Gotham's Savior

Stay out of back alleys, kids.

[justice-in-black]

Gotham needs hope. She needs Batman.

main: @mythical-victim

tags:

oracle do you read? : starters

answering the batsignal : asks

//ooc : out of character

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[justice-in-black]

I don't care who you stay with, Alex, I just don't want you to be alone.

Why aren't they speaking? Why doesn't she tell him these things?

If you'd have me, I'll sleep on the couch. Or the floor.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No. No, I'm... I'll talk to Philly.

She grumbles.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce doesn't say anything, but its not uncomfortable. Just... resigned silence.

How far out are we, Darling?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Almost there. Keep an eye out, they're on foot.

[justice-in-black]

Do we know they're staying at the asylum? or are they walking?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't know.

She's stressed, confused and tired.

[justice-in-black]

That's alright. We'll find her.

Bruce offers his hand.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She grips the steering wheel harder. The leather squeaks.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce removes his hand, taking the hint.

She's safe, Alex. You're both safe.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

They see Tim and Tabi on the side of the bridge, and park out of the way despite the bridge being desolate. She rolls the window down.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha crawls in behind bruce, tucking her knees up under the jacket tim gave her. She doesn't acknowledge anyone else.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You want to go to somewhere specific, Tabi? We might have to visit Ophelia's for the night.

Her phone rings on the dash, and she throws it on the floor under her feet. Absolutely fucking not right now.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

She shakes her head, tucking her face into her sleeves. She just wants to go to bed. She doesn't wanna go home, Jon will yell at mama for being late, and its all her fault.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Okay. We'll drop the boys off first.

She waits for Tim to get in the car before U-turning down the bridge.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

She leans into tim's shoulder as Alex drives, pretending its Alex. She doesn't want to think about why that's so comforting. Tim just sets his hand around her back, settling for resting it on her arm.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She drives stiffly, anxiety growing with each buzz of her phone against her foot. It landed face down. She's fine. Late, but fine.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

She tugs on Tim's arm, muttering something quietly.

"She asked who's calling you, Alex."

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Business partner I don't want to deal with.

She lies smoothly. The glance she gives Tabi in the rearview is anxious. Jon.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha just huffs and stares back at her. Though she won't voice it, she knows that's bullshit.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She can feel Bruce looking at her. She turns back onto the busy street.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Bruce shows Alex a text from tim:

She's falling asleep back here. Should I keep her awake?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She shakes her head, reaching back and holding her hand, rubbing it with her thumb. It's unclear who she's trying to regulate.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha's head bobs, she opens her eyes and looks at Alex in sleepy confusion. Why aren't we home yet? She wants to lay down in her own bed.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She squeezes the other's hand. 10 minutes, they can be at the manor and in 15 they can be at Ophelia's. 25, she can finally get home.

The phone buzzes again. Not with Bruce here, for fuck's sakes.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha startles awake when they pull into the drive of the manor, the change in texture of the street to the pavement pulling her from her sleep.

mmh..?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She sighs as she comes to a full stop, looking at Bruce first. She speaks quietly.

I'll check wirh you in the morning...?

[justice-in-black]

When you get home.

He counters with a pleading look. He's succumbed to the knowledge that Alex isn't really his to fuss over, but this last request is one he cannot deny himself.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Fine.

She leans over the centre console to place a kiss on his cheek.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce gestures to Tim, and begins to get out. Tim waves to Alex, walking back to the manor with bruce after shutting the car door quietly.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[justice-in-black]

I don't care who you stay with, Alex, I just don't want you to be alone.

Why aren't they speaking? Why doesn't she tell him these things?

If you'd have me, I'll sleep on the couch. Or the floor.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No. No, I'm... I'll talk to Philly.

She grumbles.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce doesn't say anything, but its not uncomfortable. Just... resigned silence.

How far out are we, Darling?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Almost there. Keep an eye out, they're on foot.

[justice-in-black]

Do we know they're staying at the asylum? or are they walking?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't know.

She's stressed, confused and tired.

[justice-in-black]

That's alright. We'll find her.

Bruce offers his hand.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She grips the steering wheel harder. The leather squeaks.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce removes his hand, taking the hint.

She's safe, Alex. You're both safe.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

They see Tim and Tabi on the side of the bridge, and park out of the way despite the bridge being desolate. She rolls the window down.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha crawls in behind bruce, tucking her knees up under the jacket tim gave her. She doesn't acknowledge anyone else.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You want to go to somewhere specific, Tabi? We might have to visit Ophelia's for the night.

Her phone rings on the dash, and she throws it on the floor under her feet. Absolutely fucking not right now.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

She shakes her head, tucking her face into her sleeves. She just wants to go to bed. She doesn't wanna go home, Jon will yell at mama for being late, and its all her fault.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Okay. We'll drop the boys off first.

She waits for Tim to get in the car before U-turning down the bridge.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

She leans into tim's shoulder as Alex drives, pretending its Alex. She doesn't want to think about why that's so comforting. Tim just sets his hand around her back, settling for resting it on her arm.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She drives stiffly, anxiety growing with each buzz of her phone against her foot. It landed face down. She's fine. Late, but fine.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

She tugs on Tim's arm, muttering something quietly.

"She asked who's calling you, Alex."

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Business partner I don't want to deal with.

She lies smoothly. The glance she gives Tabi in the rearview is anxious. Jon.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha just huffs and stares back at her. Though she won't voice it, she knows that's bullshit.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She can feel Bruce looking at her. She turns back onto the busy street.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Bruce shows Alex a text from tim:

She's falling asleep back here. Should I keep her awake?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She shakes her head, reaching back and holding her hand, rubbing it with her thumb. It's unclear who she's trying to regulate.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha's head bobs, she opens her eyes and looks at Alex in sleepy confusion. Why aren't we home yet? She wants to lay down in her own bed.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She squeezes the other's hand. 10 minutes, they can be at the manor and in 15 they can be at Ophelia's. 25, she can finally get home.

The phone buzzes again. Not with Bruce here, for fuck's sakes.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha startles awake when they pull into the drive of the manor, the change in texture of the street to the pavement pulling her from her sleep.

mmh..?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She sighs as she comes to a full stop, looking at Bruce first. She speaks quietly.

I'll check wirh you in the morning...?

[justice-in-black]

When you get home.

He counters with a pleading look. He's succumbed to the knowledge that Alex isn't really his to fuss over, but this last request is one he cannot deny himself.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[justice-in-black]

I don't care who you stay with, Alex, I just don't want you to be alone.

Why aren't they speaking? Why doesn't she tell him these things?

If you'd have me, I'll sleep on the couch. Or the floor.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No. No, I'm... I'll talk to Philly.

She grumbles.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce doesn't say anything, but its not uncomfortable. Just... resigned silence.

How far out are we, Darling?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Almost there. Keep an eye out, they're on foot.

[justice-in-black]

Do we know they're staying at the asylum? or are they walking?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't know.

She's stressed, confused and tired.

[justice-in-black]

That's alright. We'll find her.

Bruce offers his hand.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She grips the steering wheel harder. The leather squeaks.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce removes his hand, taking the hint.

She's safe, Alex. You're both safe.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[justice-in-black]

I don't care who you stay with, Alex, I just don't want you to be alone.

Why aren't they speaking? Why doesn't she tell him these things?

If you'd have me, I'll sleep on the couch. Or the floor.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No. No, I'm... I'll talk to Philly.

She grumbles.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce doesn't say anything, but its not uncomfortable. Just... resigned silence.

How far out are we, Darling?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Almost there. Keep an eye out, they're on foot.

[justice-in-black]

Do we know they're staying at the asylum? or are they walking?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't know.

She's stressed, confused and tired.

[justice-in-black]

That's alright. We'll find her.

Bruce offers his hand.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[justice-in-black]

I don't care who you stay with, Alex, I just don't want you to be alone.

Why aren't they speaking? Why doesn't she tell him these things?

If you'd have me, I'll sleep on the couch. Or the floor.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No. No, I'm... I'll talk to Philly.

She grumbles.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce doesn't say anything, but its not uncomfortable. Just... resigned silence.

How far out are we, Darling?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Almost there. Keep an eye out, they're on foot.

[justice-in-black]

Do we know they're staying at the asylum? or are they walking?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[justice-in-black]

I don't care who you stay with, Alex, I just don't want you to be alone.

Why aren't they speaking? Why doesn't she tell him these things?

If you'd have me, I'll sleep on the couch. Or the floor.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No. No, I'm... I'll talk to Philly.

She grumbles.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce doesn't say anything, but its not uncomfortable. Just... resigned silence.

How far out are we, Darling?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[justice-in-black]

I don't care who you stay with, Alex, I just don't want you to be alone.

Why aren't they speaking? Why doesn't she tell him these things?

If you'd have me, I'll sleep on the couch. Or the floor.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Driving home, stressing. Late. She'll be late. She can't be late. What if she's late? Her phone pings. God. No, please— Tabitha. She's going to be late. Not going to leave Tabi on read.

Are you okay?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

where the fuck am i??

Tabitha's scared. she's so, so scared and so alone and so very cold. She trusted Alex. She left her. Why did Alex leave her? What did she do wrong?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Tim's room. Last I heard, anyway.

She should be. Heaven's sakes, she can't pick her up. This will make her late, she can't be.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'm not.

She lied. Hang up. She can't be trusted. No one can be trusted. She left you. You were unable to protect yourself, and she left you. Jeremiah wouldn't. You know that.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Do you remember anything?

Pick her up. We'll be late. He told us directly not to be late, do you know what'll happen?

Do you need me to come get you?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I remember being really upset.

Her voice is shaky.

I remember you leaving. I don't know why.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'll come get you, if you need it. I had to go to work, being late would cause problems and you were regressed, i think Tim said. ...

She was already turning onto the freeway. She could pick her up. She left her, she's responsible for picking her up. No one can stop her, and no one's there to stop her. He doesn't know when she's to get back. It's fine.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

no, no you don't- i can handle it, i'm fine.

don't let her leave you again.

i'm fine.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let me come get you, Tabi, I feel awful. I can drop you off at the shop, or the apartment, doesn't matter.

She lights up a cigarette, rolling the window down. It doesn't soothe her as much as she'd like.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

The line clicks in response. Shit.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's speeding, now, once again praying to god that the only people on patrol would see that and look the other way. Soon enough, she's at the gates of the manor, wiping ash off her legs, nearly running to the doors.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim meets her at the door, hair soaking wet.

Your girl is gone. Must've slipped out while I was showering. Couldn't have gotten far, she's on foot.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Fuckin' great, question here, wae she not in yer room?

She looked stressed to the core, hand white knuckled on her cane. The accent change was even more concerning, what had her so worked up?

[mild-stalker-energy]

She was never in my room, she got taken downstairs after she fell asleep in the office.

Tim knows. He knows whats going on. He's a smart kid. He knows. Fuck, arsenic, he knows.

Look, I'll help you look. Can you call her?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She hung up on me, she prolly doesnae wanna pick up now. Who took her doonstairs?

He knows. Doesn't matter, we need to find Tabitha. We can't loose her. She's a liability what if she gets hurt?

[mild-stalker-energy]

Bruce did.

Tim says it carefully, like he knows Alex will be pissed at that.

He flew in about two hours ago.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

... Why!?

Why did he touch her? Why did he come back? Why did she leave? Why did he—

She pushes past the other, stalking into the house. Not trying to lose the boy just yet.

What made him think he could— she was terrified when she woke up!

[mild-stalker-energy]

He said he knew her, I figured you trusted her with him.

Tim follows shortly behind her, shutting the front door with his foot and catching the chair before the corner snags Alex's arm.

I think he's in the library.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I hardly trust 'er wit anyone, you being an exception because I was in a pinch and yer capable.

She tries to reel herself back in , heading down the winding halls to the library. I don't wannae talk to im, that's yer job—... Hey, we don't have a choice right now. She could be getting hurt, and I can't find her. He needs to know not to interact with her without me there. God, you know how scared she'd be.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Noted. I'll go looking. Keep your ringer on.

Tim turns back, the front door slamming.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She bursts into the library, eyes shrinking obscenely when they lock on Bruce, sitting on his desk, calm, focused.

You moved Dorey, and she ran. What gave you the brilliant idea that you could touch her?!

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you-

Bruce pauses, registering what she said.

She's gone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes! I knew she'd be upset that I wasn't there when she woke up, and I was under the impression that Tim being there would fix that! You moved her to wherever the fuck, and she woke up alone and bolted!

She was sure anyone in the manor could hear her, and she was sure she didn't really care right now. She did sound a tad anxious for her liking, though.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, darling, take a deep breath.

He stands, hands coming to her own.

We'll find her. She couldn't've gone far.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She doesnae wonna talk tae me, she bolted off and I bet you more than this god damn house costs that she's headed to Arkham about it. You're screwy if you think I want to face Dr. Fuckin' Wanna-Do to get my daughter back.

He tears his hands away from the others', glancing at the wristwatch on the other, a look of mild distress washing across his face. Late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

Deep breath. In. Out. Bruce looks at her expression, at her watch, and back to her eyes.

My love. I need you to slow down with me.

God, he sounds like he's worried she'll break. She might.

Dorey is going to be okay. We're gonna go look. I'll come with you in the car, okay? We'll cover more ground with it.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She won't talk to me, Bruce, if I come looking she'll run harder.

He scoffs, backing up. Late. He's already late, because of the idiot in front of him.

I left her. I left her, and she was moved, and she doesn't trust me anymore, dickhead. She doesn't want to see me.

[justice-in-black]

It won't hurt to try.

God, he messed up. He was just- He thought- he assumed she'd be alright.

Would you be willing to look, just in case? Maybe she's cooled off.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Bruce, you don't get it. She is the closest thing to me you can get. I know her and I know she isn't going to forgive and forget. I abandoned her. She doesn't want that to happen again.

She spins around, out the doors. She's so late, and she's already succeeded in pushing Tabi away. Maybe that was Jon's plan. He runs cold hands through his hair and tugs.

Jonny's gonna kill me. He won, I fell into his goddamn trap again— I'm late.

[justice-in-black]

Jon?

It feels like everything freezes.

What about him?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm late, he told me not to be late, I can't be—

She sounds terrified now, speedwalking down the hall, pain shooting up her leg with every step.

[justice-in-black]

Alex. Lexi. Baby. Please slow down.

He steps in front of her, holding onto her despite her attempts to get out.

Deep breaths, my love. Slow down.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let GO, I'm going to—

She tries to tear away again, he wont let go. His hands are warm, and she feels hot. You're going to get us caught, and then shot out back, Magpie, try harder. She rips away at the cost of her sleeves.

[justice-in-black]

Alex!

Bruce raised his voice. He never does that.

You need to calm the fuck down. Yes, you're late. You're not fixing that. Tabitha is gone, and you are her best bet on coming back.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's quiet. Why did he yell? Her eyes are glassy, maybe she's on FT again. She searches his face, thinking. Fine. Fine. I'm obviously not getting rid of him like this. Fine.

Okay. Fine. My car.

She storms outside. Her face is hot again, and now her face is wet. She wipes it off with the now torn sleeve, hardening her expression before getting behind the wheel.

[justice-in-black]

He gets in as well, and Alex can feel his eyes on her. He's worried as hell, its obvious.

She's alright. You're alright.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I lost her, he's gonna...

She trails off before she starts to cry again, silently. All she can see is Dorey running off, Dorey's torn apart body on the side of the road. She pulls out of the court. Tabitha is fine. You abandoned her, and all you're thinking about is your dead sister, you selfish prick? You need to lose Bruce, you're late.

She digs through the centre console, taking a moment, fumbling with something before pulling out her box of cigarettes

[justice-in-black]

You're not going to lose her. She's alright.

He wipes her cheeks carefully, making her look at him for a second.

We'll find her, Darling.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

And then what. Listen to her yell about how i abandoned her? Watch her run off to Jeremiah? Tell everyone why this.. God.

She lights up her smoke, cracking the window enough so smoke escapes on her side but not on B's.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alex's phone rings. It's tim.

I found her, she's with me. Pissed, though.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I assume she doesn't want to talk.

Stop your whining, of course she doesn't. Now you have Bruce with you, you're can't go straight home. You're dead.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She asked if you were okay.

He murmurs something to Tabitha away from the speaker.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure. I'm with Bruce, not sure what the plan from here is.

