Chapter two: Spelunking
It was Sunday. Last night she had eaten dinner with her father and Alfred, there hadn't been much talk, but there had been smiles and warmth, welcoming. The feeling of total elation and happiness stayed with Cassandra the rest of the night and she had found herself smiling up at her canopy before falling into a deep sleep. She woke with the same smile on her face a new thought and desire coursing through her. I can't wait to tell john.
"So, how'd I do?" Bruce drawled to Alfred as he walked into the servant's kitchen in the morning. He was hungry and eager for orange juice. God how long had it been since he had orange juice?
"Better than I suspect she imagined." Alfred said as he tested the cast iron skillets heat with a flick of water. "A traditional breakfast this morning sir?"
"I'll have whatever she's having." Bruce said with a smile, having picked up the morning paper from where it was rolled on the cozy kitchen table and took a seat with it and his orange juice. Bruce was surprisingly pleased with how last night's introductions went. The girl had been reserved and even fearful, he was relieved almost by her reservation. He didn't know what he would have done if she had thrown her arms around him and called him 'dad'. That word still sat oddly in his chest when he thought about it. He was relieved that his apprehension was evenly matched by her. Like Alfred had said, she seemed to be an intelligent quiet young woman, 'down to earth' even. God what would he have done with an airheaded princess? Probably send her to school in Europe.
Cassandra entered the kitchen to the rich smell of sizzling bacon and eggs, her eyes fluttered closed in an instant enjoying the delicious greasy smell. Her father, Bruce sat at the kitchen table where they'd eaten dinner last night. He was freshly showered in a pair of casual PJ pants and a house coat. He was already looking much more like the man she saw in pictures.
"Isn't it a bit early for a girl your age to be up on a Sunday?" Bruce said and she found herself smiling at his teasing tone.
'You'll be impressed Sir, to know that Miss Cassandra is an early riser. Unlike you in your younger years." Bruce appeared to grimace as if remembering. Cassandra got up to rummage in the fridge and returned to the kitchen table with a tall glass of orange juice in hand. The sight caused Bruce to laugh involuntarily, Cassandra understanding as she glanced up smiled and gave a snort into her own glass.
"So first day back, what are your plans?" Cassandra asked, setting her half drank glass down.
"I think I'll settle in, catch up with everything that's been happening." Bruce intoned looking up to see Alfred with two heaping plates ready for them and pushed his paper and glass to the side making room. "How about yourself?"
Cassandra was distracted for a moment by the smell of fresh cooked breakfast and looked at Alfred appreciatively as he set the plates in front of them and went to retrieve his own plate and take a seat with them.
"I'm uh, going to the Orphanage today." Bruce's eyes colored in surprise as he tucked into his meal.
"Alfred told me that you host charities in on your birthday." Cassandra immediately felt embarrassed, she didn't want him seeing her as some saint. Actually the first idea she had for the charity ball was after her ninth birthday party when she had felt so awkward and alone among her vapid new peers that she wanted to find away to have John with her. Alfred actually made the suggestion for her to host a party that would invite Gotham's elite and its underprivileged all in one go. After meeting with some of Gotham's philanthropists through her first party she was invited to take part in more fundraisers and events, becoming something like a cute trophy guest they could show off and fawn over. Her face always hurt at the end of the night with all the smiling she did but there was a small sliver of hope that she'd done some good.
"It's not a big deal." Cassandra waved her hand insistently. "I have a really good friend there I try to visit." She said by way of explanation.
"Well I hope you have a good time." He said in a well meaning tone. She always had a good time with John.
