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[center][color=gray]BATMAN[/color][/center][/b]
[/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=gray][I]Archie Goodwin International Airport[/I][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=gray][b]0.00 // A Bitter Sweet Reunion[/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][hr]
[indent][indent][indent][color=dcdcdc]Six years ago, Bruce Wayne bid farewell to his friends and family before departing his hometown to see the world. To find himself away from the place that changed his life forever. In secret, he spent those years learning everything required to uphold his promise. Boxing with the world-famous Wildcat in Boston, acrobatics at a circus in Cologne, intimidation and interrogation from former Spetsnaz agents at Norilsk, and plenty of other useful skills learned across the world. It wasn't cheap nor painless, but he appreciated every single one of his teachers. There was more to learn, but the life-changing experience in the caves of New Mexico opened his eyes to something possible.

Upon setting foot on the epoxy flooring of the lavish airport, Wayne saw how much it had changed since he left it years ago. It got an expensive makeover along with a new terminal facility and runway thanks to donations from infamous Carmine Falcone. Almost everyone knew that he was Don of the Falcone Crime Family, but it was clear that the politicians and police were in his pocket. Wayne approached a massive fountain, inspired by the Fontana del Tritone in Rome, and read the plaque:

[center][b]THE FOUNTAIN OF GOTHAM
Donated by the Falcone Family in honor of Gotham City's rich history. 
[sub]Any coins generously thrown will go support Gotham General Hospital.[/sub][/b][/center]
Wayne reached into his pocket, pulled out a quarter, and flicked it at the fountain. Then, he made his way outside and saw Gotham's skyline for the first time in years. There were several skyscrapers still unfinished in various stages of completion, just like it was years ago. Mayor Hill and the city council talked about having Gotham City's skyline rival Metropolis' or even New York City's. Of course, it was all nonsense because the project cost billions. But, it seemed that the same family is helping to make that dream a reality (along with a few other wealthy families and individuals). Even with the touch-up, it was meant to cover up the city's ugly truth.

And all someone had to do was drive beyond the tourist attractions.

[color=ffd800]"Did you say Park Row?"[/color] the taxi driver asked Wayne.

[color=6e7f80]"Yeah... The Community Clinic."[/color] Wayne answered while watching the driver's reaction through the rearview mirror. It was clear that he was nervous and scared about traveling there. Nevertheless, the driver didn't say anything and kept on driving. There was reason to fear Park Row that Wayne couldn't even dismiss. It was filled with criminals and became a hotbed of crimes ranging from robbery to murder. The clinic was always filled with patients that sought aid and safety without judgment. It was one of the few remaining reminders of its past before... that night.

The taxi driver stopped in front of the clinic and unlocked only Wayne's door. He exited out of the cab and went to pay the driver. Wayne tried to thank the driver, but he already sped off. He didn't blame the driver for wanting to leave. After all, he was terrified of going to Park Row and being robbed at knifepoint. The truth was that nobody was going to bother robbing a tax driver, but the lie was still being spread by the police, politicians, and the media. Interested in seeing his surrogate family, Wayne made his way inside the clinic. 

Once inside, Wayne noticed the people waiting for their names to be called. It wasn't crowded as usual on a weekday, which was either a good or bad sign. Immediately, a familiar voice called out his name. [color=48929b]"Bruce?!"[/color]

It was Marva Cooper still working at the garage based on the grease stains on her overalls. She gave him a tight hug before asking, [color=48929b]"What the hell are you doing back?!"[/color]

[color=6e7f80]"Got tired of exploring the world."[/color] Wayne answered sarcastically and then noticed that she was at the clinic. [color=6e7f80]"What are [b]you[/b] doing here?"[/color]

[color=48929b]"Just waiting for my dad to finish up with his appointment. Nothing serious, just a routine checkup ordered by Leslie herself."[/color] Cooper sat back down and waited for Wayne to sit next to her. She noticed that he had something on his mind and decided to say something. [color=48929b]"Hey, are you alright?"[/color]

[color=6e7f80]"I... Actually, I have a favor to ask you and your father."[/color]

[color=48929b]"Yeah, what is-"[/color] Before she could finish, the door opened for Earl Cooper as he was walking out with Dr. Leslie Thompkins behind him. They were in the middle of talking when Thompkins noticed Wayne, sitting there. She didn't believe it at first. But, it was a huge relief to know that he was alive after not writing back for a few weeks. Bruce got up and hugged her before she could've started crying her eyes out. Earl, meanwhile, walked over to his daughter and placed his hand on her shoulder. Both of them watched Wayne and Thompkins having a touching reunion.[/color][/indent][/indent][/indent]
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[indent][indent][indent][color=dcdcdc]Of course, with Bruce Wayne finally home, there was reason for a reunion dinner. Thompkins insisted on it and invited the Coopers over despite Wayne's objections. But, there was no point in arguing with her. She [/color][/indent][/indent][/indent]