She doesn't want to talk to you, the manor isn't a great place to be. She turns, "accidentally" gets them stuck in traffic.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She said she wants to go home. Won't tell me where.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Probably the pottery shop. I can text you the address.

The car is near full of smoke now, and ash dangles from the half gone out cig. She almost takes it off with her hand before realizing Bruce was still with her. She flicks it out the window.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Theres shifting around on the other end of the phone, and Tabitha's voice rings through.

...Can you just come pick me up? I wanna go home.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure, of course, baby, where are you two?

There. Doesn't hate you. You can calm the fuck doon now.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...You're gonna be mad.

She doesn't wanna tell her. She's gonna make mom upset.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, baby. Let me come get you. I don't care where.

She puts the remaining ember out on her arm, turning onto a less busy street.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...I'll get Tim to text it to you.

She's not running from Tim. She trusts him? Sort of?

You're not upset with me?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, sweetheart. I'm just worried. I'm glad you're not too upset to talk to me. I'm sorry for leaving.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

mom, i messed up.

she sounds so scared. Is she scared of alex?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

How, Tabi, I don't think you did anything wrong?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'll tell you when you get here. I don't wanna say.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Okay. Get Tim to send me your location, babes, we'll be there soon.

[mild-stalker-energy]

[location shared]

They're at the Asylum. She was late.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

The chances she's seen Jeremiah were slim. She doesn't have to worry. She does a U-turn, glancing at Bruce before putting her eyes back on the road. She tenses as they drive past the turn to her apartment. Jon was waiting, she was late.

The silence in the car was heavy. There was a syringe in her sleeve from the centre console, and it weighed heavy. She couldn't put it back without suspicion.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim comes back on the phone.

Hey, am I on speakerphone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Now you are.

She places her phone on the dash.

[mild-stalker-energy]

I think Bruce should walk home with me. Or at least let me ride in the backseat with Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Your choice.

Her rhythmic tapping gets more erratic the closer they get to Arkham island. Late. Late.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tabitha's choice.

Bruce glances at Alex, but stays quiet. He already made a mistake tonight.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You tell her that, then. That can be discussed between the two of you.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alright, I'll see you when I see you.

Tim hangs up, and the car falls back into that charged silence.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She has no reason to drug him anymore, he's given up on being irritating. How to discard the syringe....

She flicks on the radio. Static over silence.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce turns it off.

Her name is Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes. It is.

The plastic digs into her arm.

[justice-in-black]

So who the hell is Dorey.

Bruce doesn't appreciate being lied to.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

My little sister. It was the first name I could come up with.

She mutters, stopping in time with the cars in front of her.

[justice-in-black]

You never told me you had a sister.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Never came up.

She glances at him out of the corner of the eye. The gall he has to sound hurt.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you never tell me anything. You didn't tell me about Tabitha when she first showed up, you didn't tell me about tonight, you never told me any of this. Am I that expendable, that you think I don't deserve to know what's going on with my own girlfriend?

He mutters.

Jesus christ, Alex, she's a kid. You can't put her in danger like this, all because you want to hide your stupid fucking safehouses.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You're being dense, Bruce, I get that you have to know every fucking thing all the time to feel in control but I can't tell you everything. It's not safe to tell you everything. I did what I thought I needed to do and you messed with it without asking.

Pissing me off. Reminding me that he's just a spoiled little control freak, why are you with him?! You're making it worse by being harsh. Shut up.

[justice-in-black]

You left your daughter in my house. Being babysat by my teenaged son. On the couch in my office.

he gets louder.

Goddamnit Alex, you can barely take care of yourself, let alone her. Maybe it was a good thing she ran off. Maybe you'll wake up.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't need to fucking wake up, Wayne, you cannot police the only smart decision I made today. I dropped her with Tim because it was the safest shit I could do.

Don't tell me about my own fucking daughter, you cannot provide us safety and resource and judge me for using it you son of a fuck—

[justice-in-black]

Why was she unsafe at your house, Alex? or at the pottery shop? She lives in a fucking pottery shop, Alexander.

I understand that you feel guilty because Jonathan hurt her, but you aren't helping. You aren't. She ran to Arkham because she's too dependent on you.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I am helping, she ran because you scared her. Dependency does not cause you to run, if she was dependent she would have stayed in the damn room you put her in! Don't talk to me about fucking dependency, and do not talk to me about Jonathan.

When the hell with this traffic clear up again? I just need him to shut up.

[justice-in-black]

Crane is dead, Alex. You need to get yourself together if you want that girl to be as safe as you think she is.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You need to get my husband's name out of your fucking mouth and let me help this kid the way I know will work.

Right, yeah, let the man who "raised" Jason give us parenting tips. Fucking entitled ass...

[justice-in-black]

Your husband treated you like a labrat, Alex. I'm trying to help here, and you won't give me anything. Do you even care about her? Or is it just to have something of his back?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes, I care, you hypocritical dimwit, how selfish do you think I am?! If I didn't, I would've left her at home where she'd probably be dosed into oblivion! Because I didn't, now I have to deal with you because you made it look like I fucking abandoned her in a bigass basement, or-or left her to die or something!! She walked to Arkham! Now Jeremiah has leverage, and Tim probably knows everything. Just because you thought a girl you barely know shit about trusted you.

The syringe weighs heavily in her sleeve. He knows too much, he can piece it together. He's going to ask questions. I'm so goddamn late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

He sighs.

I didn't expect her to trust me. I expected you to trust me.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm not the problem here. My trust is dwindling by the minute because you think mine matters more than hers.

She misses the next turn. She curses and groans.

[justice-in-black]

Alex I didn't even know she existed before last month.

He sighs.

My love. I cannot keep running in circles with you. I can't just- just ignore the fact that I know nothing about you. It's.. I can't. I'm sorry. I need to know who I'm in love with. I don't even know your favorite meal, Lexi. It's not fair to me.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't know what to tell you, B, it'd be easier if you'd just ask. It'd be easier if I knew.

She turns , the bridge comes into view. Finally. Maybe 10 minutes before she can dump him off with Tim, or whatever Tabi decides.

[justice-in-black]

It'd be easier if I knew how to ask, Alex, but you give me nothing. I just want to be with you, without the interrogation. Can't I have that?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Not if you want to know the little things. You know everything I'm willing to give you, and consider important.

[justice-in-black]

Again, I didn't know you had a daughter with Jonathan until last month. Was that not important?

Am I not important?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I told you the minute I considered it safe, and when I thought she trusted me enough to let you know. And she is not my daughter with anyone.

She taps the wheel impatiently.

[justice-in-black]

Then what did being late for Jonny have to do with it?

He sighs.

Are you sober?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm sober. It's just.. conditioning. You spend enough time around someone who gets dubbed March Hare for a reason, punctuality becomes very important to me.

If he wanted to know he'd ask. He is asking.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, I know you want to get home. I'm concerned about yours and tabitha's safety tonight.

He's calm now. is he? or is it a front?

I know you won't want to stay at the manor.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She'll be fine. My safety is not the main concern right now.

She glances at the location on her phone. Almost on the other side of the bridge. Jesus.

[justice-in-black]

Can you at least take her to Thea's? Stay the night there, for my sake.

He sighs.

I don't want you isolating yourself.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Driving home, stressing. Late. She'll be late. She can't be late. What if she's late? Her phone pings. God. No, please— Tabitha. She's going to be late. Not going to leave Tabi on read.

Are you okay?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

where the fuck am i??

Tabitha's scared. she's so, so scared and so alone and so very cold. She trusted Alex. She left her. Why did Alex leave her? What did she do wrong?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Tim's room. Last I heard, anyway.

She should be. Heaven's sakes, she can't pick her up. This will make her late, she can't be.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'm not.

She lied. Hang up. She can't be trusted. No one can be trusted. She left you. You were unable to protect yourself, and she left you. Jeremiah wouldn't. You know that.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Do you remember anything?

Pick her up. We'll be late. He told us directly not to be late, do you know what'll happen?

Do you need me to come get you?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I remember being really upset.

Her voice is shaky.

I remember you leaving. I don't know why.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'll come get you, if you need it. I had to go to work, being late would cause problems and you were regressed, i think Tim said. ...

She was already turning onto the freeway. She could pick her up. She left her, she's responsible for picking her up. No one can stop her, and no one's there to stop her. He doesn't know when she's to get back. It's fine.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

no, no you don't- i can handle it, i'm fine.

don't let her leave you again.

i'm fine.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let me come get you, Tabi, I feel awful. I can drop you off at the shop, or the apartment, doesn't matter.

She lights up a cigarette, rolling the window down. It doesn't soothe her as much as she'd like.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

The line clicks in response. Shit.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's speeding, now, once again praying to god that the only people on patrol would see that and look the other way. Soon enough, she's at the gates of the manor, wiping ash off her legs, nearly running to the doors.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim meets her at the door, hair soaking wet.

Your girl is gone. Must've slipped out while I was showering. Couldn't have gotten far, she's on foot.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Fuckin' great, question here, wae she not in yer room?

She looked stressed to the core, hand white knuckled on her cane. The accent change was even more concerning, what had her so worked up?

[mild-stalker-energy]

She was never in my room, she got taken downstairs after she fell asleep in the office.

Tim knows. He knows whats going on. He's a smart kid. He knows. Fuck, arsenic, he knows.

Look, I'll help you look. Can you call her?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She hung up on me, she prolly doesnae wanna pick up now. Who took her doonstairs?

He knows. Doesn't matter, we need to find Tabitha. We can't loose her. She's a liability what if she gets hurt?

[mild-stalker-energy]

Bruce did.

Tim says it carefully, like he knows Alex will be pissed at that.

He flew in about two hours ago.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

... Why!?

Why did he touch her? Why did he come back? Why did she leave? Why did he—

She pushes past the other, stalking into the house. Not trying to lose the boy just yet.

What made him think he could— she was terrified when she woke up!

[mild-stalker-energy]

He said he knew her, I figured you trusted her with him.

Tim follows shortly behind her, shutting the front door with his foot and catching the chair before the corner snags Alex's arm.

I think he's in the library.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I hardly trust 'er wit anyone, you being an exception because I was in a pinch and yer capable.

She tries to reel herself back in , heading down the winding halls to the library. I don't wannae talk to im, that's yer job—... Hey, we don't have a choice right now. She could be getting hurt, and I can't find her. He needs to know not to interact with her without me there. God, you know how scared she'd be.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Noted. I'll go looking. Keep your ringer on.

Tim turns back, the front door slamming.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She bursts into the library, eyes shrinking obscenely when they lock on Bruce, sitting on his desk, calm, focused.

You moved Dorey, and she ran. What gave you the brilliant idea that you could touch her?!

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you-

Bruce pauses, registering what she said.

She's gone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes! I knew she'd be upset that I wasn't there when she woke up, and I was under the impression that Tim being there would fix that! You moved her to wherever the fuck, and she woke up alone and bolted!

She was sure anyone in the manor could hear her, and she was sure she didn't really care right now. She did sound a tad anxious for her liking, though.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, darling, take a deep breath.

He stands, hands coming to her own.

We'll find her. She couldn't've gone far.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She doesnae wonna talk tae me, she bolted off and I bet you more than this god damn house costs that she's headed to Arkham about it. You're screwy if you think I want to face Dr. Fuckin' Wanna-Do to get my daughter back.

He tears his hands away from the others', glancing at the wristwatch on the other, a look of mild distress washing across his face. Late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

Deep breath. In. Out. Bruce looks at her expression, at her watch, and back to her eyes.

My love. I need you to slow down with me.

God, he sounds like he's worried she'll break. She might.

Dorey is going to be okay. We're gonna go look. I'll come with you in the car, okay? We'll cover more ground with it.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She won't talk to me, Bruce, if I come looking she'll run harder.

He scoffs, backing up. Late. He's already late, because of the idiot in front of him.

I left her. I left her, and she was moved, and she doesn't trust me anymore, dickhead. She doesn't want to see me.

[justice-in-black]

It won't hurt to try.

God, he messed up. He was just- He thought- he assumed she'd be alright.

Would you be willing to look, just in case? Maybe she's cooled off.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Bruce, you don't get it. She is the closest thing to me you can get. I know her and I know she isn't going to forgive and forget. I abandoned her. She doesn't want that to happen again.

She spins around, out the doors. She's so late, and she's already succeeded in pushing Tabi away. Maybe that was Jon's plan. He runs cold hands through his hair and tugs.

Jonny's gonna kill me. He won, I fell into his goddamn trap again— I'm late.

[justice-in-black]

Jon?

It feels like everything freezes.

What about him?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm late, he told me not to be late, I can't be—

She sounds terrified now, speedwalking down the hall, pain shooting up her leg with every step.

[justice-in-black]

Alex. Lexi. Baby. Please slow down.

He steps in front of her, holding onto her despite her attempts to get out.

Deep breaths, my love. Slow down.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let GO, I'm going to—

She tries to tear away again, he wont let go. His hands are warm, and she feels hot. You're going to get us caught, and then shot out back, Magpie, try harder. She rips away at the cost of her sleeves.

[justice-in-black]

Alex!

Bruce raised his voice. He never does that.

You need to calm the fuck down. Yes, you're late. You're not fixing that. Tabitha is gone, and you are her best bet on coming back.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's quiet. Why did he yell? Her eyes are glassy, maybe she's on FT again. She searches his face, thinking. Fine. Fine. I'm obviously not getting rid of him like this. Fine.

Okay. Fine. My car.

She storms outside. Her face is hot again, and now her face is wet. She wipes it off with the now torn sleeve, hardening her expression before getting behind the wheel.

[justice-in-black]

He gets in as well, and Alex can feel his eyes on her. He's worried as hell, its obvious.

She's alright. You're alright.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I lost her, he's gonna...

She trails off before she starts to cry again, silently. All she can see is Dorey running off, Dorey's torn apart body on the side of the road. She pulls out of the court. Tabitha is fine. You abandoned her, and all you're thinking about is your dead sister, you selfish prick? You need to lose Bruce, you're late.

She digs through the centre console, taking a moment, fumbling with something before pulling out her box of cigarettes

[justice-in-black]

You're not going to lose her. She's alright.

He wipes her cheeks carefully, making her look at him for a second.

We'll find her, Darling.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

And then what. Listen to her yell about how i abandoned her? Watch her run off to Jeremiah? Tell everyone why this.. God.

She lights up her smoke, cracking the window enough so smoke escapes on her side but not on B's.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alex's phone rings. It's tim.

I found her, she's with me. Pissed, though.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I assume she doesn't want to talk.

Stop your whining, of course she doesn't. Now you have Bruce with you, you're can't go straight home. You're dead.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She asked if you were okay.

He murmurs something to Tabitha away from the speaker.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure. I'm with Bruce, not sure what the plan from here is.

She doesn't want to talk to you, the manor isn't a great place to be. She turns, "accidentally" gets them stuck in traffic.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She said she wants to go home. Won't tell me where.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Probably the pottery shop. I can text you the address.

The car is near full of smoke now, and ash dangles from the half gone out cig. She almost takes it off with her hand before realizing Bruce was still with her. She flicks it out the window.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Theres shifting around on the other end of the phone, and Tabitha's voice rings through.

...Can you just come pick me up? I wanna go home.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure, of course, baby, where are you two?

There. Doesn't hate you. You can calm the fuck doon now.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...You're gonna be mad.

She doesn't wanna tell her. She's gonna make mom upset.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, baby. Let me come get you. I don't care where.

She puts the remaining ember out on her arm, turning onto a less busy street.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...I'll get Tim to text it to you.

She's not running from Tim. She trusts him? Sort of?

You're not upset with me?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, sweetheart. I'm just worried. I'm glad you're not too upset to talk to me. I'm sorry for leaving.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

mom, i messed up.

she sounds so scared. Is she scared of alex?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

How, Tabi, I don't think you did anything wrong?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'll tell you when you get here. I don't wanna say.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Okay. Get Tim to send me your location, babes, we'll be there soon.

[mild-stalker-energy]

[location shared]

They're at the Asylum. She was late.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

The chances she's seen Jeremiah were slim. She doesn't have to worry. She does a U-turn, glancing at Bruce before putting her eyes back on the road. She tenses as they drive past the turn to her apartment. Jon was waiting, she was late.

The silence in the car was heavy. There was a syringe in her sleeve from the centre console, and it weighed heavy. She couldn't put it back without suspicion.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim comes back on the phone.

Hey, am I on speakerphone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Now you are.

She places her phone on the dash.

