In The Darkness

[lesliethompkins]

The breeze that blew in through her window was warm. It swept past her face as she peered out from the second story of the clinic. As she'd done many times before, she leaned a hip on the old sill and clutched her coffee cup in both hands. Her eyes roamed the street below, taking stock of the neighborhood she called home, before they swung upward toward the evening sky. Dick, Tim, and Selina were out there somewhere she knew. Her thoughts naturally fell to Bruce.

With a heavy and mournful heart, she turned her back on the cityscape.

Comments

[gotham-gargoyle.livejournal.com]

There's a shift in the wind - that's the only sign that something has changed, as a dark cowled figure now crouches in the window.

He speaks softly, so as not to startle her more than would be necessary.

"Leslie."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

They all know the policy. An open window is an open invitation. So she isn't entirely surprised when her name carries in on the wind. But that voice-

She turns abruptly, not believing her own ears. Her eyes widen in surprise. The figure before her wearing the cape and cowl most certainly isn't Dick. She's cared for them both over the years. Soothed fears, stitched wounds, and healed broken bones.

She knows without a doubt that this is-

"Bruce."

[gotham-gargoyle.livejournal.com]

He nods once, and then smiles a little as he slides inside the window noiselessly.

"It's good to see you."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

The sense of relief is overwhelming. He's whole. He's alive. And he's here.

She closes the distance between them and throws her arms around his neck for a heartfelt hug.

[gotham-gargoyle.livejournal.com]

The hug is accepted and returned with the uncharacteristic warmth he seems to reserve for Alfred and Leslie alone.

"Needless to say, it's a long story. How've you been?"

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

"Worried," she blurts out honestly. She stays in the hug for as long as he allows. When she pulls away, she takes his face in both hands. The cowl may cover most of his features but it doesn't hide his eyes.

[gotham-gargoyle.livejournal.com]

"Well, I honestly can't imagine you doing anything else, Leslie. It's one of the perils of caring as much about everyone as you do."

He's still smiling - this reunion's easier than the others, for a lot of reasons.

"Dick's done a good job while I was away."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

"He has," she agrees in no uncertain terms. "But I'm sure he's just as glad to have you home as I am."

[gotham-gargoyle.livejournal.com]

"Maybe a little less. How's the clinic?"

Of course, knowing him, he's already scoured the newspapers and any records he could find to answer that question, but he asks, just the same.

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

The smile on her face fades. "It's been a rough last couple of weeks."

[gotham-gargoyle.livejournal.com]

He nods, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly.

"Anything you need, any time, let me know. I'm mostly back up to speed, so I can start bringing Gotham's chaos down to its usual level."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

For a second, she thinks about relating the recent events that have transpired with Bane. She decides against it. They can discuss it later.

"You can start by joining me for brunch tomorrow. You can tell me where you've been all this time."

There's a brief pause. "Did Alfred look you over when you got home?"

[gotham-gargoyle.livejournal.com]

Bruce chuckles.

"Once he got over the shock, he insisted. After I'd checked in with Barbara and Selina. I'm fine. And brunch would be fantastic."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

She still looks him over herself out of force of habit. Not that she would be able to determine much beyond the condition of his suit.

"Why don't you just call me when you get up," she suggests, knowing his sleep patterns are often unpredictable.

[gotham-gargoyle.livejournal.com]

She knows him too well.

"That's probably the better idea. I still have much to do before dawn."

He steps back, towards the window.

"Thank you, Leslie. For being here."