It was approaching lunch by the time she got a ride from Alfred to the train station and made her way from there to the orphanage Cassandra's thoughts were on that of her upcoming birthday party slash fundraiser event. She had decided to go again with the orphanage. Visiting had brought up her memories of her own stay there, and were a fresh reminder that other kids were struggling to survive their circumstances still. John might have been a constant reminder but he was tight lipped about his daily life, although he struggled to hide the sometimes raw anger in his eyes. But it was John and she had never considered being afraid of him before, besides the anger was never directed at her. Cassandra cast John a sidelong glance as they walked side by side. Cassandra was dressed down as much as possible, wearing an old hoodie John had given her and had her hair undone wavy around her face with the hood up. She was always careful to look as different as possible from the coifed well groomed 'heiress' that visited the orphanage. John would always wait for her to change and dress down in the bathroom before heading out. They walked now to a local skate park, some of the rowdier boys in the neighborhood liked to go, but it was as good a place as any to hang out and talk in private. Plus it was always entertaining to watch the other boys practice their skills on a skate board, sometimes like an all too real version of jackass. As they neared the sounds of boards slapping pavement became more distinct along with cries and jeers of the rowdy teens that filled up the park. John ducked first between a broken space in the chain link fence, pausing to hold up the opening for her causing her to give him an earnest smile in return.
"Come on." He said gesturing to follow him. They went to their usual place off to the side of the park where they could lean against a brick wall far enough away from the others to talk privately.
"I think I'm going to host another fundraiser for the orphanage." She told him, although she doubted it would be a surprise to him. He gave her a crooked smile.
"Still trying to save us?" his tone was only that of light mocking, no real anger or meanness behind his words. Cassandra rolled her eyes.
"Just trying to help where I can." She said with a sigh. John understood better than most what Cassandra was trying to do. Most kids thought if people like her willed it and waved their magic wands, threw money at it, that things would be better for them. Problem was people like Cassandra were throwing money at it, but the system was flawed, the cracks too big in the foundation and no matter what people like Cassandra did, the money just fell through the cracks.
"I know." Suddenly, and very embarrassingly John's stomach rumbled audibly. He shifted biting his lip in embarrassment as Cassandra looked at him in surprise.
"Didn't you just eat lunch?" She asked, frowning.
"Yeah… the portions are a little smaller near the end of the month." 'When the funding starts running dry' went unsaid, Cassandra instantly clued in. Instead of darkening her expression it suddenly lit up.
"That's brilliant!" Cassandra blurted excitement palatable. John frowned, confused and quirking an eyebrow.
"Uh what is?"
"I've been thinking about the fundraiser and well you just gave me the best idea of what to serve for dinner…" There was a mischievous twinkle in her eye that made Blake smile as he caught her meaning.
"Your going to serve the rich and wealthy of Gotham orphanage food?"
"It would make an impression at least."
"They sure won't forget the meal anytime soon." John grumbled in agreement but his eyes shined of approval and Cassandra basked in it.
Across the park hooded figures caught her attention. She frowned as a hood was lowered and Cassandra caught sight of a familiar face.
"Is that… Robbie?" She asked Blake under her breath. Blake shifted his eyes following the figures with an odd grimace pulling at his lips and uneasiness tightening in his belly.
"Looks like it." He muttered dryly. Robbie was a few years older than Blake and when Cassandra had stayed in the orphanage he had been one of the boys to initially pick on her. He had been a mean boy, but Cassandra could never hate him for it. "He, uh aged out last year." Blake said, tone dark as they watched as he exchanged a small baggy with the man he was facing appearing to take something in return and stuffing his hands into his pockets. Cassandra's heart sunk realizing they'd just witnessed a drug deal. Robbie and the stranger parted ways, and he pulled his hood back up as he sauntered across the park. They stiffened when they realized he was heading towards them but it was too late to move. They stood still as he came closer. He seemed disinterested at first, but when his gaze flickered over Blake he did a double take.
"That you Robin?" He made an odd guffaw noise as he came closer, his eyes giving Cassandra another hard look. When he recognized her his eyes widened and he grinned showing off a gap where he was clearly missing a tooth. "And princess! You two still got a thing?" He laughed and Cassandra stiffened, but didn't honestly feel threatened yet. She gave Robbie a smile and a nod, it wouldn't do any good to deny anything.
"How you doing Robbie?" John asked gruffly, although he very well knew.
"Aw, you know keeping busy… Hey, you know I know a guy looking for workers if you're interested." Cassandra felt John stiffen beside her and her own stomach twisted, knowing full well what kind of 'work' John would be doing.