[mild-stalker-energy]

I think Bruce should walk home with me. Or at least let me ride in the backseat with Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Your choice.

Her rhythmic tapping gets more erratic the closer they get to Arkham island. Late. Late.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tabitha's choice.

Bruce glances at Alex, but stays quiet. He already made a mistake tonight.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You tell her that, then. That can be discussed between the two of you.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alright, I'll see you when I see you.

Tim hangs up, and the car falls back into that charged silence.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She has no reason to drug him anymore, he's given up on being irritating. How to discard the syringe....

She flicks on the radio. Static over silence.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce turns it off.

Her name is Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes. It is.

The plastic digs into her arm.

[justice-in-black]

So who the hell is Dorey.

Bruce doesn't appreciate being lied to.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

My little sister. It was the first name I could come up with.

She mutters, stopping in time with the cars in front of her.

[justice-in-black]

You never told me you had a sister.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Never came up.

She glances at him out of the corner of the eye. The gall he has to sound hurt.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you never tell me anything. You didn't tell me about Tabitha when she first showed up, you didn't tell me about tonight, you never told me any of this. Am I that expendable, that you think I don't deserve to know what's going on with my own girlfriend?

He mutters.

Jesus christ, Alex, she's a kid. You can't put her in danger like this, all because you want to hide your stupid fucking safehouses.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You're being dense, Bruce, I get that you have to know every fucking thing all the time to feel in control but I can't tell you everything. It's not safe to tell you everything. I did what I thought I needed to do and you messed with it without asking.

Pissing me off. Reminding me that he's just a spoiled little control freak, why are you with him?! You're making it worse by being harsh. Shut up.

[justice-in-black]

You left your daughter in my house. Being babysat by my teenaged son. On the couch in my office.

he gets louder.

Goddamnit Alex, you can barely take care of yourself, let alone her. Maybe it was a good thing she ran off. Maybe you'll wake up.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't need to fucking wake up, Wayne, you cannot police the only smart decision I made today. I dropped her with Tim because it was the safest shit I could do.

Don't tell me about my own fucking daughter, you cannot provide us safety and resource and judge me for using it you son of a fuck—

[justice-in-black]

Why was she unsafe at your house, Alex? or at the pottery shop? She lives in a fucking pottery shop, Alexander.

I understand that you feel guilty because Jonathan hurt her, but you aren't helping. You aren't. She ran to Arkham because she's too dependent on you.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I am helping, she ran because you scared her. Dependency does not cause you to run, if she was dependent she would have stayed in the damn room you put her in! Don't talk to me about fucking dependency, and do not talk to me about Jonathan.

When the hell with this traffic clear up again? I just need him to shut up.

[justice-in-black]

Crane is dead, Alex. You need to get yourself together if you want that girl to be as safe as you think she is.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You need to get my husband's name out of your fucking mouth and let me help this kid the way I know will work.

Right, yeah, let the man who "raised" Jason give us parenting tips. Fucking entitled ass...

[justice-in-black]

Your husband treated you like a labrat, Alex. I'm trying to help here, and you won't give me anything. Do you even care about her? Or is it just to have something of his back?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes, I care, you hypocritical dimwit, how selfish do you think I am?! If I didn't, I would've left her at home where she'd probably be dosed into oblivion! Because I didn't, now I have to deal with you because you made it look like I fucking abandoned her in a bigass basement, or-or left her to die or something!! She walked to Arkham! Now Jeremiah has leverage, and Tim probably knows everything. Just because you thought a girl you barely know shit about trusted you.

The syringe weighs heavily in her sleeve. He knows too much, he can piece it together. He's going to ask questions. I'm so goddamn late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

He sighs.

I didn't expect her to trust me. I expected you to trust me.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm not the problem here. My trust is dwindling by the minute because you think mine matters more than hers.

She misses the next turn. She curses and groans.

[justice-in-black]

Alex I didn't even know she existed before last month.

He sighs.

My love. I cannot keep running in circles with you. I can't just- just ignore the fact that I know nothing about you. It's.. I can't. I'm sorry. I need to know who I'm in love with. I don't even know your favorite meal, Lexi. It's not fair to me.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't know what to tell you, B, it'd be easier if you'd just ask. It'd be easier if I knew.

She turns , the bridge comes into view. Finally. Maybe 10 minutes before she can dump him off with Tim, or whatever Tabi decides.

[justice-in-black]

It'd be easier if I knew how to ask, Alex, but you give me nothing. I just want to be with you, without the interrogation. Can't I have that?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Not if you want to know the little things. You know everything I'm willing to give you, and consider important.

[justice-in-black]

Again, I didn't know you had a daughter with Jonathan until last month. Was that not important?

Am I not important?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I told you the minute I considered it safe, and when I thought she trusted me enough to let you know. And she is not my daughter with anyone.

She taps the wheel impatiently.

[justice-in-black]

Then what did being late for Jonny have to do with it?

He sighs.

Are you sober?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm sober. It's just.. conditioning. You spend enough time around someone who gets dubbed March Hare for a reason, punctuality becomes very important to me.

If he wanted to know he'd ask. He is asking.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, I know you want to get home. I'm concerned about yours and tabitha's safety tonight.

He's calm now. is he? or is it a front?

I know you won't want to stay at the manor.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Driving home, stressing. Late. She'll be late. She can't be late. What if she's late? Her phone pings. God. No, please— Tabitha. She's going to be late. Not going to leave Tabi on read.

Are you okay?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

where the fuck am i??

Tabitha's scared. she's so, so scared and so alone and so very cold. She trusted Alex. She left her. Why did Alex leave her? What did she do wrong?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Tim's room. Last I heard, anyway.

She should be. Heaven's sakes, she can't pick her up. This will make her late, she can't be.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'm not.

She lied. Hang up. She can't be trusted. No one can be trusted. She left you. You were unable to protect yourself, and she left you. Jeremiah wouldn't. You know that.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Do you remember anything?

Pick her up. We'll be late. He told us directly not to be late, do you know what'll happen?

Do you need me to come get you?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I remember being really upset.

Her voice is shaky.

I remember you leaving. I don't know why.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'll come get you, if you need it. I had to go to work, being late would cause problems and you were regressed, i think Tim said. ...

She was already turning onto the freeway. She could pick her up. She left her, she's responsible for picking her up. No one can stop her, and no one's there to stop her. He doesn't know when she's to get back. It's fine.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

no, no you don't- i can handle it, i'm fine.

don't let her leave you again.

i'm fine.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let me come get you, Tabi, I feel awful. I can drop you off at the shop, or the apartment, doesn't matter.

She lights up a cigarette, rolling the window down. It doesn't soothe her as much as she'd like.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

The line clicks in response. Shit.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's speeding, now, once again praying to god that the only people on patrol would see that and look the other way. Soon enough, she's at the gates of the manor, wiping ash off her legs, nearly running to the doors.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim meets her at the door, hair soaking wet.

Your girl is gone. Must've slipped out while I was showering. Couldn't have gotten far, she's on foot.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Fuckin' great, question here, wae she not in yer room?

She looked stressed to the core, hand white knuckled on her cane. The accent change was even more concerning, what had her so worked up?

[mild-stalker-energy]

She was never in my room, she got taken downstairs after she fell asleep in the office.

Tim knows. He knows whats going on. He's a smart kid. He knows. Fuck, arsenic, he knows.

Look, I'll help you look. Can you call her?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She hung up on me, she prolly doesnae wanna pick up now. Who took her doonstairs?

He knows. Doesn't matter, we need to find Tabitha. We can't loose her. She's a liability what if she gets hurt?

[mild-stalker-energy]

Bruce did.

Tim says it carefully, like he knows Alex will be pissed at that.

He flew in about two hours ago.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

... Why!?

Why did he touch her? Why did he come back? Why did she leave? Why did he—

She pushes past the other, stalking into the house. Not trying to lose the boy just yet.

What made him think he could— she was terrified when she woke up!

[mild-stalker-energy]

He said he knew her, I figured you trusted her with him.

Tim follows shortly behind her, shutting the front door with his foot and catching the chair before the corner snags Alex's arm.

I think he's in the library.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I hardly trust 'er wit anyone, you being an exception because I was in a pinch and yer capable.

She tries to reel herself back in , heading down the winding halls to the library. I don't wannae talk to im, that's yer job—... Hey, we don't have a choice right now. She could be getting hurt, and I can't find her. He needs to know not to interact with her without me there. God, you know how scared she'd be.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Noted. I'll go looking. Keep your ringer on.

Tim turns back, the front door slamming.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She bursts into the library, eyes shrinking obscenely when they lock on Bruce, sitting on his desk, calm, focused.

You moved Dorey, and she ran. What gave you the brilliant idea that you could touch her?!

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you-

Bruce pauses, registering what she said.

She's gone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes! I knew she'd be upset that I wasn't there when she woke up, and I was under the impression that Tim being there would fix that! You moved her to wherever the fuck, and she woke up alone and bolted!

She was sure anyone in the manor could hear her, and she was sure she didn't really care right now. She did sound a tad anxious for her liking, though.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, darling, take a deep breath.

He stands, hands coming to her own.

We'll find her. She couldn't've gone far.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She doesnae wonna talk tae me, she bolted off and I bet you more than this god damn house costs that she's headed to Arkham about it. You're screwy if you think I want to face Dr. Fuckin' Wanna-Do to get my daughter back.

He tears his hands away from the others', glancing at the wristwatch on the other, a look of mild distress washing across his face. Late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

Deep breath. In. Out. Bruce looks at her expression, at her watch, and back to her eyes.

My love. I need you to slow down with me.

God, he sounds like he's worried she'll break. She might.

Dorey is going to be okay. We're gonna go look. I'll come with you in the car, okay? We'll cover more ground with it.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She won't talk to me, Bruce, if I come looking she'll run harder.

He scoffs, backing up. Late. He's already late, because of the idiot in front of him.

I left her. I left her, and she was moved, and she doesn't trust me anymore, dickhead. She doesn't want to see me.

[justice-in-black]

It won't hurt to try.

God, he messed up. He was just- He thought- he assumed she'd be alright.

Would you be willing to look, just in case? Maybe she's cooled off.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Bruce, you don't get it. She is the closest thing to me you can get. I know her and I know she isn't going to forgive and forget. I abandoned her. She doesn't want that to happen again.

She spins around, out the doors. She's so late, and she's already succeeded in pushing Tabi away. Maybe that was Jon's plan. He runs cold hands through his hair and tugs.

Jonny's gonna kill me. He won, I fell into his goddamn trap again— I'm late.

[justice-in-black]

Jon?

It feels like everything freezes.

What about him?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm late, he told me not to be late, I can't be—

She sounds terrified now, speedwalking down the hall, pain shooting up her leg with every step.

[justice-in-black]

Alex. Lexi. Baby. Please slow down.

He steps in front of her, holding onto her despite her attempts to get out.

Deep breaths, my love. Slow down.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let GO, I'm going to—

She tries to tear away again, he wont let go. His hands are warm, and she feels hot. You're going to get us caught, and then shot out back, Magpie, try harder. She rips away at the cost of her sleeves.

[justice-in-black]

Alex!

Bruce raised his voice. He never does that.

You need to calm the fuck down. Yes, you're late. You're not fixing that. Tabitha is gone, and you are her best bet on coming back.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's quiet. Why did he yell? Her eyes are glassy, maybe she's on FT again. She searches his face, thinking. Fine. Fine. I'm obviously not getting rid of him like this. Fine.

Okay. Fine. My car.

She storms outside. Her face is hot again, and now her face is wet. She wipes it off with the now torn sleeve, hardening her expression before getting behind the wheel.

[justice-in-black]

He gets in as well, and Alex can feel his eyes on her. He's worried as hell, its obvious.

She's alright. You're alright.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I lost her, he's gonna...

She trails off before she starts to cry again, silently. All she can see is Dorey running off, Dorey's torn apart body on the side of the road. She pulls out of the court. Tabitha is fine. You abandoned her, and all you're thinking about is your dead sister, you selfish prick? You need to lose Bruce, you're late.

She digs through the centre console, taking a moment, fumbling with something before pulling out her box of cigarettes

[justice-in-black]

You're not going to lose her. She's alright.

He wipes her cheeks carefully, making her look at him for a second.

We'll find her, Darling.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

And then what. Listen to her yell about how i abandoned her? Watch her run off to Jeremiah? Tell everyone why this.. God.

She lights up her smoke, cracking the window enough so smoke escapes on her side but not on B's.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alex's phone rings. It's tim.

I found her, she's with me. Pissed, though.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I assume she doesn't want to talk.

Stop your whining, of course she doesn't. Now you have Bruce with you, you're can't go straight home. You're dead.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She asked if you were okay.

He murmurs something to Tabitha away from the speaker.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure. I'm with Bruce, not sure what the plan from here is.

She doesn't want to talk to you, the manor isn't a great place to be. She turns, "accidentally" gets them stuck in traffic.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She said she wants to go home. Won't tell me where.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Probably the pottery shop. I can text you the address.

The car is near full of smoke now, and ash dangles from the half gone out cig. She almost takes it off with her hand before realizing Bruce was still with her. She flicks it out the window.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Theres shifting around on the other end of the phone, and Tabitha's voice rings through.

...Can you just come pick me up? I wanna go home.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure, of course, baby, where are you two?

There. Doesn't hate you. You can calm the fuck doon now.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...You're gonna be mad.

She doesn't wanna tell her. She's gonna make mom upset.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, baby. Let me come get you. I don't care where.

She puts the remaining ember out on her arm, turning onto a less busy street.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...I'll get Tim to text it to you.

She's not running from Tim. She trusts him? Sort of?

You're not upset with me?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, sweetheart. I'm just worried. I'm glad you're not too upset to talk to me. I'm sorry for leaving.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

mom, i messed up.

she sounds so scared. Is she scared of alex?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

How, Tabi, I don't think you did anything wrong?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'll tell you when you get here. I don't wanna say.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Okay. Get Tim to send me your location, babes, we'll be there soon.

[mild-stalker-energy]

[location shared]

They're at the Asylum. She was late.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

The chances she's seen Jeremiah were slim. She doesn't have to worry. She does a U-turn, glancing at Bruce before putting her eyes back on the road. She tenses as they drive past the turn to her apartment. Jon was waiting, she was late.

The silence in the car was heavy. There was a syringe in her sleeve from the centre console, and it weighed heavy. She couldn't put it back without suspicion.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim comes back on the phone.

Hey, am I on speakerphone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Now you are.

She places her phone on the dash.

[mild-stalker-energy]

I think Bruce should walk home with me. Or at least let me ride in the backseat with Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Your choice.

Her rhythmic tapping gets more erratic the closer they get to Arkham island. Late. Late.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tabitha's choice.

Bruce glances at Alex, but stays quiet. He already made a mistake tonight.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You tell her that, then. That can be discussed between the two of you.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alright, I'll see you when I see you.

Tim hangs up, and the car falls back into that charged silence.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She has no reason to drug him anymore, he's given up on being irritating. How to discard the syringe....

She flicks on the radio. Static over silence.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce turns it off.

Her name is Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes. It is.

The plastic digs into her arm.

[justice-in-black]

So who the hell is Dorey.

Bruce doesn't appreciate being lied to.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

My little sister. It was the first name I could come up with.

She mutters, stopping in time with the cars in front of her.

[justice-in-black]

You never told me you had a sister.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Never came up.

She glances at him out of the corner of the eye. The gall he has to sound hurt.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you never tell me anything. You didn't tell me about Tabitha when she first showed up, you didn't tell me about tonight, you never told me any of this. Am I that expendable, that you think I don't deserve to know what's going on with my own girlfriend?

He mutters.

Jesus christ, Alex, she's a kid. You can't put her in danger like this, all because you want to hide your stupid fucking safehouses.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You're being dense, Bruce, I get that you have to know every fucking thing all the time to feel in control but I can't tell you everything. It's not safe to tell you everything. I did what I thought I needed to do and you messed with it without asking.

Pissing me off. Reminding me that he's just a spoiled little control freak, why are you with him?! You're making it worse by being harsh. Shut up.

[justice-in-black]

You left your daughter in my house. Being babysat by my teenaged son. On the couch in my office.

he gets louder.

Goddamnit Alex, you can barely take care of yourself, let alone her. Maybe it was a good thing she ran off. Maybe you'll wake up.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't need to fucking wake up, Wayne, you cannot police the only smart decision I made today. I dropped her with Tim because it was the safest shit I could do.

