NOW,

ODILE PRACTICALLY SQUEALED when she saw Cassandra walk into the dining room. The other girl stiffened for a moment, but relaxed when Odile wrapped her arms around her and squeezed. Tight. "Cass!"

Cass grinned back, giving Odile a tap on the cheeks. And then her hand went to her chest.

"Aww, I missed you too." Odile ruffled Cassandra's hair. "I can't believe you're leaving so soon. I haven't seen you in ages."

Cass' response to that was motioning to the two of them, and then jabbing her finger towards the direction of the door.

"You want to go out together? Yeah, that works. Not today though. It's late. Maybe tomorrow, if you're free?"

Cass nodded, satisfied, and then motioned towards the dining table. The two of them settled down. Remiel glanced at them, amused, nodding in greeting to Cassandra. Dick yawned, leaning back.

Bruce was sitting at the head of the table. "Dick's on duty tonight. Odile, I'd advise you get some good rest."

"Not Remiel?" Odile asked, smirking.

"I know better than to ask her to do that." Bruce sighed. He was in his early fifties now, the earliest signs of grey hair starting to show. He was still extremely fit, though, and more than capable of combat at high and extreme levels. But he'd been slowly lessening the load on himself. He wasn't an idiot.

He knew his limit, and he didn't want to break it.

"I've already meditated this afternoon." Remiel wriggled her fingers. Her meditation helped regulate and recharge her qi, basically acting as shortened sleep. "I'm fully refreshed, old man."

"Exactly why I didn't bother asking you to call it a break tonight. I suppose two is better than one."

"Usually," Dick started with a shrug, "Damian joins me. He might still join me tonight. Or maybe if Remiel's there too he'll decide to take a break."

"Enough about that. We'll figure it out later." Bruce's eyes flickered to Cass. "Had a good day?"

Cass nodded.

"That's good." Bruce seemed pleased. "Odile, I want to sit down with you sometime either tonight or tomorrow. We have much to discuss."

"Of course." She smiled back. "I'm free tonight. I have so many ideas and I really want to run them by you."

She knew that, in a way, Bruce was waiting for someone like her to come by. Despite his masses of adopted children and protege, most of them tended to enjoy social functions like the plague. Dick rarely ever showed up, preferring to hide in Bludhaven rather than show up to a fancy gala. Jason Todd was... he was not the type of person you wanted at any high-class event. Tim didn't mind it, but he was hardly an enjoyer. Remiel was rarely in Gotham, and when she did she preferred spending time with Dick. Stephanie, Cecily and Barbara weren't technically his kids, as with most of the others. Cass couldn't speak. Damian attended, as the heir, but he was far too intimidating for most people to approach.

Odile was different. She wasn't some extreme extrovert, but she knew how to talk to people, put them at ease, and she liked it as well. And she was interested in those events, because it was an easy way to raise money. She'd already attended a few before, though only as a very unimportant guest.

And here she was now. Here to stay as well. She just needed to get a good background story checked out, and a proper debut into Gotham high society.

God, that sounded pretentious. High society.

Really, the plan was to scam them of their money legally and donate it to good causes among the poorest of this city. Very Robin Hood of her.

Tonight's dinner was steak, cooked deliciously by Alfred as always. They ate fairly quickly. Dick was the quickest, excusing himself and heading down to the Batcave to get himself ready. Remiel lingered a bit longer before heading off.

Odile didn't speak to Cass, even though she wanted to, because it was a bit difficult for the other girl to respond with gestures while she was manoeuvring a knife and fork. Bruce seemed to be deep in thought.

Odile poked at her food, because she really wasn't that hungry after her late lunch. And she hadn't done much physical exercise in the past few days.

Finally, Cassandra finished. She grinned at Odile, offering a little wave, before heading off.

And then it was just her and Bruce.

"So, you have ideas?" Bruce looked up, his eyes fixed on her. "Run them by me. I have some ideas as well, but we've probably gone thinking in the same direction."

"Something relating to art, most definitely," Odile began. "There's a lot of underfunded, struggling artists in Gotham who could use some exposure. An art exhibition. One of my initial ideas was something revolving around the different sides of Gotham. The beautiful, the good, the bad, the ugly. We can charge for tickets—relatively cheap for those, I think, and people can buy the paintings they like."

"I like that." Bruce nodded. "I thought you might want to do something about art as well. But I think that'll have to wait a little bit. It'll take time to organise and get so many good paintings in the first place anyways."

"I also want to sponsor some of those artists," Odile said. "I can do that by myself, though, I have the funds."

"I'm happy to help with that if you want me to." Bruce looked thoughtful. "Anything else?"

"I was wondering if you might throw a charity ball. I've already told you about the abandoned Meester Building. I'd do it myself but... well, I'm not exactly well-known around Gotham, and I don't know where I'd throw it anyways."

"About time we threw some kind of event." Bruce sighed. "It'll be a bit annoying. But I'm sure it'll be worth it. When do you want this to be?"

