Chapter 23: Chapter 23: A Holiday for Everyone
Help me find ways to incorporate some characters 🙏 Greatly appreciated and ty once again for reading.
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The warm scent of vanilla and cinnamon filled the air, mixing with the soft sound of giggling as James unwrapped his new Easter Bunny plushie. The toy was soft, white with long floppy ears, and its paws clutched a small fabric egg that jingled slightly when shaken. His little hands squeezed the plushie, delight flickering in his bright eyes.
Alex watched with a small smile from the kitchen as he finished putting the last touches on a homemade Easter cake. Dressed as none other than Gordon Ramsay, he expertly spread a layer of buttercream frosting over the sponge. The transformation had startled Margaret at first—seeing the renowned British chef standing in her kitchen was not something she had expected—but given everything she had learned about Alex, it hardly seemed impossible.
After all, if Batman was real, and Alex could transform into him, why couldn't he take on the form of a world-class chef?
Margaret shook her head as she leaned against the counter, watching him work. "You never fail to surprise me, Alex."
Alex smirked, his British accent perfectly imitating Ramsay's. "You should know by now, Margaret, I aim to impress." He finished the last swirl of frosting before stepping back, admiring his creation. The cake was simple but well-made—fluffy golden layers sandwiched with cream and topped with chocolate shavings and small sugar eggs.
James turned his attention from his new plush to the cake, his face lighting up. "It looks so good!"
Alex ruffled the boy's hair, returning to his normal appearance in a blink. "Glad you think so, little man. Let's dig in."
James eagerly took a seat, while Margaret prepared the plates.
Before they could take their first bite, however, there was a knock at the door.
Margaret hesitated before walking over to answer it. When she opened the door, Batman stood there, his imposing figure barely fitting into the humble doorway. Behind him, Superman stood with his arms crossed, a calm but watchful expression on his face.
Margaret looked between them before stepping aside. "Come in."
Batman entered first, his gaze immediately locking onto James. His sharp eyes softened for just a second, before returning to his usual stoic demeanor. "James," he said, his deep voice softer than usual. "Can we talk?"
Before James could respond, Superman stepped forward, his expression warm. "Bats, let them eat first," he suggested, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We can talk after."
Batman hesitated but eventually gave a small nod. "Fine."
James, despite the sudden shift in atmosphere, remained cheerful. He carefully cut a slice of cake and offered it to Batman.
The room went silent.
Margaret stiffened slightly, watching the interaction with interest. Alex leaned against the counter, arms crossed, waiting to see how the Dark Knight would respond to cake, chuckling just a bit.
Batman stared at the offered slice, the usually unflinching vigilante caught off guard by the simple act of kindness.
Then, to mainly Margaret's shock, Batman smiled—just the faintest, smallest upward twitch of his lips—as he took the plate.
"Thank you, James," he said, his voice lower, almost… gentle.
James beamed. "You're welcome!"
Alex chuckled as he cut another slice and handed it to Superman. "Can't have you feeling left out, Big Blue."
Superman grinned, accepting it with an appreciative nod. "I won't say no to homemade cake."
The room settled into a brief moment of peace, the quiet clinking of forks against plates the only sound. Even Batman, known for his near-constant vigilance, allowed himself a few moments to simply sit and eat.
Margaret, watching the scene unfold, felt something warm settle in her chest. For a moment, it almost felt… normal.
And James—James looked happy.
As the plates were cleared and James returned to playing with his plushies, Batman turned his attention back to Alex.
"Thank you," he said at last.
Alex raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
"For bringing in James Gordon Jr.," Batman clarified. "Despite your methods… you didn't kill him."
Alex leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "Death's too easy for people like him." His voice held no malice, only certainty. "Scum like him deserve something worse than a quick end."
Batman nodded. He understood that sentiment all too well.
Alex smirked slightly. "Besides, I'd say one of your other enemies would enjoy it way too much."
Batman's expression remained unreadable, but there was no mistaking who Alex was referring to. The Joker.
The Clown Prince of Crime would have loved to see Alex cross that line—to watch him take the life of someone like James Gordon Jr., to prove that even so-called "heroes" could break.
But Alex hadn't.
And Batman respected that.
With a final glance at James—who was still happily playing—Batman stood from his seat, adjusting his cape. "One last thing," he said. "You've done good here."
Alex blinked. He hadn't expected that.
Batman didn't wait for a response. With one final nod to Margaret, he turned and headed for the door.
Superman, finishing off the last bite of his cake, clapped Alex on the shoulder. "You know, you're not as scary as you pretend to be."
Alex smirked. "Don't let that get around. I've got a non-existent reputation to uphold."
Superman chuckled as he followed Batman out.
And just like that, the two greatest heroes in the world disappeared into the night.
Margaret exhaled, shaking her head with a small laugh. "Well. That was something."
Alex only grinned.
"Just another day, Margaret. Just another day."