Don't tell me about my own fucking daughter, you cannot provide us safety and resource and judge me for using it you son of a fuck—

[justice-in-black]

Why was she unsafe at your house, Alex? or at the pottery shop? She lives in a fucking pottery shop, Alexander.

I understand that you feel guilty because Jonathan hurt her, but you aren't helping. You aren't. She ran to Arkham because she's too dependent on you.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I am helping, she ran because you scared her. Dependency does not cause you to run, if she was dependent she would have stayed in the damn room you put her in! Don't talk to me about fucking dependency, and do not talk to me about Jonathan.

When the hell with this traffic clear up again? I just need him to shut up.

[justice-in-black]

Crane is dead, Alex. You need to get yourself together if you want that girl to be as safe as you think she is.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You need to get my husband's name out of your fucking mouth and let me help this kid the way I know will work.

Right, yeah, let the man who "raised" Jason give us parenting tips. Fucking entitled ass...

[justice-in-black]

Your husband treated you like a labrat, Alex. I'm trying to help here, and you won't give me anything. Do you even care about her? Or is it just to have something of his back?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes, I care, you hypocritical dimwit, how selfish do you think I am?! If I didn't, I would've left her at home where she'd probably be dosed into oblivion! Because I didn't, now I have to deal with you because you made it look like I fucking abandoned her in a bigass basement, or-or left her to die or something!! She walked to Arkham! Now Jeremiah has leverage, and Tim probably knows everything. Just because you thought a girl you barely know shit about trusted you.

The syringe weighs heavily in her sleeve. He knows too much, he can piece it together. He's going to ask questions. I'm so goddamn late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

He sighs.

I didn't expect her to trust me. I expected you to trust me.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm not the problem here. My trust is dwindling by the minute because you think mine matters more than hers.

She misses the next turn. She curses and groans.

[justice-in-black]

Alex I didn't even know she existed before last month.

He sighs.

My love. I cannot keep running in circles with you. I can't just- just ignore the fact that I know nothing about you. It's.. I can't. I'm sorry. I need to know who I'm in love with. I don't even know your favorite meal, Lexi. It's not fair to me.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't know what to tell you, B, it'd be easier if you'd just ask. It'd be easier if I knew.

She turns , the bridge comes into view. Finally. Maybe 10 minutes before she can dump him off with Tim, or whatever Tabi decides.

[justice-in-black]

It'd be easier if I knew how to ask, Alex, but you give me nothing. I just want to be with you, without the interrogation. Can't I have that?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Not if you want to know the little things. You know everything I'm willing to give you, and consider important.

[justice-in-black]

Again, I didn't know you had a daughter with Jonathan until last month. Was that not important?

Am I not important?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I told you the minute I considered it safe, and when I thought she trusted me enough to let you know. And she is not my daughter with anyone.

She taps the wheel impatiently.

[justice-in-black]

Then what did being late for Jonny have to do with it?

He sighs.

Are you sober?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Driving home, stressing. Late. She'll be late. She can't be late. What if she's late? Her phone pings. God. No, please— Tabitha. She's going to be late. Not going to leave Tabi on read.

Are you okay?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

where the fuck am i??

Tabitha's scared. she's so, so scared and so alone and so very cold. She trusted Alex. She left her. Why did Alex leave her? What did she do wrong?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Tim's room. Last I heard, anyway.

She should be. Heaven's sakes, she can't pick her up. This will make her late, she can't be.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'm not.

She lied. Hang up. She can't be trusted. No one can be trusted. She left you. You were unable to protect yourself, and she left you. Jeremiah wouldn't. You know that.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Do you remember anything?

Pick her up. We'll be late. He told us directly not to be late, do you know what'll happen?

Do you need me to come get you?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I remember being really upset.

Her voice is shaky.

I remember you leaving. I don't know why.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'll come get you, if you need it. I had to go to work, being late would cause problems and you were regressed, i think Tim said. ...

She was already turning onto the freeway. She could pick her up. She left her, she's responsible for picking her up. No one can stop her, and no one's there to stop her. He doesn't know when she's to get back. It's fine.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

no, no you don't- i can handle it, i'm fine.

don't let her leave you again.

i'm fine.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let me come get you, Tabi, I feel awful. I can drop you off at the shop, or the apartment, doesn't matter.

She lights up a cigarette, rolling the window down. It doesn't soothe her as much as she'd like.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

The line clicks in response. Shit.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's speeding, now, once again praying to god that the only people on patrol would see that and look the other way. Soon enough, she's at the gates of the manor, wiping ash off her legs, nearly running to the doors.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim meets her at the door, hair soaking wet.

Your girl is gone. Must've slipped out while I was showering. Couldn't have gotten far, she's on foot.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Fuckin' great, question here, wae she not in yer room?

She looked stressed to the core, hand white knuckled on her cane. The accent change was even more concerning, what had her so worked up?

[mild-stalker-energy]

She was never in my room, she got taken downstairs after she fell asleep in the office.

Tim knows. He knows whats going on. He's a smart kid. He knows. Fuck, arsenic, he knows.

Look, I'll help you look. Can you call her?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She hung up on me, she prolly doesnae wanna pick up now. Who took her doonstairs?

He knows. Doesn't matter, we need to find Tabitha. We can't loose her. She's a liability what if she gets hurt?

[mild-stalker-energy]

Bruce did.

Tim says it carefully, like he knows Alex will be pissed at that.

He flew in about two hours ago.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

... Why!?

Why did he touch her? Why did he come back? Why did she leave? Why did he—

She pushes past the other, stalking into the house. Not trying to lose the boy just yet.

What made him think he could— she was terrified when she woke up!

[mild-stalker-energy]

He said he knew her, I figured you trusted her with him.

Tim follows shortly behind her, shutting the front door with his foot and catching the chair before the corner snags Alex's arm.

I think he's in the library.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I hardly trust 'er wit anyone, you being an exception because I was in a pinch and yer capable.

She tries to reel herself back in , heading down the winding halls to the library. I don't wannae talk to im, that's yer job—... Hey, we don't have a choice right now. She could be getting hurt, and I can't find her. He needs to know not to interact with her without me there. God, you know how scared she'd be.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Noted. I'll go looking. Keep your ringer on.

Tim turns back, the front door slamming.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She bursts into the library, eyes shrinking obscenely when they lock on Bruce, sitting on his desk, calm, focused.

You moved Dorey, and she ran. What gave you the brilliant idea that you could touch her?!

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you-

Bruce pauses, registering what she said.

She's gone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes! I knew she'd be upset that I wasn't there when she woke up, and I was under the impression that Tim being there would fix that! You moved her to wherever the fuck, and she woke up alone and bolted!

She was sure anyone in the manor could hear her, and she was sure she didn't really care right now. She did sound a tad anxious for her liking, though.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, darling, take a deep breath.

He stands, hands coming to her own.

We'll find her. She couldn't've gone far.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She doesnae wonna talk tae me, she bolted off and I bet you more than this god damn house costs that she's headed to Arkham about it. You're screwy if you think I want to face Dr. Fuckin' Wanna-Do to get my daughter back.

He tears his hands away from the others', glancing at the wristwatch on the other, a look of mild distress washing across his face. Late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

Deep breath. In. Out. Bruce looks at her expression, at her watch, and back to her eyes.

My love. I need you to slow down with me.

God, he sounds like he's worried she'll break. She might.

Dorey is going to be okay. We're gonna go look. I'll come with you in the car, okay? We'll cover more ground with it.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She won't talk to me, Bruce, if I come looking she'll run harder.

He scoffs, backing up. Late. He's already late, because of the idiot in front of him.

I left her. I left her, and she was moved, and she doesn't trust me anymore, dickhead. She doesn't want to see me.

[justice-in-black]

It won't hurt to try.

God, he messed up. He was just- He thought- he assumed she'd be alright.

Would you be willing to look, just in case? Maybe she's cooled off.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Bruce, you don't get it. She is the closest thing to me you can get. I know her and I know she isn't going to forgive and forget. I abandoned her. She doesn't want that to happen again.

She spins around, out the doors. She's so late, and she's already succeeded in pushing Tabi away. Maybe that was Jon's plan. He runs cold hands through his hair and tugs.

Jonny's gonna kill me. He won, I fell into his goddamn trap again— I'm late.

[justice-in-black]

Jon?

It feels like everything freezes.

What about him?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm late, he told me not to be late, I can't be—

She sounds terrified now, speedwalking down the hall, pain shooting up her leg with every step.

[justice-in-black]

Alex. Lexi. Baby. Please slow down.

He steps in front of her, holding onto her despite her attempts to get out.

Deep breaths, my love. Slow down.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let GO, I'm going to—

She tries to tear away again, he wont let go. His hands are warm, and she feels hot. You're going to get us caught, and then shot out back, Magpie, try harder. She rips away at the cost of her sleeves.

[justice-in-black]

Alex!

Bruce raised his voice. He never does that.

You need to calm the fuck down. Yes, you're late. You're not fixing that. Tabitha is gone, and you are her best bet on coming back.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's quiet. Why did he yell? Her eyes are glassy, maybe she's on FT again. She searches his face, thinking. Fine. Fine. I'm obviously not getting rid of him like this. Fine.

Okay. Fine. My car.

She storms outside. Her face is hot again, and now her face is wet. She wipes it off with the now torn sleeve, hardening her expression before getting behind the wheel.

[justice-in-black]

He gets in as well, and Alex can feel his eyes on her. He's worried as hell, its obvious.

She's alright. You're alright.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I lost her, he's gonna...

She trails off before she starts to cry again, silently. All she can see is Dorey running off, Dorey's torn apart body on the side of the road. She pulls out of the court. Tabitha is fine. You abandoned her, and all you're thinking about is your dead sister, you selfish prick? You need to lose Bruce, you're late.

She digs through the centre console, taking a moment, fumbling with something before pulling out her box of cigarettes

[justice-in-black]

You're not going to lose her. She's alright.

He wipes her cheeks carefully, making her look at him for a second.

We'll find her, Darling.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

And then what. Listen to her yell about how i abandoned her? Watch her run off to Jeremiah? Tell everyone why this.. God.

She lights up her smoke, cracking the window enough so smoke escapes on her side but not on B's.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alex's phone rings. It's tim.

I found her, she's with me. Pissed, though.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I assume she doesn't want to talk.

Stop your whining, of course she doesn't. Now you have Bruce with you, you're can't go straight home. You're dead.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She asked if you were okay.

He murmurs something to Tabitha away from the speaker.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure. I'm with Bruce, not sure what the plan from here is.

She doesn't want to talk to you, the manor isn't a great place to be. She turns, "accidentally" gets them stuck in traffic.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She said she wants to go home. Won't tell me where.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Probably the pottery shop. I can text you the address.

The car is near full of smoke now, and ash dangles from the half gone out cig. She almost takes it off with her hand before realizing Bruce was still with her. She flicks it out the window.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Theres shifting around on the other end of the phone, and Tabitha's voice rings through.

...Can you just come pick me up? I wanna go home.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure, of course, baby, where are you two?

There. Doesn't hate you. You can calm the fuck doon now.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...You're gonna be mad.

She doesn't wanna tell her. She's gonna make mom upset.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, baby. Let me come get you. I don't care where.

She puts the remaining ember out on her arm, turning onto a less busy street.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...I'll get Tim to text it to you.

She's not running from Tim. She trusts him? Sort of?

You're not upset with me?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, sweetheart. I'm just worried. I'm glad you're not too upset to talk to me. I'm sorry for leaving.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

mom, i messed up.

she sounds so scared. Is she scared of alex?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

How, Tabi, I don't think you did anything wrong?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'll tell you when you get here. I don't wanna say.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Okay. Get Tim to send me your location, babes, we'll be there soon.

[mild-stalker-energy]

[location shared]

They're at the Asylum. She was late.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

The chances she's seen Jeremiah were slim. She doesn't have to worry. She does a U-turn, glancing at Bruce before putting her eyes back on the road. She tenses as they drive past the turn to her apartment. Jon was waiting, she was late.

The silence in the car was heavy. There was a syringe in her sleeve from the centre console, and it weighed heavy. She couldn't put it back without suspicion.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim comes back on the phone.

Hey, am I on speakerphone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Now you are.

She places her phone on the dash.

[mild-stalker-energy]

I think Bruce should walk home with me. Or at least let me ride in the backseat with Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Your choice.

Her rhythmic tapping gets more erratic the closer they get to Arkham island. Late. Late.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tabitha's choice.

Bruce glances at Alex, but stays quiet. He already made a mistake tonight.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You tell her that, then. That can be discussed between the two of you.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alright, I'll see you when I see you.

Tim hangs up, and the car falls back into that charged silence.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She has no reason to drug him anymore, he's given up on being irritating. How to discard the syringe....

She flicks on the radio. Static over silence.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce turns it off.

Her name is Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes. It is.

The plastic digs into her arm.

[justice-in-black]

So who the hell is Dorey.

Bruce doesn't appreciate being lied to.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

My little sister. It was the first name I could come up with.

She mutters, stopping in time with the cars in front of her.

[justice-in-black]

You never told me you had a sister.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Never came up.

She glances at him out of the corner of the eye. The gall he has to sound hurt.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you never tell me anything. You didn't tell me about Tabitha when she first showed up, you didn't tell me about tonight, you never told me any of this. Am I that expendable, that you think I don't deserve to know what's going on with my own girlfriend?

He mutters.

Jesus christ, Alex, she's a kid. You can't put her in danger like this, all because you want to hide your stupid fucking safehouses.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You're being dense, Bruce, I get that you have to know every fucking thing all the time to feel in control but I can't tell you everything. It's not safe to tell you everything. I did what I thought I needed to do and you messed with it without asking.

Pissing me off. Reminding me that he's just a spoiled little control freak, why are you with him?! You're making it worse by being harsh. Shut up.

[justice-in-black]

You left your daughter in my house. Being babysat by my teenaged son. On the couch in my office.

he gets louder.

Goddamnit Alex, you can barely take care of yourself, let alone her. Maybe it was a good thing she ran off. Maybe you'll wake up.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't need to fucking wake up, Wayne, you cannot police the only smart decision I made today. I dropped her with Tim because it was the safest shit I could do.

Don't tell me about my own fucking daughter, you cannot provide us safety and resource and judge me for using it you son of a fuck—

[justice-in-black]

Why was she unsafe at your house, Alex? or at the pottery shop? She lives in a fucking pottery shop, Alexander.

I understand that you feel guilty because Jonathan hurt her, but you aren't helping. You aren't. She ran to Arkham because she's too dependent on you.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I am helping, she ran because you scared her. Dependency does not cause you to run, if she was dependent she would have stayed in the damn room you put her in! Don't talk to me about fucking dependency, and do not talk to me about Jonathan.

When the hell with this traffic clear up again? I just need him to shut up.

[justice-in-black]

Crane is dead, Alex. You need to get yourself together if you want that girl to be as safe as you think she is.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You need to get my husband's name out of your fucking mouth and let me help this kid the way I know will work.

Right, yeah, let the man who "raised" Jason give us parenting tips. Fucking entitled ass...

[justice-in-black]

Your husband treated you like a labrat, Alex. I'm trying to help here, and you won't give me anything. Do you even care about her? Or is it just to have something of his back?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes, I care, you hypocritical dimwit, how selfish do you think I am?! If I didn't, I would've left her at home where she'd probably be dosed into oblivion! Because I didn't, now I have to deal with you because you made it look like I fucking abandoned her in a bigass basement, or-or left her to die or something!! She walked to Arkham! Now Jeremiah has leverage, and Tim probably knows everything. Just because you thought a girl you barely know shit about trusted you.

The syringe weighs heavily in her sleeve. He knows too much, he can piece it together. He's going to ask questions. I'm so goddamn late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

He sighs.

I didn't expect her to trust me. I expected you to trust me.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm not the problem here. My trust is dwindling by the minute because you think mine matters more than hers.

She misses the next turn. She curses and groans.

[justice-in-black]

Alex I didn't even know she existed before last month.

He sighs.

My love. I cannot keep running in circles with you. I can't just- just ignore the fact that I know nothing about you. It's.. I can't. I'm sorry. I need to know who I'm in love with. I don't even know your favorite meal, Lexi. It's not fair to me.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't know what to tell you, B, it'd be easier if you'd just ask. It'd be easier if I knew.

She turns , the bridge comes into view. Finally. Maybe 10 minutes before she can dump him off with Tim, or whatever Tabi decides.