"Sorry, but uh, I'm not looking." John replied stiffly and she could sense anger in him. Robbie frowned, looking a little more menacing as he lurched slightly closer.
"Yah, uh that's too bad, guys like you beg for work when they age out. Too bad the offer won't stand." He sneered. "Or maybe your girlfriend will take care of you." Cassandra grabbed Johns arm feeling his tension and rage bubbling just below the surface. She offered him a reassuring squeeze hoping it would calm him.
"Thanks." John's voice cracked. "I can take care of myself." It there was no challenge, but there was a subtle threat in his voice I can take care of myself against thugs like you Robbie. The older boy's eyes flashed and there was a tense breath between them before Robbie suddenly shrugged with a smugness that only made him seem unintelligent.
"Yeah we'll I'll see you." He said and continued on his way. The tension left Cassandra in a whoosh and she sighed as she watched the retreating figure and felt sadder still for the boy.
"He's not wrong." John said suddenly and she looked up to see his jaw clenched and a scowl darkening his features. "Kids that age out are desperate for work. Usually any kind." His voice hitched and she saw the raw fear on his face. Is that going to happen to me? Something swelled in Cassandra's chest and she grabbed John's hand suddenly twining her fingers through his and biting her lip at the pleasant tingle that travelled through her at the touch. John's eyes were on her, dark and searching.
"Come on; let's go get something to eat. My treat." She said forcing a bright smile. Normally John might resist but today he nodded mutely as she pulled him forward, his gaze falling to their intertwined hands, surprised that his palms had become suddenly sweaty.
Bruce Wayne had begun gathering the tethers of his plan. He sat in his parent's old bedroom, his bedroom with pictures gathered around him. Bits of newspaper he'd clipped out that held important pieces of information that he began slowly stringing together. Rachel was in those clippings. She had been busy while he'd been gone, he wondered if she'd be proud of him if she knew what he was doing or just think he was crazy. A noise drew him from his reverie a high pitch squeaking and telltale flapping which sent shivers down his spine before he stilled himself, squinting to see a brown bat flapping against the ceiling.
"It'll be those bloody bats again sir, they nest somewhere in the grounds." Alfred said as he entered the room holding a tray containing his lunch. A memory sparked for Bruce, the memory of falling into the well… of staring into the darkness.
"Alfred, do we have climbing equipment?"
Cassandra and John are sitting in a burger and sandwich joint and Cassandra orders them two chocolate milkshakes before John can object. Their served in tall frosty glasses and John couldn't hide the enjoyment on his face as he takes a long drag of the straw. Cassandra does the same and for a moment the two are silent and enjoying the decadent chocolate milkshake swirling on their tongues.
"You kids want any food or just the shakes?" A waitress asks interrupting their silence. Cassandra and John lick their lips, and try and remember what they wanted to order.
"I'll have chicken fingers with plum sauce." Cassandra remembers first.
"Fries with that sweetheart?" She nods as John regards her. "And you hun?"
"Deluxe burger, with a coke." She scribbles their order down on her note pad and is gone again.
"So you haven't told me what happened with your dad." John says taking more milkshake. Cassandra's a little surprised herself, she was all excited to tell John everything about it then she'd gotten distracted by seeing the orphanage again, and it made her think of her upcoming birthday. Then of course they'd been interrupted by Robbie.
"Yeah, wow… he's really nice so far." She says as if she can't quite believe it herself.
"Everything you hoped for?" John's eyes twinkled and he seems happy for her.
"Better I guess. I kind of thought he'd be more arrogant but…" she trailed remembering vividly the muddy and dirty rags he'd arrived wearing at Wayne manor. "It's just weird, when he came back he was wearing rags and he was homeless dirty." She hoped she didn't sound disdainful, but she wanted to press onto John how odd it all was.
"So he wasn't exactly staying at the ritz huh?" He frowned seeming as curious as she was. "Did you ask him where he went?" Cassandra shook her head.
"No, it was too personal; I mean if he was gone that long off the radar he obviously doesn't want to talk about it." She explained with a shrug and John nodded. "I was kind of thinking he might have gone on some kind of spiritual journey or something but he doesn't really come off that way." She said telling him about her half baked after thought the other night.
