𝓣𝓗𝓔 𝓢𝓞𝓝

          “ yes, that’s my name. “ the smile seemed to return for a brief while, hand           outstretching in offering of a handshake. “ nice to make your acquaintance,           joshua. “ again, he tried to push the sorrow back, finding it to be an un—-           pleasant trait to be connected with. the wayne name would move forward,           even without thomas or martha.

                    “ i’m not keeping you, am i ? “ he couldn’t be sure if joshua had some place to be                     that bruce had held them up with. they didn’t look it, but he’d just met this man & it                     was no point to judge.

        the messiah gently took bruce’s hand and gave a firm shake, releasing immediately         afterwards. he wants to help this boy -- god knows, he does -- but he isn’t entirely         sure how to begin. the world is secular now... it isn’t like reassuring him that death         is temporary would help any. he can’t really let him know who he is, either... all he         can really do is try to be friendly, he supposes.

          an expression weighed down with grief looked up at the stranger, remaining silent for           a few moments. his parents’ murder had happened just days ago, but the entire city           knew of it already. “ thank you. “ a small smile tugged at his lips, finding it easier to           pull the world-known image of happiness out in this grave time. 

                    “ are you alright ? you seem to be…. uncleaned. do you need help ? “ focus was slipped                     away from him, the faint smile still lingering at his expression, though the sadness easily                     conquered, leaving it to appear more of an attempted smile than a pure one.

         it pains him to see a look of such hurt on the face of a child; jesus likes children, as          they are the future of the world and a delight to be around. (he can’t wait to see the man          that caused this boy such great grief; it could be assured that he wouldn’t be stepping          anywhere near heaven).  “ anytime. ”

          “Dear child; I know you are going through great pain, but please remember that you are not alone. Everything will turn out alright in the end.”