[justice-in-black]

It'd be easier if I knew how to ask, Alex, but you give me nothing. I just want to be with you, without the interrogation. Can't I have that?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Not if you want to know the little things. You know everything I'm willing to give you, and consider important.

[justice-in-black]

Again, I didn't know you had a daughter with Jonathan until last month. Was that not important?

Am I not important?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Driving home, stressing. Late. She'll be late. She can't be late. What if she's late? Her phone pings. God. No, please— Tabitha. She's going to be late. Not going to leave Tabi on read.

Are you okay?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

where the fuck am i??

Tabitha's scared. she's so, so scared and so alone and so very cold. She trusted Alex. She left her. Why did Alex leave her? What did she do wrong?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Tim's room. Last I heard, anyway.

She should be. Heaven's sakes, she can't pick her up. This will make her late, she can't be.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'm not.

She lied. Hang up. She can't be trusted. No one can be trusted. She left you. You were unable to protect yourself, and she left you. Jeremiah wouldn't. You know that.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Do you remember anything?

Pick her up. We'll be late. He told us directly not to be late, do you know what'll happen?

Do you need me to come get you?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I remember being really upset.

Her voice is shaky.

I remember you leaving. I don't know why.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'll come get you, if you need it. I had to go to work, being late would cause problems and you were regressed, i think Tim said. ...

She was already turning onto the freeway. She could pick her up. She left her, she's responsible for picking her up. No one can stop her, and no one's there to stop her. He doesn't know when she's to get back. It's fine.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

no, no you don't- i can handle it, i'm fine.

don't let her leave you again.

i'm fine.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let me come get you, Tabi, I feel awful. I can drop you off at the shop, or the apartment, doesn't matter.

She lights up a cigarette, rolling the window down. It doesn't soothe her as much as she'd like.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

The line clicks in response. Shit.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's speeding, now, once again praying to god that the only people on patrol would see that and look the other way. Soon enough, she's at the gates of the manor, wiping ash off her legs, nearly running to the doors.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim meets her at the door, hair soaking wet.

Your girl is gone. Must've slipped out while I was showering. Couldn't have gotten far, she's on foot.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Fuckin' great, question here, wae she not in yer room?

She looked stressed to the core, hand white knuckled on her cane. The accent change was even more concerning, what had her so worked up?

[mild-stalker-energy]

She was never in my room, she got taken downstairs after she fell asleep in the office.

Tim knows. He knows whats going on. He's a smart kid. He knows. Fuck, arsenic, he knows.

Look, I'll help you look. Can you call her?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She hung up on me, she prolly doesnae wanna pick up now. Who took her doonstairs?

He knows. Doesn't matter, we need to find Tabitha. We can't loose her. She's a liability what if she gets hurt?

[mild-stalker-energy]

Bruce did.

Tim says it carefully, like he knows Alex will be pissed at that.

He flew in about two hours ago.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

... Why!?

Why did he touch her? Why did he come back? Why did she leave? Why did he—

She pushes past the other, stalking into the house. Not trying to lose the boy just yet.

What made him think he could— she was terrified when she woke up!

[mild-stalker-energy]

He said he knew her, I figured you trusted her with him.

Tim follows shortly behind her, shutting the front door with his foot and catching the chair before the corner snags Alex's arm.

I think he's in the library.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I hardly trust 'er wit anyone, you being an exception because I was in a pinch and yer capable.

She tries to reel herself back in , heading down the winding halls to the library. I don't wannae talk to im, that's yer job—... Hey, we don't have a choice right now. She could be getting hurt, and I can't find her. He needs to know not to interact with her without me there. God, you know how scared she'd be.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Noted. I'll go looking. Keep your ringer on.

Tim turns back, the front door slamming.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She bursts into the library, eyes shrinking obscenely when they lock on Bruce, sitting on his desk, calm, focused.

You moved Dorey, and she ran. What gave you the brilliant idea that you could touch her?!

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you-

Bruce pauses, registering what she said.

She's gone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes! I knew she'd be upset that I wasn't there when she woke up, and I was under the impression that Tim being there would fix that! You moved her to wherever the fuck, and she woke up alone and bolted!

She was sure anyone in the manor could hear her, and she was sure she didn't really care right now. She did sound a tad anxious for her liking, though.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, darling, take a deep breath.

He stands, hands coming to her own.

We'll find her. She couldn't've gone far.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She doesnae wonna talk tae me, she bolted off and I bet you more than this god damn house costs that she's headed to Arkham about it. You're screwy if you think I want to face Dr. Fuckin' Wanna-Do to get my daughter back.

He tears his hands away from the others', glancing at the wristwatch on the other, a look of mild distress washing across his face. Late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

Deep breath. In. Out. Bruce looks at her expression, at her watch, and back to her eyes.

My love. I need you to slow down with me.

God, he sounds like he's worried she'll break. She might.

Dorey is going to be okay. We're gonna go look. I'll come with you in the car, okay? We'll cover more ground with it.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She won't talk to me, Bruce, if I come looking she'll run harder.

He scoffs, backing up. Late. He's already late, because of the idiot in front of him.

I left her. I left her, and she was moved, and she doesn't trust me anymore, dickhead. She doesn't want to see me.

[justice-in-black]

It won't hurt to try.

God, he messed up. He was just- He thought- he assumed she'd be alright.

Would you be willing to look, just in case? Maybe she's cooled off.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Bruce, you don't get it. She is the closest thing to me you can get. I know her and I know she isn't going to forgive and forget. I abandoned her. She doesn't want that to happen again.

She spins around, out the doors. She's so late, and she's already succeeded in pushing Tabi away. Maybe that was Jon's plan. He runs cold hands through his hair and tugs.

Jonny's gonna kill me. He won, I fell into his goddamn trap again— I'm late.

[justice-in-black]

Jon?

It feels like everything freezes.

What about him?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm late, he told me not to be late, I can't be—

She sounds terrified now, speedwalking down the hall, pain shooting up her leg with every step.

[justice-in-black]

Alex. Lexi. Baby. Please slow down.

He steps in front of her, holding onto her despite her attempts to get out.

Deep breaths, my love. Slow down.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let GO, I'm going to—

She tries to tear away again, he wont let go. His hands are warm, and she feels hot. You're going to get us caught, and then shot out back, Magpie, try harder. She rips away at the cost of her sleeves.

[justice-in-black]

Alex!

Bruce raised his voice. He never does that.

You need to calm the fuck down. Yes, you're late. You're not fixing that. Tabitha is gone, and you are her best bet on coming back.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's quiet. Why did he yell? Her eyes are glassy, maybe she's on FT again. She searches his face, thinking. Fine. Fine. I'm obviously not getting rid of him like this. Fine.

Okay. Fine. My car.

She storms outside. Her face is hot again, and now her face is wet. She wipes it off with the now torn sleeve, hardening her expression before getting behind the wheel.

[justice-in-black]

He gets in as well, and Alex can feel his eyes on her. He's worried as hell, its obvious.

She's alright. You're alright.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I lost her, he's gonna...

She trails off before she starts to cry again, silently. All she can see is Dorey running off, Dorey's torn apart body on the side of the road. She pulls out of the court. Tabitha is fine. You abandoned her, and all you're thinking about is your dead sister, you selfish prick? You need to lose Bruce, you're late.

She digs through the centre console, taking a moment, fumbling with something before pulling out her box of cigarettes

[justice-in-black]

You're not going to lose her. She's alright.

He wipes her cheeks carefully, making her look at him for a second.

We'll find her, Darling.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

And then what. Listen to her yell about how i abandoned her? Watch her run off to Jeremiah? Tell everyone why this.. God.

She lights up her smoke, cracking the window enough so smoke escapes on her side but not on B's.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alex's phone rings. It's tim.

I found her, she's with me. Pissed, though.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I assume she doesn't want to talk.

Stop your whining, of course she doesn't. Now you have Bruce with you, you're can't go straight home. You're dead.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She asked if you were okay.

He murmurs something to Tabitha away from the speaker.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure. I'm with Bruce, not sure what the plan from here is.

She doesn't want to talk to you, the manor isn't a great place to be. She turns, "accidentally" gets them stuck in traffic.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She said she wants to go home. Won't tell me where.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Probably the pottery shop. I can text you the address.

The car is near full of smoke now, and ash dangles from the half gone out cig. She almost takes it off with her hand before realizing Bruce was still with her. She flicks it out the window.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Theres shifting around on the other end of the phone, and Tabitha's voice rings through.

...Can you just come pick me up? I wanna go home.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure, of course, baby, where are you two?

There. Doesn't hate you. You can calm the fuck doon now.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...You're gonna be mad.

She doesn't wanna tell her. She's gonna make mom upset.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, baby. Let me come get you. I don't care where.

She puts the remaining ember out on her arm, turning onto a less busy street.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...I'll get Tim to text it to you.

She's not running from Tim. She trusts him? Sort of?

You're not upset with me?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, sweetheart. I'm just worried. I'm glad you're not too upset to talk to me. I'm sorry for leaving.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

mom, i messed up.

she sounds so scared. Is she scared of alex?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

How, Tabi, I don't think you did anything wrong?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'll tell you when you get here. I don't wanna say.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Okay. Get Tim to send me your location, babes, we'll be there soon.

[mild-stalker-energy]

[location shared]

They're at the Asylum. She was late.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

The chances she's seen Jeremiah were slim. She doesn't have to worry. She does a U-turn, glancing at Bruce before putting her eyes back on the road. She tenses as they drive past the turn to her apartment. Jon was waiting, she was late.

The silence in the car was heavy. There was a syringe in her sleeve from the centre console, and it weighed heavy. She couldn't put it back without suspicion.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim comes back on the phone.

Hey, am I on speakerphone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Now you are.

She places her phone on the dash.

[mild-stalker-energy]

I think Bruce should walk home with me. Or at least let me ride in the backseat with Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Your choice.

Her rhythmic tapping gets more erratic the closer they get to Arkham island. Late. Late.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tabitha's choice.

Bruce glances at Alex, but stays quiet. He already made a mistake tonight.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You tell her that, then. That can be discussed between the two of you.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alright, I'll see you when I see you.

Tim hangs up, and the car falls back into that charged silence.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She has no reason to drug him anymore, he's given up on being irritating. How to discard the syringe....

She flicks on the radio. Static over silence.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce turns it off.

Her name is Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes. It is.

The plastic digs into her arm.

[justice-in-black]

So who the hell is Dorey.

Bruce doesn't appreciate being lied to.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

My little sister. It was the first name I could come up with.

She mutters, stopping in time with the cars in front of her.

[justice-in-black]

You never told me you had a sister.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Never came up.

She glances at him out of the corner of the eye. The gall he has to sound hurt.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you never tell me anything. You didn't tell me about Tabitha when she first showed up, you didn't tell me about tonight, you never told me any of this. Am I that expendable, that you think I don't deserve to know what's going on with my own girlfriend?

He mutters.

Jesus christ, Alex, she's a kid. You can't put her in danger like this, all because you want to hide your stupid fucking safehouses.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You're being dense, Bruce, I get that you have to know every fucking thing all the time to feel in control but I can't tell you everything. It's not safe to tell you everything. I did what I thought I needed to do and you messed with it without asking.

Pissing me off. Reminding me that he's just a spoiled little control freak, why are you with him?! You're making it worse by being harsh. Shut up.

[justice-in-black]

You left your daughter in my house. Being babysat by my teenaged son. On the couch in my office.

he gets louder.

Goddamnit Alex, you can barely take care of yourself, let alone her. Maybe it was a good thing she ran off. Maybe you'll wake up.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't need to fucking wake up, Wayne, you cannot police the only smart decision I made today. I dropped her with Tim because it was the safest shit I could do.

Don't tell me about my own fucking daughter, you cannot provide us safety and resource and judge me for using it you son of a fuck—

[justice-in-black]

Why was she unsafe at your house, Alex? or at the pottery shop? She lives in a fucking pottery shop, Alexander.

I understand that you feel guilty because Jonathan hurt her, but you aren't helping. You aren't. She ran to Arkham because she's too dependent on you.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I am helping, she ran because you scared her. Dependency does not cause you to run, if she was dependent she would have stayed in the damn room you put her in! Don't talk to me about fucking dependency, and do not talk to me about Jonathan.

When the hell with this traffic clear up again? I just need him to shut up.

[justice-in-black]

Crane is dead, Alex. You need to get yourself together if you want that girl to be as safe as you think she is.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You need to get my husband's name out of your fucking mouth and let me help this kid the way I know will work.

Right, yeah, let the man who "raised" Jason give us parenting tips. Fucking entitled ass...

[justice-in-black]

Your husband treated you like a labrat, Alex. I'm trying to help here, and you won't give me anything. Do you even care about her? Or is it just to have something of his back?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes, I care, you hypocritical dimwit, how selfish do you think I am?! If I didn't, I would've left her at home where she'd probably be dosed into oblivion! Because I didn't, now I have to deal with you because you made it look like I fucking abandoned her in a bigass basement, or-or left her to die or something!! She walked to Arkham! Now Jeremiah has leverage, and Tim probably knows everything. Just because you thought a girl you barely know shit about trusted you.

The syringe weighs heavily in her sleeve. He knows too much, he can piece it together. He's going to ask questions. I'm so goddamn late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

He sighs.

I didn't expect her to trust me. I expected you to trust me.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm not the problem here. My trust is dwindling by the minute because you think mine matters more than hers.

She misses the next turn. She curses and groans.

[justice-in-black]

Alex I didn't even know she existed before last month.

He sighs.

My love. I cannot keep running in circles with you. I can't just- just ignore the fact that I know nothing about you. It's.. I can't. I'm sorry. I need to know who I'm in love with. I don't even know your favorite meal, Lexi. It's not fair to me.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't know what to tell you, B, it'd be easier if you'd just ask. It'd be easier if I knew.

She turns , the bridge comes into view. Finally. Maybe 10 minutes before she can dump him off with Tim, or whatever Tabi decides.

[justice-in-black]

It'd be easier if I knew how to ask, Alex, but you give me nothing. I just want to be with you, without the interrogation. Can't I have that?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Driving home, stressing. Late. She'll be late. She can't be late. What if she's late? Her phone pings. God. No, please— Tabitha. She's going to be late. Not going to leave Tabi on read.

Are you okay?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

where the fuck am i??

Tabitha's scared. she's so, so scared and so alone and so very cold. She trusted Alex. She left her. Why did Alex leave her? What did she do wrong?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Tim's room. Last I heard, anyway.

She should be. Heaven's sakes, she can't pick her up. This will make her late, she can't be.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'm not.

She lied. Hang up. She can't be trusted. No one can be trusted. She left you. You were unable to protect yourself, and she left you. Jeremiah wouldn't. You know that.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Do you remember anything?

Pick her up. We'll be late. He told us directly not to be late, do you know what'll happen?

Do you need me to come get you?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I remember being really upset.

Her voice is shaky.

I remember you leaving. I don't know why.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'll come get you, if you need it. I had to go to work, being late would cause problems and you were regressed, i think Tim said. ...

She was already turning onto the freeway. She could pick her up. She left her, she's responsible for picking her up. No one can stop her, and no one's there to stop her. He doesn't know when she's to get back. It's fine.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

no, no you don't- i can handle it, i'm fine.

don't let her leave you again.

i'm fine.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let me come get you, Tabi, I feel awful. I can drop you off at the shop, or the apartment, doesn't matter.

She lights up a cigarette, rolling the window down. It doesn't soothe her as much as she'd like.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

The line clicks in response. Shit.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's speeding, now, once again praying to god that the only people on patrol would see that and look the other way. Soon enough, she's at the gates of the manor, wiping ash off her legs, nearly running to the doors.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim meets her at the door, hair soaking wet.

Your girl is gone. Must've slipped out while I was showering. Couldn't have gotten far, she's on foot.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Fuckin' great, question here, wae she not in yer room?

She looked stressed to the core, hand white knuckled on her cane. The accent change was even more concerning, what had her so worked up?

[mild-stalker-energy]

She was never in my room, she got taken downstairs after she fell asleep in the office.

Tim knows. He knows whats going on. He's a smart kid. He knows. Fuck, arsenic, he knows.

Look, I'll help you look. Can you call her?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She hung up on me, she prolly doesnae wanna pick up now. Who took her doonstairs?

He knows. Doesn't matter, we need to find Tabitha. We can't loose her. She's a liability what if she gets hurt?