"So how are things with you?" she decided to change the subject suddenly, ever since their run in with Robbie he seemed solemn. John sensed that Cassandra wasn't going to take a simple shrug as an answer so he sighed before speaking.
"You know every day at the orphanage a new kid ages out… and I know one day… one day that's going to be me." Johns jaw clenched and she saw fear in his face, fear and anger. Fear quickly climbed Cassandra's throat, slowly tightening its grip. Not of John but for him. Whenever Cassandra visited the orphanage she could smell the desperation, it clung to her like a musk long after she'd left, now John radiated it and she truly felt afraid. She wanted to say something, but false assurances died on her lips knowing John would see right through them. Instead she reached out for him and grabbed his hand on the table unable to stop herself from holding his eyes with hers. 'I'll protect you, I'll keep you from falling' her eyes burned.
"You know if I had to, I'd drag you right off the streets all the way to Wayne manor." She said with a low determination in her voice.
"Maybe I could be Alfred's apprentice." He couldn't keep a hint of bitterness from his voice and the edge of anger left his eyes becoming sadder. They both felt the rift between them, the rift that Cassandra always fought against, fought to keep it from tearing them apart. Their circumstances were like black and white, Cassandra's life couldn't be more different from John's life of destitution. Had they been lesser than they were bitterness and resentment would have already torn them apart. They both fought though, keeping alive somehow the bond that had been developed between them. Cassandra fought never to pity John and to let her money sway their friendship, John fought to keep himself from growing bitter, to continue to see Cassandra as just Cassandra and not Gotham's 'Heiress'
"I'm… I'm always going to have your back John." Cassandra told him evenly. 'I'll always be here.' "But I don't think you'll need me." She said confidently as she stared into his eyes. John blinked, surprised at the confidence in Cassandra's voice.
"What?"
"Because you're tough, and if anyone can make it out okay and people do John. It'll be you." The wedge between them, the rift they both felt so acutely between them closed just a little at her words, at the confidence and admiration she had for her friend displayed clearly on her face.
Both started, Cassandra hastily pulling her hand from Johns in embarrassment as the waitress appeared with two full plates.
"Cute." The waitress murmured as she set down the plats and Cassandra flushed in embarrassment when she realized the woman was talking about John and her. As if they were a thing. Cassandra's chicken strips swam in a sea of golden crispy French fries and she smiled the tension leaving them with the sudden appearances of the meals. John's eyes crinkled with his smile as he took another deep suck of the thick milkshake. Cassandra was relieved he didn't seem to hear the waitress who left them while a small smile. John was distracted; his insides which had been balled in anger had relaxed as if the confidence in her words had warmed him. They had, he knew he should be used to it by now but Cassandra always knew how to make him feel better, even if it was just less angry. He supposed when he did age out, staying in a mansion wouldn't be so bad.
Bruce found the source of the grounds resident bat population. The creatures shrieked and flapped encircling him. At one point in his life that would have sent Bruce screaming, but his training held strong, the fear merely coursing through him leaving him untouched, unaffected. As he closed his eyes amidst the cacophony of disturbed bats another link was added to the tendrils of a plan. It wasn't much to look at yet, but the caverns would serve him well. The next step would be reintegrating himself with Wayne Enterprise. His father's numerous files had come in handy, they were old but held a lot of promise that told him the applied Sciences division might have toys that would come in useful. Still it was too late in the day to barge into Wayne tower, he was lucky so far no one had caught wind of his return. He liked the element of surprise. Bruce rose from where had crouched allowing the bats to circle him. Tonight he'd make plans for the bat cave; amusedly he wondered how difficult it would be to convince Alfred to come down.
Bruce successfully climbed his way out of the cave after a little more exploring. He found what looked like foundations in the further reaches of the cave which warranted more exploration. He was thinking of grabbing a snack, the rope slung over his shoulder as he came in through the back doors. When he raised his eyes he was met with a pair of perplexed deep brown eyes. Her eyes are like her mothers. He thought with an odd pang, remembering those eyes staring at him vividly all of a sudden.
