Chapter 2: New faces

The next day, after a hectic first… meal, I guess- I meet her. Ms. Armoli. She's the councilor here. The moment I meet her, I like her.

She smells like Mami and Tati did. When I think about it, she almost smells… Lupus Pelle. But that's impossible. Right?

Apparently not. When we finally get a chance to sit down and talk (she's very busy) not five minutes pass before she brings up supernatural creatures. She tries to disguise her inquiries, but I can sense a cover-up.

"You smell like us." I state bluntly. "Are you?" She laughs.

"Half." She smiles. "My father was one of you, little pup."

"Can you… Change?" I ask hesitantly. Some of our kin feel that, in this modern world, changing is bad and will only lead to trouble.

"A little. I can grow out fangs, and my ears and nose get keener on the full moon."

"What is… keener? I don't know that word." I cheep. "I don't know all English words yet."

"Keener means to get sharper or better. The present-tense form is keen." She readily supplies. "What is your first language, little pup?"

"Mami and Tati both spoke Romani. They started teaching me English three years ago." I inform her.

"Well, you are excellent at it!" She exclaims playfully. "I can hardly hear the accent!" We both laugh.

Our conversation drifts through several different subjects, but I don't think she saw this one coming.

"What am I going to do when the full moon comes?" I burst out suddenly. The question had wriggled itself back to the forefront of my mind after I discovered Ms. Armoli was one of us.

She pauses in what she was saying, mouth hanging open. She sags as she sighs heavily and runs a hand through her blonde–streaked chocolate hair.

"I… I really want to tell you it will be fine, Dick." She starts. "But… Well, Little Pup, I'd need to convince your social worker that there's a home ready for you. And seeing as she has a prejudice against… Romani… that could be difficult unless someone comes forward and specifically requests you." She carefully explains. I nod slowly.

The odds of that happening are bad. Really bad.

Suddenly someone bursts into the room demanding Ms. Armoli come with them.

I'm escorted back to my 'room' and stay there or the majority of the next three days in attempt to avoid the bigger boys here.

::TIMESKIP::

The next time I see Cheylynn (as Ms. Armoli insists I now call her) she's smiling so wide it's almost frightening.

The moment we're alone, she swoops down and lifts me into a giant, spinning hug. You know, the kind where your feet fly out straight behind you.

"Oh, Little Pup, I've got wonderful news!" she squeals as she drops me onto the ratty couch that fills the majority of her councilors office. "There is man who wants to take you in! He's demanding you be taken out of here!"

I can't help but smile at this news. I'll be going to a better place than this. A place where I wont get beaten up by older boys and not have enough time to eat and always be too hot or too cold.

Then another thought pops into my mind.

"Who is he? Who wants to take me home with him?" I ask, slightly fearful that the person won't be… nice.

"His name is Bruce Wayne. He's a very important person and your mean social worker simply can't tell him no!" Cheylynn informs me, still spinning happily around the room.

I hope she doesn't see me as I curl on myself a little bit. Pulling my arms tightly around my knees, I contemplate what she's told me.

Pro: Mr. Wayne is important, so he can't be told no. I get a new place to call… home.

Con: Mr. Wayne is important, so he'll be busy. I don't want to get in his way.

Pro:. Mr. Wayne wants to take me home, so I get away from this place. No more bullies and too-small meals.

Con: Mr. Wayne wants to take me home, so Cheylynn can't keep me somewhat safe. He might be just as bad… or worse.

Pro: I won't be here when the full moon comes. My secret won't be discovered by the people here.

Con: I won't be here when the full moon comes. I don't know if I can keep my secret from him. If I can't, he might react… badly. And I won't have Chey for support.

Suddenly a hand on my shoulder pulls me out of my thoughts.

"Little Pup - I know this is scary, and that you're worried; but don't be. I checked this man out myself, okay?" she reassures gently, taking my cheek in her palm. "He has nothing but good intentions for you."

I don't look her in the eyes, fingers intertwining nervously.

"Here," she sighs, opening my hand and placing a card in it. "Take this, and call me any time you need help, or feel scared, or just want to talk. Okay? Better?"

I smile, and nod, and thank her, and then I hug her. Tightly.

A new home…

::TIMESKIP::

I'm not sure if I should tell Bruce about my being supernatural. I mean, at this point it's clear he cares about me. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't push me away, but not positive.

Besides, it's not like he told me his secret. C'mon! He's Batman!

I wonder…

Does Alfred know?

::TIMESKIP::

::LINEBREAK::

AN:

As for my OC Cheylynn Armoli: she's based off of a very good friend of mine. I felt like Dicky-Bird needed a good person to turn to occasionally. She'll also be his introduction into the 'Market'. She'll be appearing in other fics and bringing joy and psychotic laughter (Yes, Chey. I actually wrote it) to everyone.