizabeth Dayn, my partner. Though she prefers to go by El." Damian had a proper way of speaking. It was as if he was an old person in a young person's body. But that was how it had always been for him. Since birth he was trained to be a mini adult and never got to be a kid. This was true in his social etiquette as well.