"Hi Cassandra." Bruce wondered how he could possibly stem the curiosity burning in the girls eyes without seeming odd. Close to the truth is always good.
"Hi mister- I mean Bruce. Uhm you look, erm…" She was at a loss of words and she fumbled awkwardly. 'dirty? Disheveled' all things that popped in her head seemed mildly insulting and she wondered just what he had gotten up to as she eyed the thick rope and … was that a grapple. Bruce relieved her of speaking with an easy shrug and a charming smile.
"Oh this? I was exploring caves on the manor grounds." He said with a casual nod her expression was blank for a moment before lighting up.
"Oh like spelunking!" she said in surprise, suddenly she felt like she had put together a puzzle piece about the man before her and her eyes lit up with the realization. He's an explorer! I bet he travelled all over the world and spelunker or uhm did spelunking'. Bruce lit up at her use of the word and nodded vigorously relieved she didn't seem keen on questioning him further. 'You know just sourcing out the new headquarters for the persona I intend to use to terrorize the criminals of Gotham.'
"So how about yourself, how was visiting your friend?" Bruce asked, keen to change the subject, he noticed immediately that her happy demeanor dimmed slightly.
"Oh, well it was okay." Bruce could have very well brushed her off and continued on his way but he took pause this is my daughter. He reminded himself, the word and connotation still feeling foreign.
"Come with me to the kitchen, tell me about it." He said, gesturing towards the kitchen. Cassandra was very easy to read he was finding, she immediately brightened up a little and Bruce found himself smiling realizing he'd just made her a little bit happier.
"Okay, sure." She said biting her lip to keep the shy smile from erupting but doing a very poor job. They entered the kitchen, Alfred was nowhere to be seen and was probably dusting Bruce's old haunts, freshening them up for Bruce's return. Bruce reached into the fridge and grabbed the bottle of orange juice he turned and held it up invitingly.
"Want some?" she gave a nod as she took a seat at the table.
"Thanks." She said as he slid the glass over to her and she looked at him appreciatively.
"So how long have you known this friend for?" Bruce asked deciding to get a little backstory. Cassandra gave a small little smile as if reflecting on the memory.
"Well, I'm sure Alfred told you that for awhile I was in an orphanage." She paused to see him nod in affirmation. "I met John there." Bruce felt mild surprise that her friend was male. 'Alfred lets her run around Gotham with a boy?' With surprise Bruce realized that might have been his first fatherly thought.
"the first time we really met was when another boy at the orphanage pushed me down on the playground. I wasn't really well like there because it was obvious to them I came from a well off family. They might have done more but John was there. He stood up to them and made them leave me alone. Got a black eye from it and everything. I don't think John really liked me at first, I kind of just stuck to him like glue I guess eventually he got used to me." She finished with a wry smile.
"So what happened today?" Cassandra sighed, deflating a little as the memory left her.
"Me and John went to the local skate park." A raised eyebrow of surprise, Cassandra grinned it away. "we just go there to watch." She shrugged and continued. "When we were there we say a boy who used to live in the orphanage dealing drugs, he recognized us and… well he offered John a job." Bruce's eyes darkened but his face remained relatively stoic and thoughtful, in fact Cassandra wondered if she imagined the slight change. "John said no, and there was a tense moment."
"Would he have hurt you?"
"I don't think so, I think he was just acting tough. He was one of the Bullies back in the orphanage he was always like that. It really bothered John though, seeing Robbie. Just another kid that aged out."
"Aged out?" Bruce asked, unfamiliar with the term.
"It means aged out of the system. When you're an orphan on your eighteenth birthday you become an adult and they pretty much throw you out on the street to fend for yourself. What happened to Robbie is something John see's every day. It just sad and he's afraid of that happening to him too. I'm afraid of it happening to him." She admitted in a saddened tone and stared at her full glass of orange juice realizing that she hadn't even taken a sip yet. Bruce hid his darkened expression under a façade of ease. What Cassandra said disturbed him, but it also heartened him to know that she cared so deeply. He suddenly remembered his mothers impassioned speeches about the poverty stricken and Gotham's most vulnerable.