[mild-stalker-energy]

Bruce did.

Tim says it carefully, like he knows Alex will be pissed at that.

He flew in about two hours ago.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

... Why!?

Why did he touch her? Why did he come back? Why did she leave? Why did he—

She pushes past the other, stalking into the house. Not trying to lose the boy just yet.

What made him think he could— she was terrified when she woke up!

[mild-stalker-energy]

He said he knew her, I figured you trusted her with him.

Tim follows shortly behind her, shutting the front door with his foot and catching the chair before the corner snags Alex's arm.

I think he's in the library.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I hardly trust 'er wit anyone, you being an exception because I was in a pinch and yer capable.

She tries to reel herself back in , heading down the winding halls to the library. I don't wannae talk to im, that's yer job—... Hey, we don't have a choice right now. She could be getting hurt, and I can't find her. He needs to know not to interact with her without me there. God, you know how scared she'd be.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Noted. I'll go looking. Keep your ringer on.

Tim turns back, the front door slamming.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She bursts into the library, eyes shrinking obscenely when they lock on Bruce, sitting on his desk, calm, focused.

You moved Dorey, and she ran. What gave you the brilliant idea that you could touch her?!

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you-

Bruce pauses, registering what she said.

She's gone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes! I knew she'd be upset that I wasn't there when she woke up, and I was under the impression that Tim being there would fix that! You moved her to wherever the fuck, and she woke up alone and bolted!

She was sure anyone in the manor could hear her, and she was sure she didn't really care right now. She did sound a tad anxious for her liking, though.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, darling, take a deep breath.

He stands, hands coming to her own.

We'll find her. She couldn't've gone far.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She doesnae wonna talk tae me, she bolted off and I bet you more than this god damn house costs that she's headed to Arkham about it. You're screwy if you think I want to face Dr. Fuckin' Wanna-Do to get my daughter back.

He tears his hands away from the others', glancing at the wristwatch on the other, a look of mild distress washing across his face. Late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

Deep breath. In. Out. Bruce looks at her expression, at her watch, and back to her eyes.

My love. I need you to slow down with me.

God, he sounds like he's worried she'll break. She might.

Dorey is going to be okay. We're gonna go look. I'll come with you in the car, okay? We'll cover more ground with it.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She won't talk to me, Bruce, if I come looking she'll run harder.

He scoffs, backing up. Late. He's already late, because of the idiot in front of him.

I left her. I left her, and she was moved, and she doesn't trust me anymore, dickhead. She doesn't want to see me.

[justice-in-black]

It won't hurt to try.

God, he messed up. He was just- He thought- he assumed she'd be alright.

Would you be willing to look, just in case? Maybe she's cooled off.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Bruce, you don't get it. She is the closest thing to me you can get. I know her and I know she isn't going to forgive and forget. I abandoned her. She doesn't want that to happen again.

She spins around, out the doors. She's so late, and she's already succeeded in pushing Tabi away. Maybe that was Jon's plan. He runs cold hands through his hair and tugs.

Jonny's gonna kill me. He won, I fell into his goddamn trap again— I'm late.

[justice-in-black]

Jon?

It feels like everything freezes.

What about him?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm late, he told me not to be late, I can't be—

She sounds terrified now, speedwalking down the hall, pain shooting up her leg with every step.

[justice-in-black]

Alex. Lexi. Baby. Please slow down.

He steps in front of her, holding onto her despite her attempts to get out.

Deep breaths, my love. Slow down.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let GO, I'm going to—

She tries to tear away again, he wont let go. His hands are warm, and she feels hot. You're going to get us caught, and then shot out back, Magpie, try harder. She rips away at the cost of her sleeves.

[justice-in-black]

Alex!

Bruce raised his voice. He never does that.

You need to calm the fuck down. Yes, you're late. You're not fixing that. Tabitha is gone, and you are her best bet on coming back.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's quiet. Why did he yell? Her eyes are glassy, maybe she's on FT again. She searches his face, thinking. Fine. Fine. I'm obviously not getting rid of him like this. Fine.

Okay. Fine. My car.

She storms outside. Her face is hot again, and now her face is wet. She wipes it off with the now torn sleeve, hardening her expression before getting behind the wheel.

[justice-in-black]

He gets in as well, and Alex can feel his eyes on her. He's worried as hell, its obvious.

She's alright. You're alright.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I lost her, he's gonna...

She trails off before she starts to cry again, silently. All she can see is Dorey running off, Dorey's torn apart body on the side of the road. She pulls out of the court. Tabitha is fine. You abandoned her, and all you're thinking about is your dead sister, you selfish prick? You need to lose Bruce, you're late.

She digs through the centre console, taking a moment, fumbling with something before pulling out her box of cigarettes

[justice-in-black]

You're not going to lose her. She's alright.

He wipes her cheeks carefully, making her look at him for a second.

We'll find her, Darling.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

And then what. Listen to her yell about how i abandoned her? Watch her run off to Jeremiah? Tell everyone why this.. God.

She lights up her smoke, cracking the window enough so smoke escapes on her side but not on B's.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alex's phone rings. It's tim.

I found her, she's with me. Pissed, though.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I assume she doesn't want to talk.

Stop your whining, of course she doesn't. Now you have Bruce with you, you're can't go straight home. You're dead.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She asked if you were okay.

He murmurs something to Tabitha away from the speaker.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure. I'm with Bruce, not sure what the plan from here is.

She doesn't want to talk to you, the manor isn't a great place to be. She turns, "accidentally" gets them stuck in traffic.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She said she wants to go home. Won't tell me where.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Probably the pottery shop. I can text you the address.

The car is near full of smoke now, and ash dangles from the half gone out cig. She almost takes it off with her hand before realizing Bruce was still with her. She flicks it out the window.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Theres shifting around on the other end of the phone, and Tabitha's voice rings through.

...Can you just come pick me up? I wanna go home.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure, of course, baby, where are you two?

There. Doesn't hate you. You can calm the fuck doon now.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...You're gonna be mad.

She doesn't wanna tell her. She's gonna make mom upset.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, baby. Let me come get you. I don't care where.

She puts the remaining ember out on her arm, turning onto a less busy street.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...I'll get Tim to text it to you.

She's not running from Tim. She trusts him? Sort of?

You're not upset with me?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, sweetheart. I'm just worried. I'm glad you're not too upset to talk to me. I'm sorry for leaving.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

mom, i messed up.

she sounds so scared. Is she scared of alex?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

How, Tabi, I don't think you did anything wrong?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'll tell you when you get here. I don't wanna say.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Okay. Get Tim to send me your location, babes, we'll be there soon.

[mild-stalker-energy]

[location shared]

They're at the Asylum. She was late.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

The chances she's seen Jeremiah were slim. She doesn't have to worry. She does a U-turn, glancing at Bruce before putting her eyes back on the road. She tenses as they drive past the turn to her apartment. Jon was waiting, she was late.

The silence in the car was heavy. There was a syringe in her sleeve from the centre console, and it weighed heavy. She couldn't put it back without suspicion.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim comes back on the phone.

Hey, am I on speakerphone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Now you are.

She places her phone on the dash.

[mild-stalker-energy]

I think Bruce should walk home with me. Or at least let me ride in the backseat with Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Your choice.

Her rhythmic tapping gets more erratic the closer they get to Arkham island. Late. Late.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tabitha's choice.

Bruce glances at Alex, but stays quiet. He already made a mistake tonight.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You tell her that, then. That can be discussed between the two of you.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alright, I'll see you when I see you.

Tim hangs up, and the car falls back into that charged silence.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She has no reason to drug him anymore, he's given up on being irritating. How to discard the syringe....

She flicks on the radio. Static over silence.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce turns it off.

Her name is Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes. It is.

The plastic digs into her arm.

[justice-in-black]

So who the hell is Dorey.

Bruce doesn't appreciate being lied to.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

My little sister. It was the first name I could come up with.

She mutters, stopping in time with the cars in front of her.

[justice-in-black]

You never told me you had a sister.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Never came up.

She glances at him out of the corner of the eye. The gall he has to sound hurt.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you never tell me anything. You didn't tell me about Tabitha when she first showed up, you didn't tell me about tonight, you never told me any of this. Am I that expendable, that you think I don't deserve to know what's going on with my own girlfriend?

He mutters.

Jesus christ, Alex, she's a kid. You can't put her in danger like this, all because you want to hide your stupid fucking safehouses.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You're being dense, Bruce, I get that you have to know every fucking thing all the time to feel in control but I can't tell you everything. It's not safe to tell you everything. I did what I thought I needed to do and you messed with it without asking.

Pissing me off. Reminding me that he's just a spoiled little control freak, why are you with him?! You're making it worse by being harsh. Shut up.

[justice-in-black]

You left your daughter in my house. Being babysat by my teenaged son. On the couch in my office.

he gets louder.

Goddamnit Alex, you can barely take care of yourself, let alone her. Maybe it was a good thing she ran off. Maybe you'll wake up.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't need to fucking wake up, Wayne, you cannot police the only smart decision I made today. I dropped her with Tim because it was the safest shit I could do.

Don't tell me about my own fucking daughter, you cannot provide us safety and resource and judge me for using it you son of a fuck—

[justice-in-black]

Why was she unsafe at your house, Alex? or at the pottery shop? She lives in a fucking pottery shop, Alexander.

I understand that you feel guilty because Jonathan hurt her, but you aren't helping. You aren't. She ran to Arkham because she's too dependent on you.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I am helping, she ran because you scared her. Dependency does not cause you to run, if she was dependent she would have stayed in the damn room you put her in! Don't talk to me about fucking dependency, and do not talk to me about Jonathan.

When the hell with this traffic clear up again? I just need him to shut up.

[justice-in-black]

Crane is dead, Alex. You need to get yourself together if you want that girl to be as safe as you think she is.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You need to get my husband's name out of your fucking mouth and let me help this kid the way I know will work.

Right, yeah, let the man who "raised" Jason give us parenting tips. Fucking entitled ass...

[justice-in-black]

Your husband treated you like a labrat, Alex. I'm trying to help here, and you won't give me anything. Do you even care about her? Or is it just to have something of his back?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes, I care, you hypocritical dimwit, how selfish do you think I am?! If I didn't, I would've left her at home where she'd probably be dosed into oblivion! Because I didn't, now I have to deal with you because you made it look like I fucking abandoned her in a bigass basement, or-or left her to die or something!! She walked to Arkham! Now Jeremiah has leverage, and Tim probably knows everything. Just because you thought a girl you barely know shit about trusted you.

The syringe weighs heavily in her sleeve. He knows too much, he can piece it together. He's going to ask questions. I'm so goddamn late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

He sighs.

I didn't expect her to trust me. I expected you to trust me.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm not the problem here. My trust is dwindling by the minute because you think mine matters more than hers.

She misses the next turn. She curses and groans.

[justice-in-black]

Alex I didn't even know she existed before last month.

He sighs.

My love. I cannot keep running in circles with you. I can't just- just ignore the fact that I know nothing about you. It's.. I can't. I'm sorry. I need to know who I'm in love with. I don't even know your favorite meal, Lexi. It's not fair to me.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Driving home, stressing. Late. She'll be late. She can't be late. What if she's late? Her phone pings. God. No, please— Tabitha. She's going to be late. Not going to leave Tabi on read.

Are you okay?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

where the fuck am i??

Tabitha's scared. she's so, so scared and so alone and so very cold. She trusted Alex. She left her. Why did Alex leave her? What did she do wrong?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Tim's room. Last I heard, anyway.

She should be. Heaven's sakes, she can't pick her up. This will make her late, she can't be.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'm not.

She lied. Hang up. She can't be trusted. No one can be trusted. She left you. You were unable to protect yourself, and she left you. Jeremiah wouldn't. You know that.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Do you remember anything?

Pick her up. We'll be late. He told us directly not to be late, do you know what'll happen?

Do you need me to come get you?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I remember being really upset.

Her voice is shaky.

I remember you leaving. I don't know why.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'll come get you, if you need it. I had to go to work, being late would cause problems and you were regressed, i think Tim said. ...

She was already turning onto the freeway. She could pick her up. She left her, she's responsible for picking her up. No one can stop her, and no one's there to stop her. He doesn't know when she's to get back. It's fine.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

no, no you don't- i can handle it, i'm fine.

don't let her leave you again.

i'm fine.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let me come get you, Tabi, I feel awful. I can drop you off at the shop, or the apartment, doesn't matter.

She lights up a cigarette, rolling the window down. It doesn't soothe her as much as she'd like.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

The line clicks in response. Shit.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's speeding, now, once again praying to god that the only people on patrol would see that and look the other way. Soon enough, she's at the gates of the manor, wiping ash off her legs, nearly running to the doors.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim meets her at the door, hair soaking wet.

Your girl is gone. Must've slipped out while I was showering. Couldn't have gotten far, she's on foot.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Fuckin' great, question here, wae she not in yer room?

She looked stressed to the core, hand white knuckled on her cane. The accent change was even more concerning, what had her so worked up?

[mild-stalker-energy]

She was never in my room, she got taken downstairs after she fell asleep in the office.

Tim knows. He knows whats going on. He's a smart kid. He knows. Fuck, arsenic, he knows.

Look, I'll help you look. Can you call her?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She hung up on me, she prolly doesnae wanna pick up now. Who took her doonstairs?

He knows. Doesn't matter, we need to find Tabitha. We can't loose her. She's a liability what if she gets hurt?

[mild-stalker-energy]

Bruce did.

Tim says it carefully, like he knows Alex will be pissed at that.

He flew in about two hours ago.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

... Why!?

Why did he touch her? Why did he come back? Why did she leave? Why did he—

She pushes past the other, stalking into the house. Not trying to lose the boy just yet.

What made him think he could— she was terrified when she woke up!

[mild-stalker-energy]

He said he knew her, I figured you trusted her with him.

Tim follows shortly behind her, shutting the front door with his foot and catching the chair before the corner snags Alex's arm.

I think he's in the library.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I hardly trust 'er wit anyone, you being an exception because I was in a pinch and yer capable.

She tries to reel herself back in , heading down the winding halls to the library. I don't wannae talk to im, that's yer job—... Hey, we don't have a choice right now. She could be getting hurt, and I can't find her. He needs to know not to interact with her without me there. God, you know how scared she'd be.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Noted. I'll go looking. Keep your ringer on.

Tim turns back, the front door slamming.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She bursts into the library, eyes shrinking obscenely when they lock on Bruce, sitting on his desk, calm, focused.

You moved Dorey, and she ran. What gave you the brilliant idea that you could touch her?!

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you-

Bruce pauses, registering what she said.

She's gone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes! I knew she'd be upset that I wasn't there when she woke up, and I was under the impression that Tim being there would fix that! You moved her to wherever the fuck, and she woke up alone and bolted!

She was sure anyone in the manor could hear her, and she was sure she didn't really care right now. She did sound a tad anxious for her liking, though.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, darling, take a deep breath.

He stands, hands coming to her own.

We'll find her. She couldn't've gone far.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She doesnae wonna talk tae me, she bolted off and I bet you more than this god damn house costs that she's headed to Arkham about it. You're screwy if you think I want to face Dr. Fuckin' Wanna-Do to get my daughter back.

He tears his hands away from the others', glancing at the wristwatch on the other, a look of mild distress washing across his face. Late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

Deep breath. In. Out. Bruce looks at her expression, at her watch, and back to her eyes.

My love. I need you to slow down with me.

God, he sounds like he's worried she'll break. She might.

Dorey is going to be okay. We're gonna go look. I'll come with you in the car, okay? We'll cover more ground with it.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She won't talk to me, Bruce, if I come looking she'll run harder.

He scoffs, backing up. Late. He's already late, because of the idiot in front of him.

I left her. I left her, and she was moved, and she doesn't trust me anymore, dickhead. She doesn't want to see me.

[justice-in-black]

It won't hurt to try.

God, he messed up. He was just- He thought- he assumed she'd be alright.

Would you be willing to look, just in case? Maybe she's cooled off.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Bruce, you don't get it. She is the closest thing to me you can get. I know her and I know she isn't going to forgive and forget. I abandoned her. She doesn't want that to happen again.

She spins around, out the doors. She's so late, and she's already succeeded in pushing Tabi away. Maybe that was Jon's plan. He runs cold hands through his hair and tugs.

Jonny's gonna kill me. He won, I fell into his goddamn trap again— I'm late.

