One habit Shinobu developed while living in the Wayne Manor was absent-mindingly staring at the fish tank in the library. It has been a week and she was still numb. Observing fish swim was somehow better than dwelling into the incident. Funny her childhood musing came true…
After the incident, the Bruce Wayne wanted to adopt her. She didn't fight like her sister for Kanae is gone. Being in the mansion was lonely but comforting at the same time. No one would see her cry or hear her scream at night. No one at all.
The wooden floor squeaked. She knew it wasn't her's. Her feet never created a creak on the floor. Not even once. Kanae's feet also does. She broke her stare off the fish tank and saw a familiar someone.
Jason. The boy Kanae was kind to as Shinobu was rude to him. He was still wearing his red hoodie cleaner than last time. "Why are you here?" Her voice was hoarse.
"Bruce is adopted," Jason sat on the floor beside her. He was holding a book on his hands. The title read Pride and Prejudice. "Kanae was a good person,"
If she met Jason again in normal circumstances, every word said from his mouth was enough to cause a scowl from her. She almost scowled but her lips pursed. Why should she be mad at Jason? She was surprised Alfred and Bruce didn't struck her for barking at them.
An exception to this now was Kanae."Of course she was," Shinobu said and resumed watching the goldfish swim to the other end of the glass tank. She couldn't cry in front of Jason of all people. Kanae would probably do.
From the reflection of the fish tank, she saw Jason lying down on the carpet and opening his book. Good thing he didn't notice the small tear in her eye. Perhaps company would be better than watching fish tanks all day.
"What are you reading?" she asked even if she already knew the title. "Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen," Jason answered, putting his book down. "Do you like reading?"
Short answer, no. Shinobu would pick up a book if she needs to read. Authors have a way of writing to make things more complicated than they actually were.
"Sometimes," she replied. She didn't wish to start a fight. Even when she still doesn't like him. "Hey do you want to take your eyes off fish?" She glanced at Jason. "You've been staring at fish for a while," Jason laughed. Embarassed, she blushed. Normal people watch fish tanks right?
"Say another word and I'll burn your stupid book,"
"No! This is Bruce's" he stuffed the book in his jacket. Steam blew out off her ears. "You look at boring words all day, why is it an issue that I stare at fish all day?!"
Shinobu covered her mouth. She just yelled again. Stupid Shinobu. Only immature people lose their temper. Alfred walked in the library.
"I heard someone shouting Master Jason, Mistress Shinobu?" Alfred glared at them. "Nothing happened Alfie," Jason rubbed the back of his neck, "Just a little misunderstanding,". He chuckled nervously.
"Yes Alfred, just a little misunderstanding," Shinobu slowly confirmed. The tears she surpressed were coming. Just a little bit. No fly would notice it. "I shouted Alfred," she said, "I'm sorry, I won't waste your time,"
Alfred gave her a small smile. Like Kanae's. "Thank you for your honesty Mistress Shinobu," he said. Shinobu nodded. "Be sure to be early for dinner," he reminded them and walked to the hallway. "Happy reading!"
Shinobu mingled with her fingers. Oh yes, she almost cried in front of Alfred, how childish. "Were you crying?" Jason asked. She wished he was reading his stupid book instead.
"No I wasn't," she mumbled. "You were," he said as if he heard her words clearly. "It's ok, I won't tell Bruce or Alfred,"
She shifted her gaze to the fish tank. Jason continued laying down and reading his book. Thanks Jason was left unsaid but she returned it with a small smile he may or may not see from the reflection of the fish tank.
He was right, staring at fish tanks all day could be dull. Somehow, a degenerate boy was as kind as Kanae. She swiftly left the library before he noticed a thing. Warm fuzzies invaded her chest.