"Would two months' time be good? Give me some time to sort out the building, work out the goal for money to raise. Actually, we could merge the two events. The art exhibition could take place within the ball. Some type of auction, maybe?"

"Auction something else. But have the paintings be on display, and for sale if anyone is interested. Will you be selling some of your own pieces?"

"I think so," Odile nodded. "Two paintings, maybe? I'll work out the details later. Things are in a very early stage right now. I'll see if there are any pre-existing charities willing to collaborate with me."

"You really want to do something good, huh?" Bruce raised one brow. "I suppose we all already are, in a way. But most of us prefer doing it with a mask on. In the dark of the night."

"Why can't I do both?" Odile asked, letting out a soft laugh. "I'm lucky to the extreme, Bruce. My sect left me with more money than I know what to do with. And I had great financial advice, thanks to yours truly, so I'm only earning more. I don't need to work for extra cash, so I might as well spend some time giving back. And it'll let me do art, which I always like. I was thinking I could start selling some of my paintings. Donate most of the profit."

"I'll help you set that up. Or maybe one of the others will. Damian, perhaps. He needs to get used to some of this stuff too, if he's inheriting all... this." Bruce motioned around him.

"Anyone works," Odile replied truthfully. "Oh, on another note, I need a new suit. The current model still works, but it requires an update. The last time I got a suit was three years ago." When I was still here. And neither her, Remiel nor Daniel were necessarily great enough with tech to give her suit any enhancements.

"I have worked on designs for your suit over the past few years. Never had the chance to actually make it, since I didn't have your measurements and you never came. But I'll have Alfred take your measurements later, and we'll get that sorted out in no time."

"Much appreciated." If anything, Bruce was scarily efficient. When he said he'd get something done, he'd get it done. The issue of her suit was solved. She might have to give her own input regarding whatever design he'd made—she'd been wondering if she ought to darken the pink highlights on her suit. She'd located just the right shade too. And she'd drawn up her own mock sketches, though she wasn't sure how good they were on the side of practicality.

She also wanted a new mask. Her old mask concentrated on covering the bottom half of her face, but she was wondering if she ought to swap to a domino mask like the Robins wore. Or perhaps that was a bad idea. Someone might be able to match up her face if she swapped to a different mask.

Maybe she should stick to the old mask then. But a new design, perhaps? And she wanted something metallic. But still pink. And it could be fit with enough filters that she didn't have to fidget around with gas masks ever again.

She stayed there a little longer, chatting with Bruce about all sorts of things. How many nights a week she wanted to be on patrol. Who she'd prefer working with, when she went on patrol. Her reflections of her time in Hong Kong. What she'd learnt, what she thought Cassandra ought to keep in mind. Really, Hong Kong wasn't all that much of a crime hotspot these days. At least, not the kind they combatted. There were a few drug cartels and smugglers Cass had to keep an eye out for, but that was practically it.

She left the dining room an hour later. Bruce headed to the Batcave to meet up with Dick and Remiel. She went up to her room.

Where Cass was waiting, reading a book on her armchair.

Odile grinned. "Damn, you've been waiting here for me."

Cass glanced up, flashing a smile, and then edged towards the side of the chair. There was enough space for both of them. Odile slipped into the seat, the two girls practically pressed together. Odile leaned back so that both of them could at least move their arms.

"So... excited for Hong Kong?"

Cass bobbed her head up and down. And then she made a motion of punching the air.

"I'm afraid there aren't that many criminals to beat up in Hong Kong," Odile murmured. "Not as much as here in Gotham, at any rate."

Cass shrugged.

"You don't care? Fair enough, I suppose. It's a lot more relaxing. But sometimes someone big decides to visit town." A few years ago, that had been White Canary, who'd broken out from her cell in the Yuannan Mountain Sect and came searching for revenge.

She and Remiel had thrown her right back to where he belonged, with even better security this time around.

But if White Canary broke out again, she doubted it would be to search trouble for Cass. No, if White Canary decided she wanted to seek vengeance rather than disappear as she ought to (it was the smarter choice, really), she'd come to Gotham. Not head to Hong Kong.

And even if she did go to Gotham?

Cass would be able to handle it.

Cass tapped her on the shoulders, offering a comforting grin. And then gave her the okay gesture with her right hand.

"I know you'll be alright. Doesn't mean I can't worry a bit," Odile said with a shrug. "But you'll have Daniel. He can help you. And if things get really bad, we can fly over and help you. Only takes a couple hours on the Batwing."

Cass crossed her fingers. That won't be necessary.

Odile chuckled. "I know. I know. I'm just saying. Not sure if I'm trying to convince you or myself."

Cass' response was a roll of her eyes.

"Fine. You never needed any convincing in the first place." Odile twirled a lock of the girl's hair around her fingers. "So, how's life, Cass? Gotham treating you well? Any new friends? Anything to look forward to."

Cass cast a glare.