[justice-in-black]

Jon?

It feels like everything freezes.

What about him?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm late, he told me not to be late, I can't be—

She sounds terrified now, speedwalking down the hall, pain shooting up her leg with every step.

[justice-in-black]

Alex. Lexi. Baby. Please slow down.

He steps in front of her, holding onto her despite her attempts to get out.

Deep breaths, my love. Slow down.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let GO, I'm going to—

She tries to tear away again, he wont let go. His hands are warm, and she feels hot. You're going to get us caught, and then shot out back, Magpie, try harder. She rips away at the cost of her sleeves.

[justice-in-black]

Alex!

Bruce raised his voice. He never does that.

You need to calm the fuck down. Yes, you're late. You're not fixing that. Tabitha is gone, and you are her best bet on coming back.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's quiet. Why did he yell? Her eyes are glassy, maybe she's on FT again. She searches his face, thinking. Fine. Fine. I'm obviously not getting rid of him like this. Fine.

Okay. Fine. My car.

She storms outside. Her face is hot again, and now her face is wet. She wipes it off with the now torn sleeve, hardening her expression before getting behind the wheel.

[justice-in-black]

He gets in as well, and Alex can feel his eyes on her. He's worried as hell, its obvious.

She's alright. You're alright.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I lost her, he's gonna...

She trails off before she starts to cry again, silently. All she can see is Dorey running off, Dorey's torn apart body on the side of the road. She pulls out of the court. Tabitha is fine. You abandoned her, and all you're thinking about is your dead sister, you selfish prick? You need to lose Bruce, you're late.

She digs through the centre console, taking a moment, fumbling with something before pulling out her box of cigarettes

[justice-in-black]

You're not going to lose her. She's alright.

He wipes her cheeks carefully, making her look at him for a second.

We'll find her, Darling.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

And then what. Listen to her yell about how i abandoned her? Watch her run off to Jeremiah? Tell everyone why this.. God.

She lights up her smoke, cracking the window enough so smoke escapes on her side but not on B's.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alex's phone rings. It's tim.

I found her, she's with me. Pissed, though.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I assume she doesn't want to talk.

Stop your whining, of course she doesn't. Now you have Bruce with you, you're can't go straight home. You're dead.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She asked if you were okay.

He murmurs something to Tabitha away from the speaker.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure. I'm with Bruce, not sure what the plan from here is.

She doesn't want to talk to you, the manor isn't a great place to be. She turns, "accidentally" gets them stuck in traffic.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She said she wants to go home. Won't tell me where.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Probably the pottery shop. I can text you the address.

The car is near full of smoke now, and ash dangles from the half gone out cig. She almost takes it off with her hand before realizing Bruce was still with her. She flicks it out the window.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Theres shifting around on the other end of the phone, and Tabitha's voice rings through.

...Can you just come pick me up? I wanna go home.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure, of course, baby, where are you two?

There. Doesn't hate you. You can calm the fuck doon now.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...You're gonna be mad.

She doesn't wanna tell her. She's gonna make mom upset.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, baby. Let me come get you. I don't care where.

She puts the remaining ember out on her arm, turning onto a less busy street.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...I'll get Tim to text it to you.

She's not running from Tim. She trusts him? Sort of?

You're not upset with me?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, sweetheart. I'm just worried. I'm glad you're not too upset to talk to me. I'm sorry for leaving.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

mom, i messed up.

she sounds so scared. Is she scared of alex?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

How, Tabi, I don't think you did anything wrong?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'll tell you when you get here. I don't wanna say.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Okay. Get Tim to send me your location, babes, we'll be there soon.

[mild-stalker-energy]

[location shared]

They're at the Asylum. She was late.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

The chances she's seen Jeremiah were slim. She doesn't have to worry. She does a U-turn, glancing at Bruce before putting her eyes back on the road. She tenses as they drive past the turn to her apartment. Jon was waiting, she was late.

The silence in the car was heavy. There was a syringe in her sleeve from the centre console, and it weighed heavy. She couldn't put it back without suspicion.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim comes back on the phone.

Hey, am I on speakerphone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Now you are.

She places her phone on the dash.

[mild-stalker-energy]

I think Bruce should walk home with me. Or at least let me ride in the backseat with Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Your choice.

Her rhythmic tapping gets more erratic the closer they get to Arkham island. Late. Late.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tabitha's choice.

Bruce glances at Alex, but stays quiet. He already made a mistake tonight.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You tell her that, then. That can be discussed between the two of you.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alright, I'll see you when I see you.

Tim hangs up, and the car falls back into that charged silence.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She has no reason to drug him anymore, he's given up on being irritating. How to discard the syringe....

She flicks on the radio. Static over silence.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce turns it off.

Her name is Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes. It is.

The plastic digs into her arm.

[justice-in-black]

So who the hell is Dorey.

Bruce doesn't appreciate being lied to.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

My little sister. It was the first name I could come up with.

She mutters, stopping in time with the cars in front of her.

[justice-in-black]

You never told me you had a sister.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Never came up.

She glances at him out of the corner of the eye. The gall he has to sound hurt.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you never tell me anything. You didn't tell me about Tabitha when she first showed up, you didn't tell me about tonight, you never told me any of this. Am I that expendable, that you think I don't deserve to know what's going on with my own girlfriend?

He mutters.

Jesus christ, Alex, she's a kid. You can't put her in danger like this, all because you want to hide your stupid fucking safehouses.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You're being dense, Bruce, I get that you have to know every fucking thing all the time to feel in control but I can't tell you everything. It's not safe to tell you everything. I did what I thought I needed to do and you messed with it without asking.

Pissing me off. Reminding me that he's just a spoiled little control freak, why are you with him?! You're making it worse by being harsh. Shut up.

[justice-in-black]

You left your daughter in my house. Being babysat by my teenaged son. On the couch in my office.

he gets louder.

Goddamnit Alex, you can barely take care of yourself, let alone her. Maybe it was a good thing she ran off. Maybe you'll wake up.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't need to fucking wake up, Wayne, you cannot police the only smart decision I made today. I dropped her with Tim because it was the safest shit I could do.

Don't tell me about my own fucking daughter, you cannot provide us safety and resource and judge me for using it you son of a fuck—

[justice-in-black]

Why was she unsafe at your house, Alex? or at the pottery shop? She lives in a fucking pottery shop, Alexander.

I understand that you feel guilty because Jonathan hurt her, but you aren't helping. You aren't. She ran to Arkham because she's too dependent on you.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I am helping, she ran because you scared her. Dependency does not cause you to run, if she was dependent she would have stayed in the damn room you put her in! Don't talk to me about fucking dependency, and do not talk to me about Jonathan.

When the hell with this traffic clear up again? I just need him to shut up.

[justice-in-black]

Crane is dead, Alex. You need to get yourself together if you want that girl to be as safe as you think she is.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You need to get my husband's name out of your fucking mouth and let me help this kid the way I know will work.

Right, yeah, let the man who "raised" Jason give us parenting tips. Fucking entitled ass...

[justice-in-black]

Your husband treated you like a labrat, Alex. I'm trying to help here, and you won't give me anything. Do you even care about her? Or is it just to have something of his back?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes, I care, you hypocritical dimwit, how selfish do you think I am?! If I didn't, I would've left her at home where she'd probably be dosed into oblivion! Because I didn't, now I have to deal with you because you made it look like I fucking abandoned her in a bigass basement, or-or left her to die or something!! She walked to Arkham! Now Jeremiah has leverage, and Tim probably knows everything. Just because you thought a girl you barely know shit about trusted you.

The syringe weighs heavily in her sleeve. He knows too much, he can piece it together. He's going to ask questions. I'm so goddamn late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

He sighs.

I didn't expect her to trust me. I expected you to trust me.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Driving home, stressing. Late. She'll be late. She can't be late. What if she's late? Her phone pings. God. No, please— Tabitha. She's going to be late. Not going to leave Tabi on read.

Are you okay?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

where the fuck am i??

Tabitha's scared. she's so, so scared and so alone and so very cold. She trusted Alex. She left her. Why did Alex leave her? What did she do wrong?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Tim's room. Last I heard, anyway.

She should be. Heaven's sakes, she can't pick her up. This will make her late, she can't be.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'm not.

She lied. Hang up. She can't be trusted. No one can be trusted. She left you. You were unable to protect yourself, and she left you. Jeremiah wouldn't. You know that.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Do you remember anything?

Pick her up. We'll be late. He told us directly not to be late, do you know what'll happen?

Do you need me to come get you?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I remember being really upset.

Her voice is shaky.

I remember you leaving. I don't know why.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'll come get you, if you need it. I had to go to work, being late would cause problems and you were regressed, i think Tim said. ...

She was already turning onto the freeway. She could pick her up. She left her, she's responsible for picking her up. No one can stop her, and no one's there to stop her. He doesn't know when she's to get back. It's fine.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

no, no you don't- i can handle it, i'm fine.

don't let her leave you again.

i'm fine.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let me come get you, Tabi, I feel awful. I can drop you off at the shop, or the apartment, doesn't matter.

She lights up a cigarette, rolling the window down. It doesn't soothe her as much as she'd like.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

The line clicks in response. Shit.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's speeding, now, once again praying to god that the only people on patrol would see that and look the other way. Soon enough, she's at the gates of the manor, wiping ash off her legs, nearly running to the doors.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim meets her at the door, hair soaking wet.

Your girl is gone. Must've slipped out while I was showering. Couldn't have gotten far, she's on foot.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Fuckin' great, question here, wae she not in yer room?

She looked stressed to the core, hand white knuckled on her cane. The accent change was even more concerning, what had her so worked up?

[mild-stalker-energy]

She was never in my room, she got taken downstairs after she fell asleep in the office.

Tim knows. He knows whats going on. He's a smart kid. He knows. Fuck, arsenic, he knows.

Look, I'll help you look. Can you call her?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She hung up on me, she prolly doesnae wanna pick up now. Who took her doonstairs?

He knows. Doesn't matter, we need to find Tabitha. We can't loose her. She's a liability what if she gets hurt?

[mild-stalker-energy]

Bruce did.

Tim says it carefully, like he knows Alex will be pissed at that.

He flew in about two hours ago.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

... Why!?

Why did he touch her? Why did he come back? Why did she leave? Why did he—

She pushes past the other, stalking into the house. Not trying to lose the boy just yet.

What made him think he could— she was terrified when she woke up!

[mild-stalker-energy]

He said he knew her, I figured you trusted her with him.

Tim follows shortly behind her, shutting the front door with his foot and catching the chair before the corner snags Alex's arm.

I think he's in the library.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I hardly trust 'er wit anyone, you being an exception because I was in a pinch and yer capable.

She tries to reel herself back in , heading down the winding halls to the library. I don't wannae talk to im, that's yer job—... Hey, we don't have a choice right now. She could be getting hurt, and I can't find her. He needs to know not to interact with her without me there. God, you know how scared she'd be.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Noted. I'll go looking. Keep your ringer on.

Tim turns back, the front door slamming.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She bursts into the library, eyes shrinking obscenely when they lock on Bruce, sitting on his desk, calm, focused.

You moved Dorey, and she ran. What gave you the brilliant idea that you could touch her?!

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you-

Bruce pauses, registering what she said.

She's gone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes! I knew she'd be upset that I wasn't there when she woke up, and I was under the impression that Tim being there would fix that! You moved her to wherever the fuck, and she woke up alone and bolted!

She was sure anyone in the manor could hear her, and she was sure she didn't really care right now. She did sound a tad anxious for her liking, though.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, darling, take a deep breath.

He stands, hands coming to her own.

We'll find her. She couldn't've gone far.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She doesnae wonna talk tae me, she bolted off and I bet you more than this god damn house costs that she's headed to Arkham about it. You're screwy if you think I want to face Dr. Fuckin' Wanna-Do to get my daughter back.

He tears his hands away from the others', glancing at the wristwatch on the other, a look of mild distress washing across his face. Late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

Deep breath. In. Out. Bruce looks at her expression, at her watch, and back to her eyes.

My love. I need you to slow down with me.

God, he sounds like he's worried she'll break. She might.

Dorey is going to be okay. We're gonna go look. I'll come with you in the car, okay? We'll cover more ground with it.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She won't talk to me, Bruce, if I come looking she'll run harder.

He scoffs, backing up. Late. He's already late, because of the idiot in front of him.

I left her. I left her, and she was moved, and she doesn't trust me anymore, dickhead. She doesn't want to see me.

[justice-in-black]

It won't hurt to try.

God, he messed up. He was just- He thought- he assumed she'd be alright.

Would you be willing to look, just in case? Maybe she's cooled off.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Bruce, you don't get it. She is the closest thing to me you can get. I know her and I know she isn't going to forgive and forget. I abandoned her. She doesn't want that to happen again.

She spins around, out the doors. She's so late, and she's already succeeded in pushing Tabi away. Maybe that was Jon's plan. He runs cold hands through his hair and tugs.

Jonny's gonna kill me. He won, I fell into his goddamn trap again— I'm late.

[justice-in-black]

Jon?

It feels like everything freezes.

What about him?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm late, he told me not to be late, I can't be—

She sounds terrified now, speedwalking down the hall, pain shooting up her leg with every step.

[justice-in-black]

Alex. Lexi. Baby. Please slow down.

He steps in front of her, holding onto her despite her attempts to get out.

Deep breaths, my love. Slow down.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let GO, I'm going to—

She tries to tear away again, he wont let go. His hands are warm, and she feels hot. You're going to get us caught, and then shot out back, Magpie, try harder. She rips away at the cost of her sleeves.

[justice-in-black]

Alex!

Bruce raised his voice. He never does that.

You need to calm the fuck down. Yes, you're late. You're not fixing that. Tabitha is gone, and you are her best bet on coming back.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's quiet. Why did he yell? Her eyes are glassy, maybe she's on FT again. She searches his face, thinking. Fine. Fine. I'm obviously not getting rid of him like this. Fine.

Okay. Fine. My car.

She storms outside. Her face is hot again, and now her face is wet. She wipes it off with the now torn sleeve, hardening her expression before getting behind the wheel.

[justice-in-black]

He gets in as well, and Alex can feel his eyes on her. He's worried as hell, its obvious.

She's alright. You're alright.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I lost her, he's gonna...

She trails off before she starts to cry again, silently. All she can see is Dorey running off, Dorey's torn apart body on the side of the road. She pulls out of the court. Tabitha is fine. You abandoned her, and all you're thinking about is your dead sister, you selfish prick? You need to lose Bruce, you're late.

She digs through the centre console, taking a moment, fumbling with something before pulling out her box of cigarettes

[justice-in-black]

You're not going to lose her. She's alright.

He wipes her cheeks carefully, making her look at him for a second.

We'll find her, Darling.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

And then what. Listen to her yell about how i abandoned her? Watch her run off to Jeremiah? Tell everyone why this.. God.

She lights up her smoke, cracking the window enough so smoke escapes on her side but not on B's.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alex's phone rings. It's tim.

I found her, she's with me. Pissed, though.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I assume she doesn't want to talk.

Stop your whining, of course she doesn't. Now you have Bruce with you, you're can't go straight home. You're dead.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She asked if you were okay.

He murmurs something to Tabitha away from the speaker.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure. I'm with Bruce, not sure what the plan from here is.

She doesn't want to talk to you, the manor isn't a great place to be. She turns, "accidentally" gets them stuck in traffic.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She said she wants to go home. Won't tell me where.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Probably the pottery shop. I can text you the address.

The car is near full of smoke now, and ash dangles from the half gone out cig. She almost takes it off with her hand before realizing Bruce was still with her. She flicks it out the window.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Theres shifting around on the other end of the phone, and Tabitha's voice rings through.

...Can you just come pick me up? I wanna go home.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure, of course, baby, where are you two?

There. Doesn't hate you. You can calm the fuck doon now.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...You're gonna be mad.

She doesn't wanna tell her. She's gonna make mom upset.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, baby. Let me come get you. I don't care where.

She puts the remaining ember out on her arm, turning onto a less busy street.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...I'll get Tim to text it to you.

She's not running from Tim. She trusts him? Sort of?

You're not upset with me?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, sweetheart. I'm just worried. I'm glad you're not too upset to talk to me. I'm sorry for leaving.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

mom, i messed up.

she sounds so scared. Is she scared of alex?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

How, Tabi, I don't think you did anything wrong?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'll tell you when you get here. I don't wanna say.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Okay. Get Tim to send me your location, babes, we'll be there soon.