"So what do you plan to do about it?" Cassandra blinked looking up from her glass of orange juice in surprise to see an odd intensity in Bruce's gaze.
"Well, I'm going to host another fundraiser…" it sounded weak and she was slightly ashamed. "To be honest I don't know what I can do my inheritance is locked from my mothers side until I'm eighteen and well your not dead so…" Cassandra scrunched her face up and looked defeated. Bruce gave a little smile 'I'm going to have to teach this girl to think bigger.'
"Well, things are going to be a little different now that I'm around. I'm planning on going to Wayne tower tomorrow." Cassandra looked contemplative.
"You know that Earle is taking the company public?" Her voice was strained talking about the CEO of Wayne enterprise. Bruce nodded looking a little grimmer.
"Alfred informed me." An odd twinkle filled his eyes suddenly. "Don't worry, I've got plans regarding that." He smirked and Cassandra was taken aback, not just an adventurer after all and intending to re-take Wayne enterprise by storm?
"There's something else you should know about Earle. He's expanded Wayne Enterprise's dealings in heavy arms and weaponry, its expanded nearly twice as fast as any other department and Earle isn't looking to slow it down any. On top of all that they've cut their yearly chairity contributions annually since your parents died." Her eyes were hard and Bruce found himself to be impressed. The girl had been keeping tabs on things, he wondered if that was the flickering of pride beginning in his chest.
"Like I said, things are going to be changing now that I'm back." Cassandra was cautious to take Bruce too seriously, but suddenly she was a lot more hopeful.
"Master Wayne, Miss Wayne." Alfred regarded the two as he entered the kitchen having caught the tail end of what sounded like a serious conversation. There was a pile of rope laying beside the table Bruce sat at and Alfred eyed the dirty thing like it might carry the plague. "How did- er-." He paused realizing that Cassandra might not know what Bruce was up to and he might want it that way. Bruce's eyes twinkled in amusment.
"How did spelunking go?" spelunking, that's what where calling it now? Alfred thought with some amusement and nodded. "It went well, we have some very interesting cave uh- formations beneath the estate." He glanced at Cassandra to see that she was happily drinking her glass of orange juice, appearing to not pay much mind.
"And your day Miss Wayne?" Cassandra who felt much lighter after talking to Bruce smiled brightly.
"It was great seeing John."
"Very good, now any inclination for what you would like for supper?"
"Your ravioli is fantastic Alfred, you haven't made it in awhile… maybe if you make extra I can take some to school tomorrow?" She asked looking hopeful.
"Very well, if Master Wayne concurs..?"
"I remember that ravioli and say the girl has good taste." He shot Cassandra a wink.
"Excellent." Alfred said, pleased they were of one mind. Cassandra downed the rest of her glass of orange juice and stood.
"I'm just going to be studying in my room if you want anything.. it was nice talking to you Bruce." She added brightly, putting her glass in the sink before she left. Alfred and Bruce exchanged a glance and Bruce knew the old mans gaze was a questioning one.
"She's a very caring young lady. You were right, there is definitely a streak of mom in her." Bruce said sipping his still half full glass of orange juice. Then he remembered something and shot Alfred a questioning glance. "You let her run around Gotham with a boy unsupervised Alfred?" Alfred shot him a look, his brow raised.
"She's a responsible young woman." He said somewhat stiffly as Bruce raised his brow.
"You barely let me go to my friends parents houses, let alone girls houses."
"And look how that turned out Master Wayne." His eyes trailing to where Cassandra had sat. Bruce couldn't stop the chortle of laughter that erupted.
"Well I was a teenager."
"Uh hm." Alfred clucked like an old hen.
A/N: So I hope you liked his chapter and found it to be enjoyable. It's definitely a character builder chapter were we got to meet John! I hope you like John and he seems in character. Tell me what you think! Also how's the OC? I don't want her to be a nasty mary-sue but while I know where the story is going I'm still feeling it out as I go along so feel free to give me critiques on each chapter to tell me what you think. Also there may be minor changes to the previous chapters as I go along, little tweaks and fixs that hopefully won't be too painfully noticeable.
Thanks for reading!