"Fine. Fine. I'm asking stupid questions. I just miss you. And you'll be gone so soon."

It was strange, conversations with Cass, but she loved it. She loved the way the other girl could communicate without any kind of word. Pure actions. Just movement. It hadn't taken her long to learn how to interpret Cass' movements. Remiel had struggled a bit more initially, but she'd gotten the hang of it now too.

And they'd also spent a lot of time teaching Cass Mandarin and Cantonese. Which was difficult, because it was already enough of a miracle that Cass was capable of understanding English now. Chinese was really starting to push the boundaries.

But Cass could understand basic communications now. And she'd have a microphone allowing Daniel to listen into any conversation she overheard. Daniel, who could speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and a slew of other Chinese dialects (he'd been hard at work the past few years).

She'd learn on the job. Or she'd find another way to work around it.

Cass' response was a hug, leaning her head on Odile's shoulder.

Among people her age, she'd had Damian. But she couldn't act the same way around Damian as she did Cass. Despite Cass being the same age as her (the girl couldn't remember the exact month or date), Odile always felt like an older sister around her. With Damian, she felt like a child.

Even now, around him, she still felt like a child.

Like she knew so little about the world. Like nothing had happened in the past eight years, that she was still the same little girl in the mountains.

It was a weird sensation. One she simultaneously loved and hated.

Odile's arm wrapped around Cass. Sometimes, their best conversations were silent. The slightest stiffening of an arm, the tiniest nudge, a soundless gulp. Sometimes, that was all that was needed to communicate a message.

There was something comforting about sitting together like this, each of them thinking about different things—or perhaps the same things? And finding each other as a bastion of safety.

If anyone ever hurt Cass, Odile would hunt them down and make them regret it.

And no doubt, Cass would do the same for her too.

Funny how you could make such deep connections with someone you've just met.

Just a couple people like that in her life. Remiel. Damian. Cass.

She got them, and they got her.

Similar experiences growing up, perhaps? It forged them into what they were today. They were all survivors in their own ways. People who'd braved the hellfires of this world and made it out the other side stronger.

Cass ended up falling asleep there, in her arms. Odile sighed. She didn't want to move Cass, but it would be slightly troublesome moving the girl back to her own room. Though she could. Cass wasn't tiny, but she was smaller compared to Odile.

With a wince, Odile carefully lifted Cass, trying her best not to wake the other girl up. She seemed so comfortable asleep.

When Cass had first gone to Hong Kong, she'd camped on Odile's floor for a few days. And even after she'd been given her own bed, she still often chose to stay in Odile's room instead. Odile would mumble whatever was on her mind, and Cass would reply when she felt necessary.

It made her nostalgic. Even though, really, it wasn't all that long ago.

Thankfully, Cass' room wasn't that far away, and Odile successfully laid the girl back down on her bed.

Now, she considered her options. She could go to sleep. Or she could head to the Batcave and see what was happening there, and then go to bed.

Options, options.

She wasn't tired, though. And Dick and Remiel were probably just about to head off.

Batcave it was, then.

And that was how she found herself staring at drafts of her next suit designed by Bruce as he went to brief Remiel and Dick about potential threats tonight. Alfred had made coffee, but Odile chose not to have it. She did plan on sleeping.

Remiel came over to give her a hug before hopping onto her motorcycle. Dick pecked her on the cheeks before hopping on his as well, putting on his domino mask. "Stopping a robbery. How romantic."

Remiel snorted. "Just get over there before they get away."

And then they went blazing into the night.

Bruce stared at them for a moment, shaking his head. When he turned, there was a small smile on his face.

"So..." Odile asked cheekily, "Can I ask what happened with Auntie Selina? I haven't seen her in a bit."

Bruce cut her with a glare. Odile's smile grew even larger.

"She's doing her own thing."

"I was thinking I ought to work with her. On my charity efforts, you know. She knows a lot about poverty in Gotham City. Maybe I'll put some money aside and help her start something like an animal shelter? Or donate to an existing one."

"She has plenty of money."

From stealing. Which Bruce didn't seem all that happy about.

"Look on the bright side," Odile pointed out, "at least she's not kidnapping people and asking for expensive ransoms. Or blackmailing people. Or committing murder."

"Odile..."

"Fine, fine." She raised both arms in mock surrender. "I'm kidding. But you realise you're fifty?"

"Odile."

"You're in your fifties, and if you really love her and think she's the one—"

"I do not," he interrupted, looking dryly amused, "require advice regarding love from you of all people. If you were Remiel, I might actually tolerate it."

"What's wrong with me?" Odile asked in mock outrage.

Bruce raised one brow with you. "Odile, as far as I'm aware, you've never even had a romantic partner. I've never even heard of a crush before."

"Just because you've never heard—"

"No partners."

"Fine. But I've read enough romance novels—"

Bruce grimaced. "I'm not entertaining this. Go to bed, Odile. While the night is still young."

glad to see i'm still making the daily updates :) this writing schedule is making me very happy