[mild-stalker-energy]

[location shared]

They're at the Asylum. She was late.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

The chances she's seen Jeremiah were slim. She doesn't have to worry. She does a U-turn, glancing at Bruce before putting her eyes back on the road. She tenses as they drive past the turn to her apartment. Jon was waiting, she was late.

The silence in the car was heavy. There was a syringe in her sleeve from the centre console, and it weighed heavy. She couldn't put it back without suspicion.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim comes back on the phone.

Hey, am I on speakerphone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Now you are.

She places her phone on the dash.

[mild-stalker-energy]

I think Bruce should walk home with me. Or at least let me ride in the backseat with Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Your choice.

Her rhythmic tapping gets more erratic the closer they get to Arkham island. Late. Late.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tabitha's choice.

Bruce glances at Alex, but stays quiet. He already made a mistake tonight.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You tell her that, then. That can be discussed between the two of you.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alright, I'll see you when I see you.

Tim hangs up, and the car falls back into that charged silence.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She has no reason to drug him anymore, he's given up on being irritating. How to discard the syringe....

She flicks on the radio. Static over silence.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce turns it off.

Her name is Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes. It is.

The plastic digs into her arm.

[justice-in-black]

So who the hell is Dorey.

Bruce doesn't appreciate being lied to.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

My little sister. It was the first name I could come up with.

She mutters, stopping in time with the cars in front of her.

[justice-in-black]

You never told me you had a sister.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Never came up.

She glances at him out of the corner of the eye. The gall he has to sound hurt.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you never tell me anything. You didn't tell me about Tabitha when she first showed up, you didn't tell me about tonight, you never told me any of this. Am I that expendable, that you think I don't deserve to know what's going on with my own girlfriend?

He mutters.

Jesus christ, Alex, she's a kid. You can't put her in danger like this, all because you want to hide your stupid fucking safehouses.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You're being dense, Bruce, I get that you have to know every fucking thing all the time to feel in control but I can't tell you everything. It's not safe to tell you everything. I did what I thought I needed to do and you messed with it without asking.

Pissing me off. Reminding me that he's just a spoiled little control freak, why are you with him?! You're making it worse by being harsh. Shut up.

[justice-in-black]

You left your daughter in my house. Being babysat by my teenaged son. On the couch in my office.

he gets louder.

Goddamnit Alex, you can barely take care of yourself, let alone her. Maybe it was a good thing she ran off. Maybe you'll wake up.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't need to fucking wake up, Wayne, you cannot police the only smart decision I made today. I dropped her with Tim because it was the safest shit I could do.

Don't tell me about my own fucking daughter, you cannot provide us safety and resource and judge me for using it you son of a fuck—

[justice-in-black]

Why was she unsafe at your house, Alex? or at the pottery shop? She lives in a fucking pottery shop, Alexander.

I understand that you feel guilty because Jonathan hurt her, but you aren't helping. You aren't. She ran to Arkham because she's too dependent on you.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I am helping, she ran because you scared her. Dependency does not cause you to run, if she was dependent she would have stayed in the damn room you put her in! Don't talk to me about fucking dependency, and do not talk to me about Jonathan.

When the hell with this traffic clear up again? I just need him to shut up.

[justice-in-black]

Crane is dead, Alex. You need to get yourself together if you want that girl to be as safe as you think she is.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You need to get my husband's name out of your fucking mouth and let me help this kid the way I know will work.

Right, yeah, let the man who "raised" Jason give us parenting tips. Fucking entitled ass...

[justice-in-black]

Your husband treated you like a labrat, Alex. I'm trying to help here, and you won't give me anything. Do you even care about her? Or is it just to have something of his back?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Tabitha wakes up in a different room than she fell asleep in. The lights aren't warm, theres no hum of a computer to keep her company, no empty energy drinks scattered on the floor.

Instead, the room is lit up similar to a hospital. Cool LEDs are the only way she sees her surroundings. She still has her blanket, but theres a new pillow beneath her head. Most importantly: she doesn't know where the hell she is.

She needs her jacket. Her phone is in there. She needs Alex. or- or Jeremiah, Jon, somebody. She's not safe. She isn't.

@arsenicisntmagpie

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Driving home, stressing. Late. She'll be late. She can't be late. What if she's late? Her phone pings. God. No, please— Tabitha. She's going to be late. Not going to leave Tabi on read.

Are you okay?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

where the fuck am i??

Tabitha's scared. she's so, so scared and so alone and so very cold. She trusted Alex. She left her. Why did Alex leave her? What did she do wrong?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Tim's room. Last I heard, anyway.

She should be. Heaven's sakes, she can't pick her up. This will make her late, she can't be.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'm not.

She lied. Hang up. She can't be trusted. No one can be trusted. She left you. You were unable to protect yourself, and she left you. Jeremiah wouldn't. You know that.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Do you remember anything?

Pick her up. We'll be late. He told us directly not to be late, do you know what'll happen?

Do you need me to come get you?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I remember being really upset.

Her voice is shaky.

I remember you leaving. I don't know why.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'll come get you, if you need it. I had to go to work, being late would cause problems and you were regressed, i think Tim said. ...

She was already turning onto the freeway. She could pick her up. She left her, she's responsible for picking her up. No one can stop her, and no one's there to stop her. He doesn't know when she's to get back. It's fine.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

no, no you don't- i can handle it, i'm fine.

don't let her leave you again.

i'm fine.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let me come get you, Tabi, I feel awful. I can drop you off at the shop, or the apartment, doesn't matter.

She lights up a cigarette, rolling the window down. It doesn't soothe her as much as she'd like.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

The line clicks in response. Shit.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's speeding, now, once again praying to god that the only people on patrol would see that and look the other way. Soon enough, she's at the gates of the manor, wiping ash off her legs, nearly running to the doors.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim meets her at the door, hair soaking wet.

Your girl is gone. Must've slipped out while I was showering. Couldn't have gotten far, she's on foot.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Fuckin' great, question here, wae she not in yer room?

She looked stressed to the core, hand white knuckled on her cane. The accent change was even more concerning, what had her so worked up?

[mild-stalker-energy]

She was never in my room, she got taken downstairs after she fell asleep in the office.

Tim knows. He knows whats going on. He's a smart kid. He knows. Fuck, arsenic, he knows.

Look, I'll help you look. Can you call her?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She hung up on me, she prolly doesnae wanna pick up now. Who took her doonstairs?

He knows. Doesn't matter, we need to find Tabitha. We can't loose her. She's a liability what if she gets hurt?

[mild-stalker-energy]

Bruce did.

Tim says it carefully, like he knows Alex will be pissed at that.

He flew in about two hours ago.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

... Why!?

Why did he touch her? Why did he come back? Why did she leave? Why did he—

She pushes past the other, stalking into the house. Not trying to lose the boy just yet.

What made him think he could— she was terrified when she woke up!

[mild-stalker-energy]

He said he knew her, I figured you trusted her with him.

Tim follows shortly behind her, shutting the front door with his foot and catching the chair before the corner snags Alex's arm.

I think he's in the library.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I hardly trust 'er wit anyone, you being an exception because I was in a pinch and yer capable.

She tries to reel herself back in , heading down the winding halls to the library. I don't wannae talk to im, that's yer job—... Hey, we don't have a choice right now. She could be getting hurt, and I can't find her. He needs to know not to interact with her without me there. God, you know how scared she'd be.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Noted. I'll go looking. Keep your ringer on.

Tim turns back, the front door slamming.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She bursts into the library, eyes shrinking obscenely when they lock on Bruce, sitting on his desk, calm, focused.

You moved Dorey, and she ran. What gave you the brilliant idea that you could touch her?!

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you-

Bruce pauses, registering what she said.

She's gone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes! I knew she'd be upset that I wasn't there when she woke up, and I was under the impression that Tim being there would fix that! You moved her to wherever the fuck, and she woke up alone and bolted!

She was sure anyone in the manor could hear her, and she was sure she didn't really care right now. She did sound a tad anxious for her liking, though.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, darling, take a deep breath.

He stands, hands coming to her own.

We'll find her. She couldn't've gone far.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She doesnae wonna talk tae me, she bolted off and I bet you more than this god damn house costs that she's headed to Arkham about it. You're screwy if you think I want to face Dr. Fuckin' Wanna-Do to get my daughter back.

He tears his hands away from the others', glancing at the wristwatch on the other, a look of mild distress washing across his face. Late.

[justice-in-black]

Alex.

Deep breath. In. Out. Bruce looks at her expression, at her watch, and back to her eyes.

My love. I need you to slow down with me.

God, he sounds like he's worried she'll break. She might.

Dorey is going to be okay. We're gonna go look. I'll come with you in the car, okay? We'll cover more ground with it.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She won't talk to me, Bruce, if I come looking she'll run harder.

He scoffs, backing up. Late. He's already late, because of the idiot in front of him.

I left her. I left her, and she was moved, and she doesn't trust me anymore, dickhead. She doesn't want to see me.

[justice-in-black]

It won't hurt to try.

God, he messed up. He was just- He thought- he assumed she'd be alright.

Would you be willing to look, just in case? Maybe she's cooled off.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Bruce, you don't get it. She is the closest thing to me you can get. I know her and I know she isn't going to forgive and forget. I abandoned her. She doesn't want that to happen again.

She spins around, out the doors. She's so late, and she's already succeeded in pushing Tabi away. Maybe that was Jon's plan. He runs cold hands through his hair and tugs.

Jonny's gonna kill me. He won, I fell into his goddamn trap again— I'm late.

[justice-in-black]

Jon?

It feels like everything freezes.

What about him?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I'm late, he told me not to be late, I can't be—

She sounds terrified now, speedwalking down the hall, pain shooting up her leg with every step.

[justice-in-black]

Alex. Lexi. Baby. Please slow down.

He steps in front of her, holding onto her despite her attempts to get out.

Deep breaths, my love. Slow down.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Let GO, I'm going to—

She tries to tear away again, he wont let go. His hands are warm, and she feels hot. You're going to get us caught, and then shot out back, Magpie, try harder. She rips away at the cost of her sleeves.

[justice-in-black]

Alex!

Bruce raised his voice. He never does that.

You need to calm the fuck down. Yes, you're late. You're not fixing that. Tabitha is gone, and you are her best bet on coming back.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She's quiet. Why did he yell? Her eyes are glassy, maybe she's on FT again. She searches his face, thinking. Fine. Fine. I'm obviously not getting rid of him like this. Fine.

Okay. Fine. My car.

She storms outside. Her face is hot again, and now her face is wet. She wipes it off with the now torn sleeve, hardening her expression before getting behind the wheel.

[justice-in-black]

He gets in as well, and Alex can feel his eyes on her. He's worried as hell, its obvious.

She's alright. You're alright.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I lost her, he's gonna...

She trails off before she starts to cry again, silently. All she can see is Dorey running off, Dorey's torn apart body on the side of the road. She pulls out of the court. Tabitha is fine. You abandoned her, and all you're thinking about is your dead sister, you selfish prick? You need to lose Bruce, you're late.

She digs through the centre console, taking a moment, fumbling with something before pulling out her box of cigarettes

[justice-in-black]

You're not going to lose her. She's alright.

He wipes her cheeks carefully, making her look at him for a second.

We'll find her, Darling.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

And then what. Listen to her yell about how i abandoned her? Watch her run off to Jeremiah? Tell everyone why this.. God.

She lights up her smoke, cracking the window enough so smoke escapes on her side but not on B's.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alex's phone rings. It's tim.

I found her, she's with me. Pissed, though.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I assume she doesn't want to talk.

Stop your whining, of course she doesn't. Now you have Bruce with you, you're can't go straight home. You're dead.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She asked if you were okay.

He murmurs something to Tabitha away from the speaker.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure. I'm with Bruce, not sure what the plan from here is.

She doesn't want to talk to you, the manor isn't a great place to be. She turns, "accidentally" gets them stuck in traffic.

[mild-stalker-energy]

She said she wants to go home. Won't tell me where.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Probably the pottery shop. I can text you the address.

The car is near full of smoke now, and ash dangles from the half gone out cig. She almost takes it off with her hand before realizing Bruce was still with her. She flicks it out the window.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

Theres shifting around on the other end of the phone, and Tabitha's voice rings through.

...Can you just come pick me up? I wanna go home.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Sure, of course, baby, where are you two?

There. Doesn't hate you. You can calm the fuck doon now.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...You're gonna be mad.

She doesn't wanna tell her. She's gonna make mom upset.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, baby. Let me come get you. I don't care where.

She puts the remaining ember out on her arm, turning onto a less busy street.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

...I'll get Tim to text it to you.

She's not running from Tim. She trusts him? Sort of?

You're not upset with me?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

No, sweetheart. I'm just worried. I'm glad you're not too upset to talk to me. I'm sorry for leaving.

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

mom, i messed up.

she sounds so scared. Is she scared of alex?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

How, Tabi, I don't think you did anything wrong?

[stainedglass-mentalstate]

I'll tell you when you get here. I don't wanna say.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Okay. Get Tim to send me your location, babes, we'll be there soon.

[mild-stalker-energy]

[location shared]

They're at the Asylum. She was late.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

The chances she's seen Jeremiah were slim. She doesn't have to worry. She does a U-turn, glancing at Bruce before putting her eyes back on the road. She tenses as they drive past the turn to her apartment. Jon was waiting, she was late.

The silence in the car was heavy. There was a syringe in her sleeve from the centre console, and it weighed heavy. She couldn't put it back without suspicion.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tim comes back on the phone.

Hey, am I on speakerphone?

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Now you are.

She places her phone on the dash.

[mild-stalker-energy]

I think Bruce should walk home with me. Or at least let me ride in the backseat with Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Your choice.

Her rhythmic tapping gets more erratic the closer they get to Arkham island. Late. Late.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Tabitha's choice.

Bruce glances at Alex, but stays quiet. He already made a mistake tonight.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You tell her that, then. That can be discussed between the two of you.

[mild-stalker-energy]

Alright, I'll see you when I see you.

Tim hangs up, and the car falls back into that charged silence.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

She has no reason to drug him anymore, he's given up on being irritating. How to discard the syringe....

She flicks on the radio. Static over silence.

[justice-in-black]

Bruce turns it off.

Her name is Tabitha.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Yes. It is.

The plastic digs into her arm.

[justice-in-black]

So who the hell is Dorey.

Bruce doesn't appreciate being lied to.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

My little sister. It was the first name I could come up with.

She mutters, stopping in time with the cars in front of her.

[justice-in-black]

You never told me you had a sister.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

Never came up.

She glances at him out of the corner of the eye. The gall he has to sound hurt.

[justice-in-black]

Alex, you never tell me anything. You didn't tell me about Tabitha when she first showed up, you didn't tell me about tonight, you never told me any of this. Am I that expendable, that you think I don't deserve to know what's going on with my own girlfriend?

He mutters.

Jesus christ, Alex, she's a kid. You can't put her in danger like this, all because you want to hide your stupid fucking safehouses.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

You're being dense, Bruce, I get that you have to know every fucking thing all the time to feel in control but I can't tell you everything. It's not safe to tell you everything. I did what I thought I needed to do and you messed with it without asking.

Pissing me off. Reminding me that he's just a spoiled little control freak, why are you with him?! You're making it worse by being harsh. Shut up.

[justice-in-black]

You left your daughter in my house. Being babysat by my teenaged son. On the couch in my office.

he gets louder.

Goddamnit Alex, you can barely take care of yourself, let alone her. Maybe it was a good thing she ran off. Maybe you'll wake up.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I don't need to fucking wake up, Wayne, you cannot police the only smart decision I made today. I dropped her with Tim because it was the safest shit I could do.

Don't tell me about my own fucking daughter, you cannot provide us safety and resource and judge me for using it you son of a fuck—

[justice-in-black]

Why was she unsafe at your house, Alex? or at the pottery shop? She lives in a fucking pottery shop, Alexander.

I understand that you feel guilty because Jonathan hurt her, but you aren't helping. You aren't. She ran to Arkham because she's too dependent on you.

[arsenicisntmagpie]

I am helping, she ran because you scared her. Dependency does not cause you to run, if she was dependent she would have stayed in the damn room you put her in! Don't talk to me about fucking dependency, and do not talk to me about Jonathan.

When the hell with this traffic clear up again? I just need him to shut up.

[justice-in-black]

Crane is dead, Alex. You need to get yourself together if you want that girl to be as safe as you think she is.