A/N: For now, I'm going to say this is the end of "My Immortal". If I have more ideas, I may add them here or add them to "Chronicles - Part 3". I hope guys enjoyed it! See you soon!

Part 8: Unexpected Gratitude

Bruce was sitting in his office, going over a few Wayne Enterprises-related documents, when he got a call on the Manor's personal line. He recognized the number but, when he answered the video call, Bruce was surprised to no end to see Matty McGinnis appear on screen.

"Matthew?" Bruce asked.

"Uhh…" Matty replied. "Umm… hi, Mr. Wayne."

"This is a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?"

"Uhhhh…" Matty looked all around. "I just… I don't… I don't know why I called. I don't know… what I'm supposed to do… or-or say but I…" He stopped. "This… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt you. Sorry."

"Matthew," Bruce said.

Matty looked back at Bruce.

"I feel like you wish to talk to me. Please. I have time."

"Okay." Matty took a deep breath. "I just… I know about… you being sick. And… I know… you've… pretty much always done things for Terry but…" He growled. "I just don't want you to die!"

Bruce jerked his head back a bit and his eyebrows shot up.

"You're a nice guy! Everyone always says 'Oh, Mr. Wayne is so mean! Mr. Wayne is so lame! Mr. Wayne this! Mr. Wayne that! Mr. Wayne! Mr. Wayne!' Blah blah blah!"

Bruce had to keep himself from chuckling.

"But you've been schway to us ever since Dad died," Matty continued. "I just… I wish this wasn't happening."

"I understand, Matty," Bruce comforted. "And thank you."

Matty thought for a moment. "Terry's… really been tough since Dad died. But… you've really helped us. Like all the time. I mean… you paid for Terry to go to college. Kinda like… how you're paying for me, too."

Bruce smiled. "It's my pleasure."

Matty smiled.

"How did you know it was me?"

"I overheard Mom talking to Terry," Matty answered, timidly. "She worried about paying for it for years. She never wanted to ask you."

"She could have," Bruce reassured.

"Terry said the same thing. Mom just didn't want to bother you. I guess… I didn't either."

"You nor your family has ever been a bother to me." Bruce smirked. "Except your brother."

"I know, right?!" Matty laughed. "He's the worst!"

Bruce chuckled.

"How do you put up with him?"

"I remember you and your mother are amazing people. It makes it easier. Plus, he's married to Max and has Grace and Warren now. If only for all of you, I can deal with him."

Matty laughed again.

Bruce thought for a moment. He regarded Matty with a smile, "He'll need you after I'm gone."

"I know." Matty managed the best smirk he could, "Without me or Max, he's just a useless twip."

Bruce laughed and Matty joined in.

Bruce studied him, "Matty… thank you for calling. It means more to me than you realize."

"Thanks, Mr. Wayne," Matty replied.

"Matty?" Mary asked as she walked in. She looked at the vid screen and gasped. "Oh, my God! Mr. Wayne! I'm so sorry! Matty! How did you even get his number?! Why are you…"

"Mrs. McGinnis," Bruce said, calmly, stopping Mary's rant. "It's fine. Matty just wished to speak with me. Believe me… it was one of the best conversations I've ever had."

Mary settled down. "Oh. Okay. As-as long as you're okay with it."

"Absolutely." Bruce studied Mary a moment. "Was there… anything you'd like to say?"

Mary froze for a moment. "I… you probably don't want to hear from me."

"On the contrary. I would love to hear whatever you wish to say to me."

Mary tucked her lips in, trying not to cry. She sat down next to Matty, tears starting to fall from her eyes. "You… didn't have to care. You didn't have to do… anything you did for us. You did. Terry… went down the right path… and our family… found a little bit of stability after Warren passed… because of you." She wiped her eyes. "If only… I could express… what you did for us. In a way that makes sense."

Bruce smiled. "When I say the blessing your family is to me is far greater than what I possibly could've been to you… it's one of the truest statements I've ever made."

"I don't know about that, Mr. Wayne," Mary giggled.

"I'm more than positive."

"Is there anything we can do? Anything you need?"

Bruce thought for a moment. "I'm just honored to be considered an important member of this family. That's a gift I never thought I would get. And one greater than I deserve."