I was running out of ideas. I'd tried everything—everything—to stop the aching feeling in my heart every time I looked at Dick. I wanted to move on, I really did, but when he said those sweet things, I found myself right back where I started. It was one step forward, seven steps back. My heart was just too full of love for him, and it was time to take drastic measures.

I was going full Batman mode: brooding, serious, with just a hint of teen angst to really drive it home.

Determined, I put on my most serious face as I headed downstairs, trying to look as emotionless as possible. Stepping into the kitchen, I stalked to my seat, sitting down slowly, my eyes sweeping the room like I was sizing up a villain.

"Miss Charlie, would you like your usual coffee?" Alfred asked, ever the proper butler.

"I'll take my coffee black today, Alfred," I said in my best no-nonsense voice, not breaking my scowl for even a second. If I kept this up much longer, I was sure my face would cramp.

"You hate black coffee," my father chimed in, not looking up from his newspaper as he sipped his own cup. "You said it tastes like tar and sadness."

"Well, I've changed my mind," I replied, turning my nose up. Alfred handed me the cup, one eyebrow raised, but he said nothing. I waited for the coffee to cool before taking a tentative sip, trying not to pull a face.

After two more agonizing sips, I couldn't take it anymore. "Okay, it's gross! It's really, really gross!" I groaned, rushing into the kitchen to grab the half-and-half from the fridge. I snatched up the sugar and French vanilla creamer, slinking back into the dining room with my head hung low.

As I fixed my coffee the way I liked it, I frowned at myself.

"Don't worry," Bruce said, standing to leave for work. "One day, tar and sadness will taste good."

Alfred shook his head as he watched my dad go. "I prefer tea over that disgusting drink any day," he added, before disappearing back into the kitchen.

I sat there, chin in hand, scowling at the wall. This whole brooding and serious thing was way harder than Bruce made it look.

"You know, Master Dick is already at the cave, so you can drop the act," Alfred said, his voice smug as he peeked back into the room. "Brooding is better left to Master Bruce, don't you think?"

"I thought I was doing a decent job," I mumbled into my coffee.

"Why don't you just tell the boy how you feel, Charlie? It would make your life a lot easier."

I bit my lip, staring down at my mug. "Alfred, he doesn't feel the same way," I muttered, feeling the tears welling up. "I mean, why would he like me? I'm a freak." A tear slipped down my cheek, and I wiped at it hastily. "I can't even get angry without sprouting claws and fangs. I can't raise my voice without worrying about hurting the people around me. Everyone who's ever wanted me only wanted something from me. They don't want me for me. Why would they?"

The more I talked, the more the tears flowed, until I was softly sobbing, my shoulders shaking with each breath. "I just... I just want to be normal," I choked out between sobs.

"Charlie," Alfred whispered, quickly moving to my side. He sat down beside me, pulling me into his arms. "You shouldn't think such things." His voice was gentle, soothing. "Any boy would be lucky to have your attention, and you are not a freak. You are a wonderful young woman with extraordinary powers that simply need time to be mastered."

I continued to cry as he held me, his calm presence comforting. "As for being normal, well... it sounds boring to me," he said with a wink, making me smile through my tears. "It's the odd ones that tend to have more fun, don't you think?"

I sniffled, accepting the handkerchief he offered from his jacket pocket. "Thank you," I muttered, dabbing at my eyes.

Alfred smiled warmly at me. "Of all the people in the world, I can't think of anyone who accepted you faster for your differences than Master Dick. Well, perhaps your father, but he doesn't count."

I let out a short laugh, feeling a little lighter. "You think so?"

"I know so," Alfred said firmly.

I sat up straighter, a sudden resolve forming inside me. "Then I'm going to tell him," I said, nodding to myself.

"Tell him what, exactly?" Alfred prompted, raising an eyebrow. He wanted me to say it out loud, to commit to the decision.

"I'm going to tell Dick that I'm in love with him."------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok I know it's short but hey the next chapter is going to be so awesome I can just feel it! I can't wait for them to start dating because I have so many ideas that I literally sit in my room typing them while muttering "goals" the whole time😂

Ok so you guys got really close to the goals and the chapter was ready so I was like imma post it anyway:)

30 votes + 15 comments = FREE CHAPTER!

So there you go:)

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