A Common Need: O' Holy Knights
A.K.A.
"THE EPIC CHRISTMAS SPECIAL"
By J. "Mysterious Wind" Ruisu
Part I: Shopping
Epilogue
Bruce
"So, Master Wayne, what are your plans for Christmas?" Alfred looked at me curiously as he expertly crafted the crust of an especially yummy looking shepherd's pie. I looked away, thinking about it.
"I haven't honestly made any effort to plan, yet. I would think I'll end up doing something with Harvey and Rachel, but that won't be until after Christmas day... perhaps you've got plans?" I still refused to look him in the eye as a plan formed in my mind.
"I was hoping to see some friends after Christmas, as well, but for the actual day... why don't we just call it a day off?" he offered, opening the state-of-the-art oven and pushing the pie inside.
"Sounds like a plan to me!" I exclaimed, standing up quite suddenly.
"I need to go make some calls," I began to walk away, explaining over my shoulder to his rather taken-aback face.
"Yes, Master Wayne," Alfred tittered, turning back to his preparations. I looked ahead, a grim smile twisting my face. This would be fun.
Harvey
Rachel pulled the wreath up over the door, smiling at her handiwork. It was a fresh, live wreath, holly and mistletoe wrapped into the curled twigs of pine, a few lengths of baby's breath mixed in for good measure. I patted her lower back, for she was up on the ladder, and picked up the next box of decorations, heading down the hall to the kitchen. Rachel padded along behind me, humming.
I glanced at the clock; 7:30. We'd woken up early to put some decorations before getting to work. Sighing, I pulled some long, fake garlands of pine needles and silver, setting it down on the counter and grabbing the tape. As I molded a garland around the first side of the counter, taping it here and there, Rachel came and hugged me from behind.
"What are you getting me for Christmas, darling?" she asked, snuggling herself against me. She was warm, and I could smell her perfume, and for a moment I forgot everything, loosing myself in the comfort I found in her. And then, as I tried to remember what I had bought her, my stomach did a flip and I spiralled back to reality.
"Just some stuff. It's not much, considering..." I shrugged.
"I hope I didn't over do-it for you. I know that the season's less about stuff for you than normal people." she mumbled.
"It's okay, Rache." I set down the tape, and turned around, leaning my back against the counter and pulling her close, holding her tight. Without her heels on, there was a considerable height difference between us. I had always found that so endearing. I held her, perhaps too tightly, squeezing her with all the strength I could muster. If only I could convey my utter disappointment in myself, how completely sorry I was through this one hug.
Rachel coughed, and I loosened my grip. "Sorry," I mumbled, feigning laughter. She squeezed me back, and though I knew she was completely oblivious to my inner thoughts, I wondered silently if that was her way of forgiving me.
o o o
I left Rachel at her office, smiling and giving her a quick kiss on the forehead. As soon as we parted, it felt as if a huge weight had been lifted. Breathing deeply, I massaged my temple, walking quickly to my office and shutting the door behind me.
Waltzing up to the desk and flopping down in it, I pondered the coming weeks. I only got five days off for Christmas, in which time someone would be standing in for me – after all, crime never slept. Especially not at Christmas. On the first day off, the twenty-second, Rachel had convinced me to spend time with her and her mother. Then, there was my family – one day with them was all I could take. After that, there was Christmas... and I didn't know what else. My heart ached, thinking of having Christmas without Bruce. I hadn't spoken to him since the shopping trip, and it was becoming tiresome.
It was at that precise moment that I saw the note. My heart jumped, and I grabbed for it quickly.
We need to plan. Call me.
-BW
I grinned, tempted to squeeze the note shut and pull it up to my heart. Instead, I shredded the note and threw it into the garbage, which I noted as overflowing. There was a large stash of gifts behind my desk, almost blocking half of the window, and as much as I wanted to lean back in my chair and close my eyes for a bit, I knew I couldn't. There was too much to do.
Bruce
I'd waited restlessly for his call all day. I had known I couldn't call him, but the waiting, the sheer agony was something I hadn't experienced for a long time. That was why, by 7 o'clock, I was pacing in the 'bat-cave' tirelessly, sweeping up and down it's length in under a minute each pass.
The phone rang, startling out of my endless spiral of thoughts. I dove for the little vibrating token on the desk, flicking it and holding it up. "Harvey?" I murmured, glad I hadn't kept my helmet on.
There was an awkward silence. "Er, no.. it's Rachel."
I winced. "Oh, hey Rache!"
"Something on your mind?" she asked, and I could almost see her flaring nostrils.
I laughed dismissively. "No. How can I help you?"
I heard her gentle sigh, and the sound of fabric being manipulated beneath her. "I'm wondering if you wanted to come for Christmas dinner."
My eyebrows shot up. "Oh.. umm..."
"Oh! Alfred's welcome, too." she spoke in a rushed fashion, as if embarrassed she'd forgotten.
I thought frantically. It was a partial wish come true; I had felt utterly frustrated at the thought of being without Harvey on Christmas. However, I hadn't expected this – definitely not from her.
"Is there something wrong?" her voice sounded tense.
"What? Oh, no! That would be... wonderful!" I let genuine gratitude warm my voice as I perched myself in the leather rolling-chair.
Rachel laughed, and I couldn't tell if I heard relief or exasperation in her voice. "Sounds good."
We hung up. I put the cellphone down, blinking. What a strange, strange thing the universe was.
Author's Note: UPDATES! HALLELUJAH! I am so sorry. I really did mean to update this in December. But you know how the universe works sometimes. However, I'm gonna finish this soon, here. Thanks to all the people who've put it on their alert list, etc. - you are all awesome! It makes me so happy to see those messages! Sorry I don't have time to thank you all personally!